Written by: Kevin Berge
Come on, Cap, your thing is clean-shaven Boy Scout. Facial-hair-touting veteran is everyone else's. (Image Courtesy of: medium.com)
Marvel Reviews: Captain America Civil War | Doctor Strange | Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 | Spider-Man Homecoming | Thor Ragnarok | Black Panther | Avengers Infinity War
Warning: The following article will be packed with spoilers. Do not under any circumstances "Read More" if you have not seen the film yet and plan to do so. The spoiler-free review is linked above.
It is really difficult to even talk about Avengers: Infinity War without spoilers. This is a film overflowing with plot details. Just getting to the basics of why it works requires discussion of the story elements. It is a packed film.
It is so packed that I decided to entirely separate my spoiler discussion on this film from the review itself. I wanted space to give this film's focus the attention it deserves. In some ways, this is an experiment, going off what I did for The Last Jedi, and I may do it for other humongous (and well-made) blockbusters in the future.
Warning: The following article will be packed with spoilers. Do not under any circumstances "Read More" if you have not seen the film yet and plan to do so. The spoiler-free review is linked above.
It is really difficult to even talk about Avengers: Infinity War without spoilers. This is a film overflowing with plot details. Just getting to the basics of why it works requires discussion of the story elements. It is a packed film.
It is so packed that I decided to entirely separate my spoiler discussion on this film from the review itself. I wanted space to give this film's focus the attention it deserves. In some ways, this is an experiment, going off what I did for The Last Jedi, and I may do it for other humongous (and well-made) blockbusters in the future.
The promise of Avengers: Infinity War was that there would be lasting consequences, and that was quickly established in the heart-wrenching hopeless fight with Thanos on Thor's ship. Hulk is defeated with impressive ease, and Thor is utterly useless as he is trapped and forced to watch Thanos kill both Heimdall then Loki in front of him.
All that promise of finding a new home after Thor Ragnarok is wiped away. Only half the Asgardians survived the attack, hopefully including Valkyrie and (tag-along non-Asgardian) Korg. It's a perfect way to establish that absolutely no one is safe and makes Thor's quest for vengeance a central focus of the story.
Thor's story combines with Rocket Raccoon and Groot, a surprisingly smart pairing as Rocket gets to show how much he has grown in comforting Thor through his grief. While it is probably the shortest story of the three main plot lines, it has some great payoffs.
Not only does Thor complete his evolution into a far more interesting central character, he also gets a new hammer. Teenage Groot shows growing maturity as he worries about Thor and ultimately give a part of himself to complete the hammer. The only fault is Peter Dinklage's odd attempt at an accent with Eitri.
The second plot focus is Iron Man, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man. The trio go out into space, kill the most well developed Child of Thanos (Ebony Maw), and ultimately team up with the remainder of the Guardians of the Galaxy. It's a real full fledged rollicking space adventure.
It's also the most central to Thanos, which leads to the major death of this arc that is the hardest to take: the sacrifice of Gamora.
All that promise of finding a new home after Thor Ragnarok is wiped away. Only half the Asgardians survived the attack, hopefully including Valkyrie and (tag-along non-Asgardian) Korg. It's a perfect way to establish that absolutely no one is safe and makes Thor's quest for vengeance a central focus of the story.
Thor's story combines with Rocket Raccoon and Groot, a surprisingly smart pairing as Rocket gets to show how much he has grown in comforting Thor through his grief. While it is probably the shortest story of the three main plot lines, it has some great payoffs.
Not only does Thor complete his evolution into a far more interesting central character, he also gets a new hammer. Teenage Groot shows growing maturity as he worries about Thor and ultimately give a part of himself to complete the hammer. The only fault is Peter Dinklage's odd attempt at an accent with Eitri.
The second plot focus is Iron Man, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man. The trio go out into space, kill the most well developed Child of Thanos (Ebony Maw), and ultimately team up with the remainder of the Guardians of the Galaxy. It's a real full fledged rollicking space adventure.
It's also the most central to Thanos, which leads to the major death of this arc that is the hardest to take: the sacrifice of Gamora.
Take all the superheroes, just not the Guardians. They have a trilogy I'm invested in to complete. (Image Courtesy of: digitalspy.com)
Thanos did not have incredible development before this story, but Gamora was always at the center of his story. Now we got to see Thanos's perspective on Gamora as well as her sister Nebula, and it is clear quickly that Nebula was far closer to being right about how Thanos sees the pair.
Perhaps even topping Loki's most sympathetic pleas in Thor, Thanos's relationship with Gamora is the most humanizing moment for a villain in the MCU. This mighty Titan who has seemed so unshakeable sheds a tear as he realizes he must give up his favorite child, his dreamed successor.
This death feels final, and I don't know if I'm okay with that. Nebula is well-positioned to be the replacement for Gamora in Vol. 3, but it is tough to lose the best developed romance in the MCU so viciously. Everything Gamora does in this film and the final moments developing her relationship with Peter Quill are Guardians at its finest.
This death also showcases the pacing issue of the film. It is tough to mourn Gamora as the movie snaps away shortly after showing she is dead. It takes half an hour, maybe more, for the moment to finally be allowed to sink in as Quill realizes the truth (and immediately messes everything up because that's who he is).
There is another great relationship in this section of the story, and that is Tony Stark and Stephen Strange. These two similar ego-driven men clash not because of who they were but because of what they have become with Stark's staunch virtuous morality and Strange's utilitarian view from learning so much more of magic.
Unlike some of the other pairings, this is never a case of the two finding friendship, but it is interesting to see the balance shift. After seeing the one scenario that will allow The Avengers to defeat Thanos, Strange does exactly what he promise not to do: gives up the Stone to save Stark's life.
We will not know until the next film what the ultimate plan is, but it is fascinating to have Strange be the only sense of hope by the time this film ends. In the face of the end of the world, he calmly fights, loses, and resigns himself to his fate because he knows it's all the only way.
This leads to the final group, which honestly is the most boring unfortunately. While it is nice to see Scarlett Witch and Vision get time alone, they don't get long before they have to be saved by Captain America, Black Widow, and Falcon. Vision becomes the most clear MacGuffin in a story of (well-established) MacGuffins.
Perhaps even topping Loki's most sympathetic pleas in Thor, Thanos's relationship with Gamora is the most humanizing moment for a villain in the MCU. This mighty Titan who has seemed so unshakeable sheds a tear as he realizes he must give up his favorite child, his dreamed successor.
This death feels final, and I don't know if I'm okay with that. Nebula is well-positioned to be the replacement for Gamora in Vol. 3, but it is tough to lose the best developed romance in the MCU so viciously. Everything Gamora does in this film and the final moments developing her relationship with Peter Quill are Guardians at its finest.
This death also showcases the pacing issue of the film. It is tough to mourn Gamora as the movie snaps away shortly after showing she is dead. It takes half an hour, maybe more, for the moment to finally be allowed to sink in as Quill realizes the truth (and immediately messes everything up because that's who he is).
There is another great relationship in this section of the story, and that is Tony Stark and Stephen Strange. These two similar ego-driven men clash not because of who they were but because of what they have become with Stark's staunch virtuous morality and Strange's utilitarian view from learning so much more of magic.
Unlike some of the other pairings, this is never a case of the two finding friendship, but it is interesting to see the balance shift. After seeing the one scenario that will allow The Avengers to defeat Thanos, Strange does exactly what he promise not to do: gives up the Stone to save Stark's life.
We will not know until the next film what the ultimate plan is, but it is fascinating to have Strange be the only sense of hope by the time this film ends. In the face of the end of the world, he calmly fights, loses, and resigns himself to his fate because he knows it's all the only way.
This leads to the final group, which honestly is the most boring unfortunately. While it is nice to see Scarlett Witch and Vision get time alone, they don't get long before they have to be saved by Captain America, Black Widow, and Falcon. Vision becomes the most clear MacGuffin in a story of (well-established) MacGuffins.
What good is being a god if you can't take some direct sunlight? (Image Courtesy of: syfy.com)
No one in this group really gets much to do. Bruce Banner is forced to fight himself when Hulk refuses to come out with no explanation yet (except perhaps the big man's pride being wounded by losing to Thanos). The whole of Wakanda alongside Cap and his crew become the center of the classic giant final battle.
There are some cool action moments in the midst of the battle. The fight between the main women of Marvel and Proxima Midnight is epic but too short, and Thor ultimately returning to save the day is truly awesome. However, it just feels the most bland and inevitable unfortunately.
It all leads to the big final moments though and the final death that feels more or less final. Thanos arrives on Earth with five Infinity Stones, and he just cleaves through Earth's Mightiest Heroes. However, they buy just enough time for Wanda to destroy Vision and stop Thanos.
Except he has the Time Stone. Thanos restores Vision then rips the final stone right out of his head, killing Vision again. I honestly didn't believe they would have Thanos get all six Infinity Stones in the first film. I didn't think they'd actually go through with the eradication of half the populace, but they did.
It was the harshest and most shocking moment in the Marvel film universe. While it is likely none of these deaths are final, it was still vicious to watch so many favorites just crumble away. From Cap watching Bucky disappear to Peter withering away in Tony's arms, I got choked up seeing it all go down.
The ending of the film is not powerful because we expect all these characters to stay dead. It is powerful because it means so much. It is a complete board flip of a moment that will force a drastic shift for the second film. It is the ending that leaves everything up in the air, a cliffhanger that make The Empire Strikes Back look tame.
Getting into the most dangerous of speculation, it seems very purposeful that the heroes left standing are the originals, the first class of The Avengers. While many were calling for huge game-changing and lasting deaths in part one, this set-up could require true sacrifices in the final act.
This decade-long MCU story was all about this first class training in their younger replacements. Now they are required to stand up and save that future in a war against a man who looks utterly unstoppable with the Infinity Gauntlet in hand. Many of the originals will likely lay down their lives for the future.
There are some cool action moments in the midst of the battle. The fight between the main women of Marvel and Proxima Midnight is epic but too short, and Thor ultimately returning to save the day is truly awesome. However, it just feels the most bland and inevitable unfortunately.
It all leads to the big final moments though and the final death that feels more or less final. Thanos arrives on Earth with five Infinity Stones, and he just cleaves through Earth's Mightiest Heroes. However, they buy just enough time for Wanda to destroy Vision and stop Thanos.
Except he has the Time Stone. Thanos restores Vision then rips the final stone right out of his head, killing Vision again. I honestly didn't believe they would have Thanos get all six Infinity Stones in the first film. I didn't think they'd actually go through with the eradication of half the populace, but they did.
It was the harshest and most shocking moment in the Marvel film universe. While it is likely none of these deaths are final, it was still vicious to watch so many favorites just crumble away. From Cap watching Bucky disappear to Peter withering away in Tony's arms, I got choked up seeing it all go down.
The ending of the film is not powerful because we expect all these characters to stay dead. It is powerful because it means so much. It is a complete board flip of a moment that will force a drastic shift for the second film. It is the ending that leaves everything up in the air, a cliffhanger that make The Empire Strikes Back look tame.
Getting into the most dangerous of speculation, it seems very purposeful that the heroes left standing are the originals, the first class of The Avengers. While many were calling for huge game-changing and lasting deaths in part one, this set-up could require true sacrifices in the final act.
This decade-long MCU story was all about this first class training in their younger replacements. Now they are required to stand up and save that future in a war against a man who looks utterly unstoppable with the Infinity Gauntlet in hand. Many of the originals will likely lay down their lives for the future.
Not gonna lie, I'm shocked Mantis was even in this film, let alone made it to the end. (Image Courtesy of: cnet.com)
Tony has almost died twice now in Avengers films, and it is forcing greater performances out of Robert Downey Jr. with each appearance. It would only be appropriate that he is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice once more, and this time there's nothing left to save him.
Since it felt like Cap was a bit underused in this film, he should also be at the heart of what could be Chris Evans' final appearance. These two are the heart of Marvel right now, and they'll likely be passing the torch off to Black Panther, Spider-Man, and Doctor Strange at the end of whatever crazy plan is next.
The film also didn't leave Thor much left to hold onto. Chris Hemsworth was one of the biggest acting standouts in this film alongside Josh Brolin as Thanos, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, and Downey Jr., and his character was the closest of anyone to killing Thanos for good. If he does survive, I don't know what they do with him.
I'm basically putting this all out there to say that anyone rolling their eyes at the end of the film because everyone can just come back is missing the point. This whole film was about establishing Thanos and leaving scars on these characters they will never forget.
The followup will almost certainly have the lasting deaths that change the universe forever. It will be the last stand of the original Avengers, truly looking to avenge the deaths of all those they have lost. I feel confident in saying there has never been a bigger setup for a payoff in a future film ever.
All this is leaving some interesting hanging threads as well. With so many characters, some had to be forgotten for now. Two films will be coming out between these two Avengers films with characters likely to go from no role in part one to integral in part two: Ant-Man and Captain Marvel (sorry, Hawkeye).
While I think Ant-Man and The Wasp will be a fine fun film that might have some relevance based on Scott Lang's connection with the quantum realm, it is really Captain Marvel that has me excited. The remaining Avengers are going to need all the help they can get, and the universe is about to introduce a character who may be the most powerful.
While Avengers: Infinity War may not have been the best of the MCU, I don't know that I've ever been more excited and energized after watching a movie than I was leaving the theater following Infinity War. There's so much potential here now, and I cannot wait for what is next.
Since it felt like Cap was a bit underused in this film, he should also be at the heart of what could be Chris Evans' final appearance. These two are the heart of Marvel right now, and they'll likely be passing the torch off to Black Panther, Spider-Man, and Doctor Strange at the end of whatever crazy plan is next.
The film also didn't leave Thor much left to hold onto. Chris Hemsworth was one of the biggest acting standouts in this film alongside Josh Brolin as Thanos, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, and Downey Jr., and his character was the closest of anyone to killing Thanos for good. If he does survive, I don't know what they do with him.
I'm basically putting this all out there to say that anyone rolling their eyes at the end of the film because everyone can just come back is missing the point. This whole film was about establishing Thanos and leaving scars on these characters they will never forget.
The followup will almost certainly have the lasting deaths that change the universe forever. It will be the last stand of the original Avengers, truly looking to avenge the deaths of all those they have lost. I feel confident in saying there has never been a bigger setup for a payoff in a future film ever.
All this is leaving some interesting hanging threads as well. With so many characters, some had to be forgotten for now. Two films will be coming out between these two Avengers films with characters likely to go from no role in part one to integral in part two: Ant-Man and Captain Marvel (sorry, Hawkeye).
While I think Ant-Man and The Wasp will be a fine fun film that might have some relevance based on Scott Lang's connection with the quantum realm, it is really Captain Marvel that has me excited. The remaining Avengers are going to need all the help they can get, and the universe is about to introduce a character who may be the most powerful.
While Avengers: Infinity War may not have been the best of the MCU, I don't know that I've ever been more excited and energized after watching a movie than I was leaving the theater following Infinity War. There's so much potential here now, and I cannot wait for what is next.