This is the moment everyone has been waiting for! Marvel Studios released their 19th Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, Avengers: Infinity War on April 27, 2018. It features at least 40 main characters from previous movies including Iron Man, Thor, and Black Panther played by actors Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, and Chadwick Boseman. It has a PG-13 rating and takes place in several different locations in the universe.
The evil alien Thanos has set out to collect 6 powerful objects called Infinity Stones. If he finds them all, he will be able to rid the world of billions of innocent people with the snap of his fingers. Almost all the MCU superheroes that we’ve met so far need to team up to thwart his plans. With several crises to overcome and Thanos moving ever closer to unleashing his plan, will our heroes manage to save the day?
This film’s release was very exciting for me, as I have been waiting for it since the trailers came out. It was released 10 years after the first film in the MCU, Iron Man, and was planned out way back then. There have even been hints of this film’s release with Thanos appearing in The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avengers: Age of Ultron. The Infinity Stones have played big roles in MCU films, including Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Doctor Strange.
Several of the heroes had a falling out and went their separate ways after Captain America: Civil War and the events that take place happen likely not too long after the 17th film, Thor: Ragnarok. Marvel has always put post-credits scenes in their movies, which also hint at future events. I was so looking forward to this movie that I watched the MCU movies I hadn’t seen yet as a way of preparing for it. There are references to previous MCU movies by including certain elements such as the Hulkbuster armor from Avengers: Age of Ultron. Seeing all these characters come together, whether they are humans with powerful gadgets like Iron Man, powerful gods like Thor, or sorcerers like Doctor Strange, was something fans were looking forward to in one movie.
The movie has many action sequences, which help tell the story without being overdone and are actually pretty cool to watch, as well as a bunch of effective CGI scenes which enhance the movie without overpowering it. There is a hilarious sense of humor to the film, where the characters make funny remarks just because it’s who they are and it doesn’t feel forced. In contrast to the humor, there is also a darker tone to this film than previous installments, which can be unsettling and even shocking. The film ended up messing with our expectations for these superheroes and villains and caught me off guard. The story is extremely well put together and is everything that it promised to be in the trailers.
The film can be very deep and emotional at times by showing us the heart of many of the characters. Despite the fact that the movie was two and a half hours long, it’s so good that the time flies right by. I didn’t even realize how much time had passed while watching it. There are also some questions that the movie answers which fans just kept speculating about up until this point, such as, who has the Soul Stone? This is the only Infinity Stone that hasn’t yet been featured in one of the MCU films, so we don’t know what power it wields. The characters in the movie are exceedingly likable and it is enjoyable to watch them try to defeat a villain so powerful that it will take all of our superheroes to challenge him. All these strong personalities from different backgrounds and walks of life need to set aside their differences and join together to defeat Thanos.
Speaking of the characters, I have some backstory for people who are unfamiliar with these heroes. Iron Man was a weapon maker who changed to becoming a superhero using an iron suit after being kidnapped. The Hulk was a scientist who turned into a green monster after an accident. Thor is a god who can control thunder and has a special attachment to the people of Earth. Captain America is a soldier from World War II who became strong after being injected by a serum and came to our present day after being frozen in ice. Black Widow is a former assassin who now uses her extensive skills for good. The Guardians of the Galaxy are former fugitives from Outer Space who started a super team to help people after they tried to prevent Ronan the Accuser from getting an Infinity Stone. Doctor Strange is a former neurosurgeon who became a sorcerer after trying to heal his broken hands. Spider-Man is a teenager with spider-like abilities he got from being bit by a radioactive spider. Black Panther is the king of an African country called Wakanda, who fights to protect people by wearing a high-tech panther suit.
Ultimately, this film was better than it was built up to be and this film was built up to be THE action film of the year. It connects everything the MCU has done in 10 years and with 18 movies. The thought-provoking story, likable characters, creative and exciting battle scenes, and careful use of CGI make this one of the most near-perfect and best movies I have ever seen.
Comments