‘Avengers: Infinity War’ review: A cinematic spectacle

KARACHI: Marvel fans around the world have been eagerly waiting for Avengers: Infinity War to hit the screens. This weekend marked the film’s release and unsurprisingly, the latest Marvel installment has sold out shows in cinemas across Karachi for the next two weeks. If that doesn’t imply how big this movie is, we don’t know what does.

PHOTO: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Building characters since the last 10 years and taking them through various journeys, Infinity War celebrates the biggest Marvel heroes by bringing them together under one roof. It highlights how the creators have taken their time — a decade, literally — to create different universes that lead to this cinematic elegance, Infinity War. Of course Deadpool, Ant-Man and the X-Men were missing but it’s possibly because Marvel didn’t want LITERALLY everyone in one film. Or maybe they’ll make an appearance in the next Avengers which is tentatively titled Avengers 4. Fun fact: 2019’s Avengers hasn’t been given a name yet as it would give away spoilers from Infinity War.

5 characters that could meet their end in 'Avengers: Infinity War'

A little recap. Thanos, the protagonist, was introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy as Gamora’s adoptive father. End credits of the film showed that he was out to collect infinity stones that would bring a “balance” to the universe. Infinity Wars is solely set on him trying to collect all the six stones that represent the different elements of life — mind, time, soul, reality, power and space. And in order to stop him from wiping off “half of existence”, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk and the Guardians join their forces against him.

PHOTO: MARVEL STUDIOS

While Thanos is out in the universe killing people, the heroes are fighting battles of their own — some of ego, some of loss and some of love. Some encouraged by their rage to fight Thanos and others just for the greater good — much like all superhero films.

Now all Marvel movies are expected to be at the top of the game with their VFX effects and sound. Infinity War doesn’t fall short either considering that it was packed with full-blown action and creatures from a different dimension.

PHOTO: MARVEL STUDIOS

The Russo brothers – Anthony and Joe – have done a tremendous job with direction. After all, their work in Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War speaks for itself. And, considering Infinity War is Marvel’s biggest film yet, they were bound to excel beyond expectation.

What’s good? Infinity War kicks off with a tear-jerker. Barely five minutes into the film and you’ll be blown away with Thanos’ immense power and heartless nature as he already possesses two of the six infinity stones — the reality and power stones. The Guardians meet Thor and some of the other Avengers. FYI, Thor also gets a new weapon – an axe called Stormbreaker — as opposed to his hammer, Mjolnir that Hela breaks in Thor: Ragnarok.

PHOTO: MARVEL STUDIOS

The encounter between Iron Man, Spiderman and Dr Strange with the Guardians – well, SOME of the Guardians – is one that’ll add some comic relief to the drama that is unfolding on another planet as Thanos’ accomplices wreak havoc on all of humanity. Also, Iron Man welcomes teen Spiderman to the Avengers. The film also signified the importance of Black Panther releasing just a few months before one of the greatest battles in the Marvel Universe. Wakanda Forever!

Kudos to feminism and women standing up for each other as Scarlett Witch, Black Widow and Okoye fight Proxima Midnight.

'Avengers 4' to be the final movie for some of Marvel's main superheroes

Infinity War however, did come with some teeny, tiny disappointments. Captain America and Black Widow were a part of the film but their skills weren’t exhausted to the level one would expect them to. Bruce Banner appeared as himself rather than the green monster, Hulk, making the Avengers a little weak in front of Thanos. Infinity War also fails to show the Iron Man-Captain America confrontation.

PHOTO: MARVEL STUDIOS

As a complete entity, Infinity War managed to impress beyond what was initially promised. Ending on a major cliff-hanger, waiting for Avengers 4 would be a year full of torture. But it gives you plenty of time to think of what could happen next. While comic fans are always involved in a never-ending debate over which is better, Marvel or DC, Infinity War proves that it’s much bigger and better than 2017’s Justice League.

Verdict: Avengers: Infinity War is more than what you’d expect to see. Despite the hype created around it, you can never be prepared enough to witness what’s to come. But you’ll surely leave the cinema asking for more. Piece of advice: Wait till the VERY end of the film to calm your anxious nerves.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.