Avengers: Infinity War (PG-13)

“I went forward in time… to view alternate futures. To see all the possible outcomes of the coming conflict.” [Dr. Strange] “How many did you see?” [Peter Quill] “Fourteen million six hundred and five.” [Dr. Strange] “How many did we win?” [Tony Stark] 

Dr. Strange – “One.” 

For a comic book universe that’s been carefully building since 2008’s “Iron Man,” “Avengers: Infinity War” is the first Marvel film that absolutely requires prior viewing. One could sit down to watch “Thor,” “The Incredible Hulk,” or “Guardians of the Galaxy” without prior knowledge and be briefed along the way. Even if you had missed all the lead up films to 2012’s “The Avengers,” you would likely find easy footing. However, “Infinity War” rests heavily on the ten years of films that proceeds it, pushing forward relentlessly, unwilling to break for exposition in its massive unfolding. 

If you need evidence of the incredible anticipation for Marvel’s latest project, note that the successful “Black Panther” from last winter grossed $693M domestically after a months-long run. “Infinity War” grossed $472M domestically in less than a month. 

Reviewing this film is hard. You can search any of dozens of online articles that give away the entire plot, compare it to its comic source material (a Marvel arc titled “The Infinity Gauntlet”), rife with dozens of fan theories of the real meaning and outcomes of the film in anticipation of it’s likely conclusion next year. We will not reveal any spoilers, but issue a caution: “Infinity War” has a tragic arc – meant to take its characters (and its audience) on a journey to darkness, with only the faintest promise of a light that has yet to be realized. “Infinity War” isn’t about how single-handedly its characters will win, but about just how much they are willing to lose to do so. 

The scope of “Infinity War” is broad – too broad sometimes – and crams the stories of an incredible 76 characters into one movie. Viewers know most of them. Thor…Loki…Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk, Star-Lord, Black Panther, Spider-Man. However, the film relies most heavily on Doctor Strange, reprised by Benedict Cumberbatch, and the enigmatic Vision, played by Paul Bettany. Its characters dispersed all over the cosmos (and with Iron Man and Captain America no longer on speaking terms since the events of “Captain America: Civil War”), they are more or less bound together by the new threat brought to the table by Josh Brolin’s CGI, enormously muscled, purple-skinned entity Thanos – a man who is scouring the universe for six ‘Infinity Stones;’ once he acquires this bounty, he will have the ability to snap his fingers and end half the life of the universe in one fallow swoop. 

“Infinity War” is a comic book lover’s dream. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will like its progression the most – from its opening sequence aboard a spaceship housing Thor and Loki, to an attack on New York that happens amidst Tony Stark and Pepper deepening their love. The film cuts in this way, from New York to Scotland on Earth, to otherworlds such as Xander and Titan and Vormir, as members of The Avengers, the Guardians, Vision, etc., attempt to stop Thanos from achieving his dream. The events are complicated by an important aspect – Vision and Doctor Strange each hold onto an Infinity Stone – which they must stop Thanos from getting at all costs. 

“Avengers: Infinity War” is basically 160 minutes of nonstop action sequences – which – although it doesn’t sound it – is kind of a detriment. True, the characters have all been built over a time span of ten years; and while they need no introduction, do need something that answers for depth. “Infinity War” suffers from the same complaint I logged against “Everest” (also starring Josh Brolin): there are just too many cuts, and not enough focus on any one character or their actions to connect you to them as it should. And, while two hours and 29 minutes in length, “Infinity War” feels too short. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo – as well as the film’s screenwriter’s – acquired a massive story, and are more or less forced to begin checking off a list. This Avenger must do this, this Avenger must do that; this person needs to die, this one live, this one do A, B, and C – to set up its massive plot. More can’t be said without spoilers, but it should come as no surprise given the film’s massive rumors that not every hero makes it out alive. But, due to the film’s skip and jerk pace, massive action sequences, and little screen time devoted to its heroes save Doctor Strange, Stark, and Vision, when these tragedies occur they play off as something vibrantly seen, but sadly not felt.

Need more? The trailer sets up Captain America vs. Thanos in an epic battle on Wakanda, but in the film Cap has but perhaps seven minutes of screen-time. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) has quite a few scenes, yet the Hulk has next to none for a curious reason which is unfolded during the course of the film. Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson) has next to no scenes, as does Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman). Thor has one scene on Wakanda, his eyes aglow with lightning and outfitted with a new axe (which he helps forge in a massive display of prowess), that is among the film’s best. Regrettably, the battle features so many characters his action sequence is short-lived. While Joss Whedon was able to juggle his small gaggle of Avengers effectively and powerfully in their 2012 opener, “Infinity War’s” directors have trouble doing the same, having bitten off more than they can chew. 

Tom Holland does well as Spider-Man, capturing the teenage, wisecracking Peter Parker well onscreen. A credit to his character is that he appears reluctant hero and teenager in equal measure. A scene between he and Stark toward the film’s end is one of ”Infinity War’s” few instances of emotional power. Downey Jr. is great as usual. “I’m sorry, Earth is closed today, you better pack it up and get out of here!” he spits at one of Thanos’ minions at the film’s opener. The best acting in the film belongs to Cumberbatch, who nails Doctor Strange with complete precision. His drive, his clairvoyance, and leadership are some of the high points of the film. Chris Pratt as Star-Lord and his Guardians are effective comic relief, though Pratt is victim of one of the film’s greatest plot discrepancies in an epic battle between he, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Thanos. Yes, his actions likely set up a chain of events to be resolved in “Infinity War’s” conclusion next year; but in the confines of this film come off as flimsy, irreverent, and a bit inconsequential. Pratt is a good actor, as evidenced by his fleshed out Park Ranger Owen in “Jurassic World” and his role in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films. He’s more or less wasted here, which is a shame. 

I guess to close we should talk about Thanos. He’s an enigma, and Brolin – who has impressed me in films such as “Sicario” does a good job with what he has to work with. He’s given depth, and manages to imbue a strong presence despite being ensconced in CGI. I think “Infinity War” makes a mistake with Thanos’ character by having him come across half prophet, half fanatic, yet somehow never coming across as truly despicable. His intentions have monstrous implications, yet are presented as duty rather than evil. He’s a tough villain to empathize with, yet an ever tougher one to despise. He acts, he does things, not out of desire, but out of necessity. “Infinity War” skipped an opportunity here for the film’s heroes to really hammer home the monstrosity of his existence. Stopping him is the goal; yet motivations for his purpose only scratch the surface aside from his character’s predetermined arc. 

The bottom line? “Infinity War” is a good movie. It’s ten years in the making, packs the stories of legions of superheroes into one film, and presents action sequence after action sequence that are crowd pleasing and exciting. It comes up short in the character development department (yes, the characters have been developed in previous films, but also yes, that development needed to be continued here, which sadly comes up short). It has so much packed into its run-time a second viewing probably isn’t a bad idea. Marvel fans should definitely see this film, as should fans of comic books, sci fi, or action. But do yourself a favor – be prepared for a more tragic film than previous Marvel offerings, and don’t watch the movie without first seeing “The Avengers,” “Doctor Strange,” “Black Panther,” or “Thor: Ragnarok;” you’ll likely be out of the much needed loop.