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Avengers: Infinity War is undeniably an impressive achievement. A "cinematic universe", built up over 18 previous films, all coming together. There's a lot of geeky joy to be had in watching so many characters, who we know so well, meeting and bouncing off each other. It is also, of course, spectacular, seemingly with a budget as big as its cast.
The big draw is obviously also the big challenge - Just how do you juggle a cast of 20+ superheroes without it being a complete mess? The most impressive thing about the film for me was that it succeeds in doing this. A 150-minute running time helps, as does keeping the plot very simple this time (Big Bad Thanos is trying to get hold of the six Infinity Stones. Our heroes are trying to stop him.).
Don't hope for too much. Infinity War is in no way a coherent film. It's more like three separate films with overlapping themes, which occasionally intertwine. But it's difficult to see how else they could manage it. It's predictable and at times fails to convey enough of a sense of danger. It's also a bit unsatisfying. Things are set up which we'll have to wait until the next film before they'll pay off. At times, it's a bit cavalier with killing characters off. Time may not allow for more, but we've grown fond of them and they deserve better. Another issue with bringing so many heroes together is that you can't avoid noticing just how many of them are middle-aged white guys (even with two of the MAWGs only mentioned in passing as Not Appearing In This Film). Speaking as a MAWG, I think I can get away with saying, "But they all look the same!"
Thank heaven then, for the Guardians of the Galaxy, who are always a joy. I didn't expect them to have more than a cameo, so I was very pleasantly surprised to find them having more screen time and driving more of the plot than just about anyone else. (Although damn you, Quill, for a comment about Thanos that I cannot unsee!) The Guardians, together with Thanos, Thor, Doctor Strange, Vision and Scarlet Witch, are the main driving forces here, with everyone else playing the parts of backup or sidekicks. It's great to spend more time with the slightly lesser-known cast, although (let's face it) in a film like this, there's never going to be that much room for character development.
No, it's all about the action. That action is pretty relentless, from the opening scene to the closing moments. Fight scene after fight scene, but there's enough variety and ingenuity that it never gets boring. Best of all, it manages the balance of comedy, adrenaline and drama perfectly (something Thor: Ragnarok misjudged somewhat). You laugh when you are meant to laugh. You care when you are meant to care. You want to fist-pump the air and cheer at just the right times, which are many and often.
It's an Event Movie - no more, no less. Do not expect a genre-defining masterpiece, but do expect a whole lot of fun.
The big draw is obviously also the big challenge - Just how do you juggle a cast of 20+ superheroes without it being a complete mess? The most impressive thing about the film for me was that it succeeds in doing this. A 150-minute running time helps, as does keeping the plot very simple this time (Big Bad Thanos is trying to get hold of the six Infinity Stones. Our heroes are trying to stop him.).
Don't hope for too much. Infinity War is in no way a coherent film. It's more like three separate films with overlapping themes, which occasionally intertwine. But it's difficult to see how else they could manage it. It's predictable and at times fails to convey enough of a sense of danger. It's also a bit unsatisfying. Things are set up which we'll have to wait until the next film before they'll pay off. At times, it's a bit cavalier with killing characters off. Time may not allow for more, but we've grown fond of them and they deserve better. Another issue with bringing so many heroes together is that you can't avoid noticing just how many of them are middle-aged white guys (even with two of the MAWGs only mentioned in passing as Not Appearing In This Film). Speaking as a MAWG, I think I can get away with saying, "But they all look the same!"
Thank heaven then, for the Guardians of the Galaxy, who are always a joy. I didn't expect them to have more than a cameo, so I was very pleasantly surprised to find them having more screen time and driving more of the plot than just about anyone else. (Although damn you, Quill, for a comment about Thanos that I cannot unsee!) The Guardians, together with Thanos, Thor, Doctor Strange, Vision and Scarlet Witch, are the main driving forces here, with everyone else playing the parts of backup or sidekicks. It's great to spend more time with the slightly lesser-known cast, although (let's face it) in a film like this, there's never going to be that much room for character development.
No, it's all about the action. That action is pretty relentless, from the opening scene to the closing moments. Fight scene after fight scene, but there's enough variety and ingenuity that it never gets boring. Best of all, it manages the balance of comedy, adrenaline and drama perfectly (something Thor: Ragnarok misjudged somewhat). You laugh when you are meant to laugh. You care when you are meant to care. You want to fist-pump the air and cheer at just the right times, which are many and often.
It's an Event Movie - no more, no less. Do not expect a genre-defining masterpiece, but do expect a whole lot of fun.
