Review: ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, A stunning and emotional Part One of MCU finale

By Jacob Factor, Features Editor  (Courtesy photo)

It’s been called the biggest crossover event in movie history, and “Avengers: Infinity War” doesn’t disappoint. Almost every Marvel superhero that’s alive makes an appearance, and while one would think that’d make the movie too busy and strain character development, it actually works perfectly.

The main villain is Thanos, an alien from the planet Titan. His mission, after seeing his planet die from overpopulation, is to wipe out half the population of every planet in the universe to save them from extinction. He plans to do this by using the Infinity Stones, all-powerful objects from the dawn of time, which we’ve seen hinted in past MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) films.

That is a horrific plan, but the way the film portrays him makes Thanos genuinely look like he cares about the universe.

It’s especially evident he believes what he’s doing, and that he has feelings, when he retrieves the Soul Stone (no spoilers on how he does that!).

Sometimes, no matter how bad his plan is, or how much you hate to, you just have to feel sorry for him.

Now, for the heroes.

Of course, with so many heroes, some get a little more screen time than others, but the ones with the most airtime get to shine when before they didn’t.

Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff, is a standout from the beginning. During her first scene, Wanda and Vision have to fend off two of Thanos’ goons, and Scarlett Witch gets her moment to shine when she has to protect an injured Vision.

She is also an integral part in the movie since her abilities were given to her from an Infinity Stone, so she is the only hero as strong as they are.

We also get to see the relationship between her and Vision develop. Her personal development in this movie is stronger than any other she’s been in.

The Guardians of the Galaxy also had a stronger part to play, and they still brought their signature humor.

Groot is a teenager in this film, and as such he’s moody and standoffish.

Mantis brings a great naiveté to the film, as well as some great one-liners.

Drax is bit of the comedic relief to the Guardians, but sometimes you kind of wonder what he’s really adding the film.

Gamora plays a huge role in the film. In “Guardians of the Galaxy,” we learn that she is the adopted daughter of Thanos, and that is integral to the plot.

Their relationship throughout the movie is so interesting to watch, and Zoe Saldana plays the heart-wrenching role perfectly.

“Infinity War” has a central conflict, the fight against Thanos, but several characters, as mentioned, are fighting their own battles. This would seem like it would get busy, but it’s just enough to make the film one that you have to watch over and over.

I don’t know how I’m going to wait a year for Part Two.