‘Infinity War’ smashes expectations

Calvin Herion

More stories from Calvin Herion

March 23, 2018
March 23, 2018
Infinity+War+smashes+expectations

After the smashing success that was ‘Black Panther,’ I wondered if Marvel had enough left in the tank. Boy, was I surprised.

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ is a film that features nearly every major Marvel superhero,  from Iron Man/Tony Stark portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. to Spiderman/Peter Parker played by Tom Holland.  There are over 20 heroes in the film,  including the Guardians of the Galaxy (see the cast list here).  This huge project had been in the making for ten years.

The ‘basic’ plot involves Thanos, played by Josh Brolin, attempting to find the six Infinity Stones — very powerful objects — to rebalance the universe in his vision,  forcing the Avengers and their friends to stop him. In typical Marvel fashion,  it borrows elements and plot points from the latest series of movies. However, the premise is straightforward enough that you would not be lost even if you thought Thor was Captain America.

This film takes everything about the Marvel movie brand such as acting, humor, special effects and packages them together beautifully. It can be simply mind-blowing to watch the film with all the crazy plot twists and battle sequences.  I will not spoil anything, but ‘Avengers’ will leave you speechless.

I also recommend staying until the very end of the credits.  A little bonus scene reunites us with Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson and Maria Hill, played by Cobie Smoulders.  Stan Lee appears as expected, but I will not reveal his whereabouts in the movie.

I have two minor issues with the film, but these are just me being a complainer.  Still, the criticisms are valid and worth nothing.

First, ‘Avengers’ has a long running time.  At about 2.5 hours,  the film can drag at times.  Some of the action scenes could have been shortened, but the movie managed to hold my interest. However, the film will take up some time, so plan accordingly.

Another minor problem I have is the treatment of the other Marvel heroes, such as the X-Men, Hawkeye and Fantastic Four. I understand there were contract issues regarding the X-Men — Disney/Marvel recently acquired the rights to the X-Men when they bought a part of 2oth Century Fox — but I would like to see the lesser known heroes have a role in saving the universe.

Still,  the ‘Avengers’ is a fantastic movie.  Better than every superhero film I have seen,  it is a must-see experience worth every penny.  As Thanos says in the trailer: “Fun isn’t something one considers when balancing the universe. But this … does put a smile on my face.”

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ is a 10/10.  Do not miss out on this truly amazing film.  Appreciate the film for what it is: the best superhero movie ever.