If you have any knowledge of pop culture you’ll know that Avengers Infinity War has been released. You don’t have to be a fan of the series to have heard about it. After all, it’s been ten years and eighteen films (nineteen including Infinity War) all of which have their pros and cons. Ten years of seeing some of our much beloved Marvel characters on our screens. Ten years leading up to Avengers Infinity War and what a film it is.
There are going to be no spoilers in this review as I know that there are still many people out there who haven’t seen the film.
Not so much a spoiler but a warning - this is the first part in a two part film. Many of the audience members around me were very vocal in their confusion and disappointment at how the film ended - and 98% of the audience did not stay around for the end credit scene.
PSA - stay for the end credit scene.
Overall, the film was impressive. For such a large cast everyone got screen time and nearly everyone got some form of character development. There were a couple of characters who I would have loved to see get more time and more development (cough cough Black Widow cough cough) but, overall, for such a huge cast the Russo brothers did a great job of keeping true to the characters as already established in the MCU.
The pacing was good though, at times, I felt that there was so much going on that I wasn’t sure of the precise timelines in the film. On occasion I felt that we spent so long in one place that other parts were barely given a moment to reflect over what had happened. But, I went into the film expecting that with something like 64 characters that there wasn’t going to be much time to spare. And, as I mentioned earlier, there were a couple of characters I feel deserved some more time but I will have to see what happens for them in the next year of releases.
The scenery was spectacular. From New York to Wakanda to all the various planets that we go to there is no lack of beauty and wonder in the film. This also includes the costuming with all the various subtle changes to the phase one Avengers, to the newer cast. There are worn in looks for Cap, Falcon, and Black Widow who are still “on the run” from Civil War. Tony Stark has new tricks up his sleeves and in his costuming and Peter Parker gets his costume that was teased at the end of Spiderman: Homecoming. Although we spend some time in Wakanda we do not get to explore the costumes like we did in Black Panther but, again, the Russo brothers had so much to cover in a short amount of time.
The characters that really stole the show were Thanos (occasional bad CGI aside) and Gamora - especially when they were in scenes together. There was something about their broken relationship that really stood out. Wanda and Vision had some poignant scenes and, although I wouldn’t say they stole the show, they definitely stood out. Their relationship is approached really well throughout the film. Ultimately, it was Tony Stark and Peter Parker’s scenes together that were really powerful. There was a vulnerability to both characters that had been slowly fostered in previous outings and was on full display in this film. Every scene with the both of them was incredibly powerful.
There is so much more I could talk about but, as a quick review with no spoilers, I’ve tried to cover just my first impressions. Later on I might do a spoiler fuelled review with my theories on what’s going to happen next but, for now, here you go.
Is Avengers Infinity War a perfect film? No, but it was damn entertaining and told a solid story. There were more great moments than bad moments. It is overwhelming, visually stunning, had moments of great comedic timing and moments that left you wanting more. It’s what you want in a Marvel film.
Overall, I give the film a solid 4.5 Infinity Stones out of 6. ;)
If you’ve already seen the film tell me your first impressions. (But no spoilers please. #ThanosDemandsOurSilence)
XJaime