There is a lot riding on this. While one could give a convincing argument that Marvel could continue on indefinitely, it would say a lot if “Infinity War” flopped. After all, it’s arguably one of the most ambitious films ever made, and it’s certainly Marvel’s most ambitious. With the Russo brothers directing their third film for the comic studio and turning out a massive flick with one of the biggest character rosters and budgets in history, when the dust settles, is “Infinity War” on top?
Before getting into the breakdown of the film, note that spoilers will be avoided as much as possible. Unfortunately, that means some elements will be vague, as to not spoil things. However, if you want to go into the film knowing as little as possible and just want to know if the film is worth it, know that “Infinity War” is without a doubt worth a theater viewing. That being said, what exactly does that mean?
Logically the place to start is with Thanos. He’s the soul of the film, the most in depth Marvel has ever gone with creating a villain. Screenwriters Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely truly take advantage of the film's extended run time to provide a harrowing account of this massive force of a person. They say the best villains are the ones you can understand, whether you agree with them or not, and Thanos is without a doubt someone that is easily understandable. By the end of the film, there’s a kind of empathy towards him that feels distinct, and isn’t the only interesting and unique feeling the film instills.
From the beginning, “Infinity War” has a kind of bizarre desperation that feels refreshing. Things are dire, and things have seemed this way before, but Thanos’s upfront character development helps to cement the stakes. Things don’t just feel more hopeless; they are more hopeless. While every one of the cast members gets a chance to shine with what they’re given, “Infinity War” does have one problem, and its inherent in the very concept. There are a lot of people in this film and while the tone is juggled excellently, some characters just get far too little screen time.
However, the writers have made excellent use to the various heroes. Pairings happen throughout the film that regularly keep audiences engaged, wondering just who is going to meet next and how they’ll get along. It never ceases to be entertaining, and “Infinity War” nails its pacing. Despite being the longest MCU film yet, it feels brisk in its action. That’s not to say it’s fast paced however. Smartly paced is a better way to describe it. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo know exactly when to let scenes breath, allowing for moments of silence, quiet and thought. This kind of reverence for the events unfolding is virtually unheard of in the genre, and it allows the film to feel less like a Superhero film and more like an opera. A very large opera, but an opera all the same.
Thankfully, the film is also shot more like a contemporary dramatic piece than your average superhero flick. There ia a distinct lack of shaky cam during the action, with the cinematography artfully framing events in unique ways. It’s also gorgeous with alien worlds, creatures and colors popping in almost every frame. The color balance is distinct and used excellently enough to warrant a mention here. Alan Silvestri’s musical score is extremely effective at underscoring the films biggest emotional moments and action sequences, and the end credits especially show a level of restraint Marvel has never even flirted with.
To go into any more detail, however, would be a massive disservice to what the film has built. Love them or hate them, what Marvel has created with “Infinity War” is unlike anything in cinema and unlikely to happen as successfully again. It’s also difficult, as many things are introduced that will be addressed one year from now in the currently untitled “Avengers 4,” as both films were shot and developed simultaneously much like the “Lord of the Rings” films.
At the end of the day, “Infinity War” is difficult to discuss outside of the realm of spoilers. One could even argue that reviewing the film is pointless, as massive droves of fans will flock to see it without reading a scrap of information about it. That doesn’t discount what has been accomplished however. What the Russo’s have created is a massive achievement, balancing tone and pacing effortlessly with threads that have had literally a decade of waiting behind them. It’s disappointing that not all of the threads are tied up equally, though. Even more so is that some characters are pushed to the side, but given the scale and scope of the film, it feels inevitable. An effective musical score and camerawork frame a deeply effecting and emotional tale of right and wrong. Its grandiose, but it’s also not perfect. Yet, if you shoot for the moon and miss, you’ll land among the stars. 4/5
Photo Courtesy of Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Motion Picture Studios.