This article contains spoilers for Avengers: Infinity War.
We’ve waited 10 long years and enjoyed 18 Marvel movies to get this point. The culmination of all the previous stories came to fruition in this movie and will continue in next year’s Avengers 4. The deck was stacked for the Russo Brothers – expectations were running very high with a very vocal and boisterous fan base. And the directors did not disappoint.
From the onset of the movie, we’re immediately thrust into action. Thanos and his children (Cull Obsidian, Ebony Maw, Proxima Midnight, and Corvus Glaive) destroyed what remained of the Asgardian refugees we last saw in Thor: Ragnarok. And from here it’s full speed ahead until the last credit rolls.
Make no mistake about it, this movie is an actual roller coaster ride of both action and emotion. You will leave the theater both exhilarated and exhausted. The expertly crafted blockbuster also brings the humor and lots of it. But the humor doesn’t take away from all the heavy moments of this film, which there are so many. There are several points in the film where the audience’s jaws hit the floor with audible gasps.
Death Has Real Emotional Impact
Oh, and those deaths were plentiful. Going into this movie many of us thought we’d see one or two major characters bite the big one, but we were wrong, so wrong. In the cold open of the movie, we see the deaths of fan-favorites, Heimdall and Loki. And before we get to the trademark Marvel post-credit scene (which there is only one of this time around), you’ll see Gamora, Vision, Wanda, Doctor Strange, Drax, Mantis, Peter Quill, Groot, Bucky, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Maria Hill, Nick Fury all die. Two scenes, in particular, will have such emotional resonance that you may want to bring tissues. Gamora’s death is not only shocking but it’s also the first time we see Thanos actually show he cares about something other than the Infinity Stones. And nothing on this planet will prepare you for Peter Parker desperately begging Tony Stark to stay alive, “Mr. Stark, I don’t want to go…”
Every time Thanos makes an appearance in the film, there are real consequences. Every fight with a hero could be the last time we ever see that person again. The weight of Thanos’ power is present at all times. It will quite literally keep you on the edge of your comfy reclining theater seat. This movie plays a cruel game of who’s going to die next as our heroes try to stop Thanos from gaining the all the Stones.
Surprise! Guess Who’s Back!
Death wasn’t the only theme of this movie, as we saw the return of a previously thought dead villain of the Captain America: The First Avenger film. Red Skull makes his not-so-triumphant return to the MCU! And we get an introduction to Captain Marvel in the post-credit scene (well we see a page sent to her by Nick Fury, at least).
The Top Avengers Film
Out of the previous 18 MCU movies, Infinity War immediately takes the top spot. Many have already been calling it, “the Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back of Marvel movies.” But this movie isn’t perfect (what movie actually is perfect?). Some of the CGI, which was lacking, may take you out of a few heavy moments in the film. However, the score is exceedingly strong. When the score gets to shine, it highlights the emotions on screen and guides you through the action seamlessly.
This is one of the longer MCU movies but it never lags or feels too long, In fact, you’ll never want this movie to end, you’ll want to stay with these characters and universe as long as possible.
Disclaimer: Make sure your bladder is empty before entering the theater. You will NOT want to get up and leave during this film to use the restroom, and we don’t want you having an unfortunate accident.
The movie ends on a cliffhanger, which sets you up Avengers 4 but does leave you some room to explore Ant-Man and The Wasp and Captain Marvel, which will be coming in between Infinity War and Avengers 4. The wait will be long, it will be difficult, but we have each other to lean on in these dark times as we mourn our fallen heroes.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Entertainment Earth, Inc. its owners, officers, employees, affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, vendors, customers or licensors.
