One would be mad to go into this movie with zero exposure to previous Marvel films--they've all had subtle clues and threads that build up to Infinity War. Without needing much introduction or explanation, the film jumps right into Thanos' quest to gather the six infinity stones spread across the galaxy. In turn, the Avengers assemble again to block his conquest. From outer space to the hidden sanctum of Wakanda, all the heroes fight swarms of aliens to their last. They will be pushed to their limits and forced to make impossible decisions.
It may sound like more of the same, and in this day and age the idea of bigger and bigger stakes may induce more yawns than thrills. With Infinity War, the spectacle is definitely as big as they come, but it's not the sole draw. Even the plethora of iconic heroes aren't the main highlight. Surprisingly, it's the villain who dominates the show--Thanos (Josh Brolin in a performance that's both menacing and compassionate) was just a passing reference in past films, but in full view he shows a striking amount of nuance and depth. His motivations and ideals elicit sympathy for what could have just been random destruction for the hell of it. But there is reasoning and emotion to this character, which sheds new light on previous events and directs the plot into unexpected directions.
The story is patched together with many many POVs, following more characters than you could shake a hammer at. Somehow, the film finds room to give each character screentime to show how far they've come and let their personalities shine. Few are MIA (probably for a reason), and none are crowded out completely. The film is stuffed with enough character beats to ensure that each player is alive, and it makes their choices and struggles more compelling. What I find most striking is that many characters are forced to do the impossible: to sacrifice their loved ones for the greater good. Personal stakes are as epic as the literal stakes, and it makes for powerful storytelling. On a grander scale, the theme of sacrifice extends to the fate of our world and the universe--the film suggests that the universe can only sustain so much life, and when too much life threatens to deplete life-giving resources, a time must come to make these choices. It's a somber reflection on the relationship between mankind and the Earth, and it's a conflict that could very go on forever.
Throughout the MCU, a whole army of talented actors have given life to so many distinctive characters, and most of them return in Infinity War with satisfying nuance, personality, and liveliness. Given all the different plots, characters, and concepts that have to be juggled, I believe the script is as good as it can be. With decent cinematography, sets, props, costumes, and music score, the film is pleasing to look at.
Folks tend to blame the MCU to churning out "cookie-cutter" superhero films, but Infinity War does not go the way you think it will. It manages to evolve the characters further, even to the point of characterizing the villain with compelling depth. The story pushes all the conflicts over bold thresholds that truly challenge everybody, and that alone makes it a heck of a show. But when it comes to being the end-all-be-all superhero battle, the film delivers. The only disappointing thing is that many more threads are left hanging, begging to be tied up in the inevitable Phase 4 finale.
4/5
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