After ten years and eighteen movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has finally reached its apex with the arrival of Avengers: Infinity War. I know that I can’t really say anything to add to or detract from this box office juggernaut, but that’s okay with me. I’m a fan of these comic book movies and the underlying material, so it’s time to take a look at one of the best superhero movies ever made.
Yeah, you heard me. It’s that good.
Everything About This Cast Should Not Work… And Yet It Does.
One of the most remarkable things about Infinity War is the fact that the cast is absolutely massive. In lesser hands, this movie’s juggling act would have almost certainly led to disaster. However, Joe and Anthony Russo have found a way to take dozens of characters out of the toy box, mix them together, and create a thrill ride.
And best of all, there’s plenty to like here. Whether you’re a fan of new favorites like Black Panther or the old guardians like Captain America, each and every member of the cast gets their moment in the sun. I particularly enjoyed the performances of Chris Evans, Tom Holland, and Zoe Saldana, but you might think differently. Every single Avenger and Guardian adds to the delicious mixture of humor and drama in their own way.
Of course, some people might ding the movie because of its relative lack of character development, but that’s not the point. If you expect the ultimate team-up movie, then you’ll have a great time. If you want something with meat, you’re better off watching any of the solo stories.
The Villain Is Inspired By History.
A team of heroes is only as great as its greatest villain, and you’re in for a treat with Infinity War. Josh Brolin’s genuinely terrifying performance as Thanos is something that one rarely sees in a superhero story. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely somehow managed to create one of the most humanized psychopaths in film history, putting him on par with Heath Ledger’s interpretation of The Joker.
To make things even more interesting, this monster seems to have been inspired by the works of Thomas Malthus.
Thanos’ primary objective in the story is to wipe out half of all sentient life in the universe with the help of the Infinity Gauntlet. If we put the fetch quest aside, it’s important to examine why he (and, by extension, Malthus) are ultimately wrong.
Starvation and poverty do not come from a lack of resources. They come from a lack of economic freedom, international trade, appropriate distribution systems, technological advancement, and stability in government.
Then again, that’s why Thanos is so frightening. He doesn’t think critically about this stuff. He’s a madman who treats his cause with a religious fervor, which adds a lot to the apocalyptic tone of the movie.
The Effects Are Spectacular.
Films shouldn’t get a cookie for being competently produced, but I think that Infinity War deserves some kudos because it is a masterpiece. From the battles on Earth to the chaos on alien worlds, each sequence adds something to the story in unique ways. Since this is a reasonably spoiler-free review, I don’t want to give anything away.
However, I will say that Thanos’ extraordinary power is augmented by these effects.
Apart from that, the film is expertly shot from start to finish. Viewers should be able to understand what’s going on without too much trouble. You won’t get any headaches from out-of-place shaky cam footage here, so feel free to sit back and take in the story.
Conclusion.
Normally, I’d try to think of some things that I didn’t like about a particular film, but Avengers: Infinity War is too good for that. Any conceivable flaws in the execution of this film can be waved away or forgotten about with relative ease. The story is simple yet excellent, the characters are a lot of fun to watch, and each scene is a feast for the eyes and ears.
Recommended without reservation. Check it out!
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