Do you ever feel anxious before watching a movie? I do. It is driven by an insane desire and excitement to see particular movies. These films have typically been the major blockbusters. Films of immense expectation. I both love and loathe the feeling, but I think I would rather have it than not. In recent years I have had the feeling quite a fair bit. Some that stick out for me are The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, The Avengers and Interstellar. Sure, there are plenty more, but these are the ones that come to mind immediately.
This year, there are two films I can think of at this point that are creating that intense anxiety and excitement for me. One of those is the film I got to see today (thankfully) and the other is Mission Impossible: Fallout (coming in late July).
This review is for today's film - Avengers: Infinity War.
After 10 years of films in the MCU we finally have the beginning of the end - the great battle with Thanos. What a build up we've had - from the great Iron Man in 2008 to most recently the kick-ass Black Panther. Some fantastic films, some great films and some just good. Nothing bad in my opinion.
How does Infinity War fare? The simple answer to that is excellently.
The Russo Brothers came on board the MCU with the remarkable Captain America: The Winter Soldier and then the impressive Captain America: Civil War. Infinity War at this point sits side-by-side with Civil War for me - maybe a tad higher. Only subsequent viewings will allow me to confirm that. Winter Soldier and The Avengers duke it out for top spot for me in the MCU.
What we have after 10 years though is a film that brings the large group of heroes together to fight the big bad in a way that is very engaging and often funny. Visually this film is splendid, with plenty of action in other parts of the universe. The tone is mostly serious, as this is the end game, but damn it is fun. At 2.5 hours, there is a lot going on, but it flows very well. Thanos has been worth the wait. That is all I will say there. I honestly don't want to say anymore than that, as it really is a gigantic film that should be experienced without nothing but the relationships you've formed with the characters over the last 10 years. Going in with that, you should definitely have fun and probably get a little emotional.
4.5/5
