"Fun isn't something one considers when Balancing the Universe" Avengers: Infinity War Review

Avengers: Infinity War

2.5/5

Directed by: Anthony and Joe Russo

Rated: PG-13

           In 2008 a young Tony Stark shocked audiences, when he said, "I am Iron Man." Since then, a door's been opened to heroes; heroes who won't lay down no matter how many times they are knocked down; heroes who discover their true worth is not in their almighty power but their virtuous heart; heroes who you wouldn't like when they're angry, and many more across the universe and all of time and space. These powerful, cunning and noble heroes have overcome an infinite number of challenges and dark forces, but they have never faced Thanos. Will the universe's heroes rise above this new threat, or will they crumble under the weight of Thanos' fists? The war has begun.
           The MARVEL Cinematic Universe's (MCU) 19th film entry is the Russo brothers' Avengers: Infinity War, and it features more iconic named characters than any film before or may appear since. Iron Man suits up, Captain America dons a new shield, Thor brings the thunder, Bruce Banner and the Hulk smash through walls, Black Widow sneaks in undetected, The Guardians of the Galaxy are ready for some action, Doctor Strange has opened his mind, Spider-Man swings in from his friendly neighborhood and Black Panther rallies his warriors. These heroes, along with many others, are going up against one threat, Thanos, and he is more than enough of a challenge. Josh Brolin offers a momentous and emotional performance as Thanos, making this new villain a malevolent and memorable MARVEL addition. The large amount of characters and well executed performances in this film is enough to send people to the box office in droves, and MARVEL fans will be surprised how every single one of these characters has their own individual moment and battle. This film feels like a climatic comic book series complete with a large quantity of characters thrown together sandbox style. It is a massive balancing act, one the Russo brothers handle rather well.
          While the film handles its cast well, its screenplay is an issue. Though Avengers: Infinity War contains a handful of intense battles, the majority consists of slow paced repetitious scenes wherein characters stand in semicircular formations and talk. During these scenes, characters say rather inconsequential lines only serving driving the narrative towards its next action scene. This makes Avengers: Infinity War's extensive 2 hour and 29 minute runtime feel longer than it already is. It is possible some audience members may see these long dialogue scenes as the film stalling for time, while others will see them as melodramatic moments. Since the film's screenplay only addresses story elements at face value, Avengers: Infinity War is a melodrama lacking drama and ultimately dialogic substance.
          Avengers: Infinity War's story is a straightforward narrative about one being's desire to bring balance to the universe and the people who stand in his way. While this story is simplistic and can be predictable, due to its overt foreshadowing, Avengers: Infinity War relays this story through a morbidly horrific atmosphere. This film will terrify audiences and may not be suitable for younger audience members. This is a dark story, extinguishing any flicker of hope it finds. Even when the film's heroes appear to be winning, the story surrounds them in sorrow and reminds them of impending doom. If this were not bad enough, in order for audiences to fully comprehend Avengers: Infinity War's storyline, audience members will have to watch all 18 previous MCU films (except for Ant Man), which is no easy task for casual viewers. Curiously enough, the only way this film's story has meaning and can impact audiences on its own, aside from how it is a sequel 10 years in the making, is if audience members fear death. Audiences have to fear their death and the possible death of this film's characters for this film to matter. If death has no power and people did not fear their mortality, then Avengers: Infinity War would be seen and may inevitably be remembered as a depressing and forlorn movie. 
           One surprising aspect of Avengers: Infinity War is where its focus is. The story is from the MARVEL heroes' perspective, but it shadows Thanos' journey to collect the infinity stones. This story depicts the heroes as passive characters only acting upon Thanos' moves. The heroes' goal in this film is stopping Thanos, but they themselves are not pursuing anything to stop him. They only seek to stand in his way. As Thanos is the character with the most motivation, a clear goal and the most character development, it would not be uninformed claiming Thanos as this film's protagonist. Since Thanos is this film's protagonist, the heroes' role is second as well as their character development and charming moments. This removes something from Avengers: Infinity War that every other MCU film has, a sense of heroic fun and enjoyment.

Verdict: Avengers: Infinity War is a dark and morbidly depressing story, containing a large variety of iconic characters and intense battles, but its slow paced melodramatic dialogue and obsession with death make this film a terrifying experience lacking MARVEL's familiar fun.