Review: "Infinity War" is the beginning of the end

After 10 years of build up and hype, "Infinity War" succeeds on giving an action-packed and emotional thrill ride.

By Gabriel Arizon, Staff Writer

Photo Courtesy of Marvel Studios

After 18 films and on its tenth anniversary, the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings out its most ambitious film to date -- “Avengers: Infinity War.” The film brings together the majority of Marvel’s superheroes, setting them against their most powerful enemy yet, Thanos.

This huge undertaking, with so many characters in different places, could have easily been an incoherent mess. Fortunately, "Infinity War" mostly accomplishes what it sets out to do, and gives us a fun, yet emotional, thrill ride that will leave viewers wanting more.

"Infinity War" is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who also directed “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Captain America: Civil War,” so they are familiar with working with an ensemble cast. There are plenty of characters in this movie. Each one is given a chance to shine, though some get more attention than others.

There are numerous interactions between heroes, from Thor and Rocket Raccoon to Doctor Strange and Tony Stark. Though it would have been good to have more, it would further extend the long run-time.

Bringing together so many heroes doesn’t mean much if the villain threatening them is not something truly menacing and powerful. The opening scene shows just how ruthless Thanos is and establishes that no character is safe. He is dead set on gathering all six Infinity Stones and wiping out half of all life in the universe, and is willing to do anything to get his way. The film shows that there is more to him than mass murder, however. The reasoning behind his actions is surprisingly understandable, albeit still deplorable. He even shows the capacity to love and grieve, and that he truly believes what he is doing is right. Thanos's methodical and ruthless nature mixed with a fairly soft side establish him as one of Marvel's better villains.

The same cannot be said for his minions, though. His four main henchmen, called the Children of Thanos, lean more toward forgettable. Only one is given much of anything in the way of character.

The clash between the heroes and Thanos’ army gives the film plenty of heart-pumping action scenes that make for an exhilarating experience. Though some CGI on Thanos’ minions may not look all that great, the action scenes as a whole rank among some of the best in the franchise.

Although this film has lighthearted and fun moments, typical of a Marvel movie, it also has its emotional moments. We feel for these characters and what they go through, though the impact may depend on how much you connect with them. It all culminates into an ending that will get people talking and looking forward to the next Avengers movie.

The combinations of great action scenes, strong emotional beats, a great villain, and an ensemble of superheroes that viewers have come to love, give this film a sense of gravitas. Given the nature of superhero stories, the fates of certain characters are not set in stone. For now, the gloomy ending helps to elevate the film as a whole, finishing this phase of the franchise on a satisfying note.

"Infinity War" is assuredly one of Marvel’s best.