'Avengers Infinity War' Film of cosmic proportions
Published Apr 26, 2018 08:38 am
MOVIE REVIEW:
Let’s be completely honest with each other. No matter what is said here about Marvel’s "Avengers: Infinity War," chances are pretty good you’re going to watch it anyway. And why not? The hype surrounding the movie has been enormous. Enormous, and, it must be said, well-deserved.
A scene from Marvel’s 'Avengers: Infinity War' (from left): (Danai Gurira), Black Panther/T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman), Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlet Johansson) and Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). (Photos from Chuck Zlotnick/ Marvel Studios 2018)
For those not in the know, a little background. "Infinity War" is based on the fan-favorite 1980’s Marvel Comics crossover written by Jim Starlin, and to a lesser extent the Thanos stories by Johnathan Hickman event where the Mad Titan Thanos aims to collect all the Infinity Stones, physical manifestations of the essential forces in the universe. The Marvel Cinematic Universe version went one better, and slowly introduced the Infinity Stones across 18 movies, all leading up to Infinity War.
Step back a moment and appreciate what Infinity war represents. Never before has any studio in the known universe hosted such a gathering of beloved characters on screen. Cap, Iron Man, Thor, Dr. Strange, Spider-man, Black Widow to name a few of the 50-plus characters on screen, all come together for a historic film that, like the cherry topping a sundae, promises to be the crown of a cinematic endeavour stretching back to the last decade.
And off screen as well, you’ll be hard pressed to find another more formidable assembly of actors. But beyond what it means and what it represents, the question remains, is it good? Is it worth the wait?
(From left): Doctor Strange/Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Wong (Benedict Wong).
In a word, yes. Yes, it is a good movie, in so many ways. Do yourself a favor and find a comfy IMaX theatre or one with lazy boy recliners, gather your munchies of choice and just let yourself be flung headlong into the Marvel Universe. Better yet, bring a friend, because you will most likely need the emotional crutch.
Yes, "Infinity War" is much more than a special effects extravaganza, though to be sure, it has some of the largest action and special effects set-pieces Marvel studios has ever pulled off, and pulled off seamlessly at that. It has actual characters that you care for and cheer for, many of whom tug at the viewer’s heart strings in one way or another. In some ways, it is the most brutal of the Marvel movies, slamming you against the wall as for once, the heroes face something completely unknown and overpowering. There is despair early on, and yet you aren’t drowned in it as you watch because you know this is why they were brought together in the first place.
Josh Brolin as Thanos in 'Avengers: Infinity War'
It is a testament to everyone behind the film that in the big battle scenes, you feel like you’re in there with them, and every attack on your favourite character is a personal offense to you. But it is in the quieter moments where much of the story advances, from moments of revelation or sadness. Thanos is exceptionally expressive for a computer generated character, and so comes across as almosy sympathetic at times.
There is humour of course, in all the right places. It isn’t forced, and much of it is understated, but it is there, and keeps the viewers from going under and being overwhelmed.
Kudos to scriptwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely for giving everyone their own moments in the spotlight. Some characters of course carry more of the show and grab more screen time, but no one is relegated to mere eye-candy. Everyone featured gets their proverbial 15 minutes. There is a level of understanding of the character’s personalities and skill and power sets that will make the geek in everyone squeal.
It also closes (or threatens to close) the story arcs of some individual characters, giving rise to wild speculation as to who will bite the dust or not. I avoid spoilers like the plague and so don’t spread them here, but suffice it to say that no one gets out unchanged.
(From left): Star-Lord/Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Drax (Dave Bautista) in 'Avengers: Infinity War'.
The directors, Joe and Anthony Russo, continue to deliver excellent work, a great blend of gravitas and humour. Remember that they not only had to handle the various Avengers characters but had to somehow meld the Guardians of the Galaxy in as well, bringing together two disparate but popular teams.
At the end of it all, it is hard to decide whether to love or hate the Russos, love them for delivering what was promised, in spades, but hate them for toying with your emotions so much. One thing is clear, however. With them still at the helm of next Avengers movie, due out in May next year, we can expect more of the same.
And that is a very good thing.
A scene from Marvel’s 'Avengers: Infinity War' (from left): (Danai Gurira), Black Panther/T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman), Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlet Johansson) and Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). (Photos from Chuck Zlotnick/ Marvel Studios 2018)
For those not in the know, a little background. "Infinity War" is based on the fan-favorite 1980’s Marvel Comics crossover written by Jim Starlin, and to a lesser extent the Thanos stories by Johnathan Hickman event where the Mad Titan Thanos aims to collect all the Infinity Stones, physical manifestations of the essential forces in the universe. The Marvel Cinematic Universe version went one better, and slowly introduced the Infinity Stones across 18 movies, all leading up to Infinity War.
Step back a moment and appreciate what Infinity war represents. Never before has any studio in the known universe hosted such a gathering of beloved characters on screen. Cap, Iron Man, Thor, Dr. Strange, Spider-man, Black Widow to name a few of the 50-plus characters on screen, all come together for a historic film that, like the cherry topping a sundae, promises to be the crown of a cinematic endeavour stretching back to the last decade.
And off screen as well, you’ll be hard pressed to find another more formidable assembly of actors. But beyond what it means and what it represents, the question remains, is it good? Is it worth the wait?
(From left): Doctor Strange/Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Wong (Benedict Wong).
In a word, yes. Yes, it is a good movie, in so many ways. Do yourself a favor and find a comfy IMaX theatre or one with lazy boy recliners, gather your munchies of choice and just let yourself be flung headlong into the Marvel Universe. Better yet, bring a friend, because you will most likely need the emotional crutch.
Yes, "Infinity War" is much more than a special effects extravaganza, though to be sure, it has some of the largest action and special effects set-pieces Marvel studios has ever pulled off, and pulled off seamlessly at that. It has actual characters that you care for and cheer for, many of whom tug at the viewer’s heart strings in one way or another. In some ways, it is the most brutal of the Marvel movies, slamming you against the wall as for once, the heroes face something completely unknown and overpowering. There is despair early on, and yet you aren’t drowned in it as you watch because you know this is why they were brought together in the first place.
Josh Brolin as Thanos in 'Avengers: Infinity War'
It is a testament to everyone behind the film that in the big battle scenes, you feel like you’re in there with them, and every attack on your favourite character is a personal offense to you. But it is in the quieter moments where much of the story advances, from moments of revelation or sadness. Thanos is exceptionally expressive for a computer generated character, and so comes across as almosy sympathetic at times.
There is humour of course, in all the right places. It isn’t forced, and much of it is understated, but it is there, and keeps the viewers from going under and being overwhelmed.
Kudos to scriptwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely for giving everyone their own moments in the spotlight. Some characters of course carry more of the show and grab more screen time, but no one is relegated to mere eye-candy. Everyone featured gets their proverbial 15 minutes. There is a level of understanding of the character’s personalities and skill and power sets that will make the geek in everyone squeal.
It also closes (or threatens to close) the story arcs of some individual characters, giving rise to wild speculation as to who will bite the dust or not. I avoid spoilers like the plague and so don’t spread them here, but suffice it to say that no one gets out unchanged.
(From left): Star-Lord/Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Drax (Dave Bautista) in 'Avengers: Infinity War'.
The directors, Joe and Anthony Russo, continue to deliver excellent work, a great blend of gravitas and humour. Remember that they not only had to handle the various Avengers characters but had to somehow meld the Guardians of the Galaxy in as well, bringing together two disparate but popular teams.
At the end of it all, it is hard to decide whether to love or hate the Russos, love them for delivering what was promised, in spades, but hate them for toying with your emotions so much. One thing is clear, however. With them still at the helm of next Avengers movie, due out in May next year, we can expect more of the same.
And that is a very good thing.