City Press review
Movie: Avengers: Infinity War
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth
Rating: 3 stars
I went into Avengers: Infinity War annoyed that I had to suffer through another superhero flick. I expected to see the same problems the franchise has been struggling with: A poorly written script interjected with over-the-top CGI fight sequences. But let me tell you, it’s been a very long time since I felt the way I did after the breathtaking Infinity War.
It’s Marvel’s ace in the hole and they waited patiently to play it. Think well-crafted scenes, meaningful interactions between the superheroes and a villain that is by far the best we’ve seen. Thanos has been alluded to in a few of these stepping stone features – including The Avengers (2012) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – as he searched for the elusive infinity stones. With so many films leading up to this one, the question has always been how Infinity War would showcase so many characters. But it does, and in spectacular fashion.
The last thing I would want is to offend any Wakandans, but the fight scene in Black Panther looks like a dress rehearsal for this feature’s big battle.
There’s also astounding character development. The Hulk has always been my favourite, but his character takes a dramatic shift in the first scene of the movie. I won’t say what happens, but just look at his face when it does. It broke my heart to see that look in his eyes.
One small thing that irked me was the Hulk-sized Iron Man suit. People in the audience gasped at how poor the graphics looked when the helmet was removed and you could see the suit and Mark Ruffalo at the same time.
Another thing I hated, but I do feel that I might be supposed to feel this way, is the character named Vision. He is to this franchise what Jar Jar Binks is to Star Wars. I don’t see how Tony Stark had a hand in creating this whimpering Love Actually romcom-type hero or inducting him into the Avengers.
Other than that, the cast is stellar and seeing Thor interact with Rocket Raccoon and Groot is priceless. Dr Strange is also one to look out for. Infinity War challenges aspects of this genre that we have come to expect and it will leave you stunned. Be sure to stay for the hidden ending after the credits.