By: Sari Cohen | HFLF Contributor
The long-awaited release of “Avengers: Infinity War” has had MCU fans electrified for years just at the mere thought of the possibilities. It’s arguably the most highly anticipated Marvel movie to-date. Following “The Avengers” (2012) and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015), “Infinity War” marks the 19th film in the MCU. Bringing “The Avengers” together with the “Guardians of the Galaxy” in order to stop the evil Thanos from collecting all six Infinity Stones (Mind, Soul, Space, Power, Time and Reality) packs a powerful punch when it comes to the world of superhero films.
More or less, everything about the movie has been kept under wraps since its inception. The April 22 press conference even left a lot of the media in the dark. Jeff Goldblum made an appearance as moderator (appropriate choice considering his role as the Grandmaster in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’) and invited select press to ask questions by way of a bingo-style lottery. Scarlett Johansson’s chuckle as she answered a question about fashion and Chris Pratt juggling three microphones at once, pretty much defined the tone of the entire event. Playfulness between Goldblum and Robert Downey Jr. kept the mood light, while questions posed at Mark Ruffalo about the environment was yet another example of how the afternoon really just highlighted the actors on stage as opposed to their roles in the MCU. While some character development was addressed, the general takeaway was the astounding star power and overwhelmingly diverse cast who all had a hand in bringing this to life.
Apart from producer Kevin Feige and the Russo brothers who directed the film, the three-tiered stage included 21 of the world’s top celebrities from the Marvel Universe. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt, Winston Duke and Pom Klementieff were all on hand to answer questions – sort of.
Marvel and Disney’s ambitious attempt to fit all of these larger-than-life characters into a 2-hour-and-29-minute mashup was successful partially thanks to screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. The script was penned in a way where, yes, some heroes had more time on screen than others, but it allowed them each to expand on their own character respectively. Fans saw the comedic side of Hemsworth in “Thor: Ragnarok,” which was an element he was able to bring to the surface once again in “Infinity War.” The Hulk faced some futile moments. Iron Man was forced to weigh family with being a superhero. And, Doctor Strange had to learn that sometimes protecting the Earth means protecting those who have the power to save it.
The ambiguity about the plot with those in attendance made sense after screening the film. Expectations are high on the heels of “Black Panther” (which has broken too many records to list) and with an all-star cast, the idea of who would get the most screen time as well as how all of the stories would collide, had everyone guessing. Who would live and who would die in this epic showdown? What role would Wakanda play being the newest addition to the MCU? How many other actors not announced would be reprising their roles in the film?
Without divulging too much information (for those who want to keep the element of surprise), the overall plot is pretty straightforward and the film allows each hero to shine in their own right. Some underdeveloped storylines of the past will be explored and exciting, new alliances will be formed. Certain scenes (such as one with a heroine-only fight sequence) were a highlight, making that all-female Marvel movie idea that people are pining for, not too hard to envision for the future.
That being said, the future, at least for “Avengers: Infinity War,” is where things get tricky. The entire film is solid and rates up there at the top with most Marvel movies. However, it will take you on an emotional, action-packed ride, and then leave you suspended in mid-air… for what is estimated to be at least another year.
As the first installment of a two-part story, the ending might leave Marvel fans a bit frustrated, to say the least. Similar to how a TV show would conclude a season, “Avengers: Infinity War” follows that same formula, ending the film on one massive cliffhanger.
But, fear not. Just as Stan Lee and Jack Kirby have always intended, at the very end, things do come full circle in a way that is entirely unexpected and also wonderfully poetic. You may not get the finale you might have wished for here, but you will walk away with a hopeful ending you can hang on to.
Watch our Avengers: Infinity War World Premiere coverage below:
