REVIEW: Avengers: Infinity War Lives Up to the Hype
Marvel released their very first film in their Cinematic Universe, Iron Man, in 2008 and no one knew how it would do nor what the world would become. Iron Man was met with such wild success it spawned countless other films and 10 years of cinematic triumphs. Now in 2018, Marvel has, yet again, out done themselves with the latest installment in their universe, Avengers: Infinity War.
Directed by the Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joseph, Infinity War sees the galaxy’s mightiest heroes, including Iron Man, Thor, Starlord, Captain America, Black Widow, and Black Panther, as they struggle to prevent Thanos (Josh Brolin), from collecting all 6 Infinity Stones. The Infinity Stones create balance in the universe and, when used together, can wipe entire galaxies from existence.
With a film overflowing with talent, the Russo Brothers did a wonderful job intertwining the all-star cast in a way where every single character was useful without the film feeling drawn out or overcrowded. They also found a nice way of creating new relationships without feeling forced or unnecessary. The action sequences are concise and consist of the some of the best Marvel moments to date, while the CGI surpasses its cinematic predecessors.
The all-star cast (Robery Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chadwick Boseman, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, etc) brings their A-game. For several original Avengers who contracts are wrapping up, this felt like the beginning of their swan songs while the newer cast of Avengers (Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, etc) step up to perform alongside their originators. They all bring their best ingredients to the table to make one heck of a meal. Our only wish is there was a way to enjoy more of the meal as the new pairings were so entertaining.
The film’s few issues were minute. The time used to explain the reasoning behind Thanos’ aim to cause universal genocide was a bit unnecessary. A majority of that time could have been used to explore our heroes further as they try and prepare for Thanos’ arrival. The ending is a wonderful piece of cinematography, but it leaves you wanting the next Avengers film and having to wait is a pain.
Avengers: Infinity War is a fitting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is an emotional ride filled with twists and turns not even the biggest Marvel fanatic will see coming. Many will likely leave the theater satisfied yet feeling cheated. Cheated in that they have to wait a year until the next film with no answers to their questions until then.
As always, stay for the one end credit scene. You will not be disappointed.
Grade: A