Avengers: Infinity War - Spoiler Free Review

This review of Avengers: Infinity War is spoiler-free!

Ten years ago we all embarked on a journey. Starting with the original Iron Man film us as fans were being introduced to a bigger universe, we just didn't know it yet. Through Phase 1 we were introduced to our original core of Avengers through solo films, most of which were origins of how they became heroes. And finally, the crowning jewel of that time: The Avengers. A landmark moment for cinema around the world, fans finally got to see the heroes they grew to love and enjoy come together and protect the Earth. But, even then, there was an even more significant game being played. Somewhere out there in the universe, there was a threat, much worse than Loki, or Ultron, or even the Avengers themselves. Thanos. After ten years of buildup and anticipation, we finally are going to meet the Mad Titan. Infinity War promises to bring that amount of time together into one all-encompassing story. This review needs no real introduction.

Avengers: Infinity War brings all of the heroes we've met and connected with over the years together into one film against the most significant enemy they've ever faced. Thanos is on a mission to collect all six of the Infinity Stones. With all of the stones, Thanos could rewrite reality and try the course of history itself. With limitless power within his grasp, it is up to all of our heroes to prevent that from happening. After the past events of Phase 3, our heroes are scattered and beaten down. Facing down their gravest threat yet, the Avengers face the possibility that existence itself is at stake, and that no matter their history they must come together one last time.

It's nearly impossible to dive into specifics about Infinity War without spoiling something, so I did the best I could to give the most generalized discussion possible. Infinity War's story runs on multiple threads that all end in one particular place that is electric. It moves extremely quickly and isn't afraid to leave it's viewers in the dust if necessary. Stellar work from the Russo brothers and all of those involved here, no punches are held, and it manages to shock even the most adept of fans.

Make no mistake about it though; Infinity War isn't just the story of our heroes. It's also the story of Thanos and his beliefs. Josh Brolin's villain is without question one of the best we've seen to this point. His hand has been felt across this universe, and this slow build has only made him that much more exciting as a character. Even though he's the villain of this story, he has his arc that forces him to make choices just like our heroes. It's an unforgettable story all on its own, and while it leads to a terrifying endgame, it's heart-wrenching. Two other people in this story face the most strife: Thor and Tony Stark. I won't touch on details, but this may be some of the best work we've seen from Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr. through the entire time we've known them.

Infinity War's real strength though is in what many considered to be the riskiest part of the film. There are so many characters to involve in this story that the fear was that some of them would be left in the dust. Thankfully the Russo brothers found a way to incorporate every hero that we've met up until this point in some way shape or form. Almost every single character has a moment for themselves that reminds us of just why they're a real hero. With this ability to balance character, story, and spectacle Infinity War becomes something special and unique for the world of cinema as a whole. We've never seen a movie like this before, and just as the original Avengers film was a hallmark of cinema, Infinity War takes that hallmark and smashes it to pieces. There's never been anything like this film, and there almost certainly never will be anything like it ever again.

For me, Infinity War felt like a moment to reflect on just how far this world has come. Nick Fury was right when he said Tony was a part of a bigger world; he just didn't know it yet. I'm starting to think he wasn't just talking to Tony when he said that. He was talking to every person who was in that theater or on their couch watching that film. Infinity War begins to close the door on the first chapter of the MCU that was opened by Iron Man ten years ago. Infinity War is a fantastic film that lives up to the hype in nearly every possible way. I attempted to wrack my brain to pick out flaws, and while I did have a few, There's nothing that I can with good conscience say affect my experience watching the film. While I love this film and everything it does for the world we've seen built over the years, I recognize it is not perfection. But, there’s something to be said about how this film manages to take a world so massive and enduring, and find a way to bring all of those stories together for one larger narrative that is sure to be a part of the finest moments in cinema history. Avengers: Infinity War tells a dark and harrowing story that forever changes what we expect from superhero cinema. See it as soon as possible!

9.5/10

Check back next week as I'll have a full spoilers discussion of Avengers: Infinity War! Hope to see you all there!