Marvel Studios has been developing this storyline for 10 years now, with 18 previous films all leading up to the ultimate superhero team-up of over 40 different characters. Directed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, who previously directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War, return with a superhero film for the record books.
The Avengers: Infinity War follows antagonist Thanos (voiced by Josh Brolin) and his journey to collect all six of the infinity stones in order to fill the infinity gauntlet which would allow him to control the universe and everyone in it. The only thing stopping him is the ultimate team up from the original Avengers including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth), just to name a few, as they combine their skills with the Guardians of the Galaxy, headed by Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), and the newer Avengers on the block including the likes of Spider-Man (Tom Holland) and Falcon (Anthony Mackie).
Marvel films have recently created a precedent for topping box offices worldwide and smashing all previous box office records. If Black Panther was anything to go by, other films never even stood a chance. Infinity War smashed the box office record, grossing $630 million (£457 million) in its opening weekend alone, and is predicted to continue along this impressive course for its duration.
The 150 minute run time seems slightly excessive to the inexperienced eye, but having knowledge of the number of characters set to star, the time went very quickly once you were engrossed in the action and storyline.
The cast all give a compelling performance – my personal favourites being Tom Holland as Spider-Man and Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, who give heart-wrenching and enthralling performances as their respective characters, only enhanced by the remainder of the ensemble cast.
One criticism Marvel has often faced in the past is its absence of leading female characters amongst its long list of leading males. However, Infinity War helps to kick-start the eventual rebalance of males to females with the team up of Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). Not only that, but Infinity War also gives Gamora (Zoe Saldana) the main emotional storyline through the film, highlighting the importance of their female leads. However, it’s clear there is still a long way to go where gender equality is concerned within the superhero genre, but hopefully, the upcoming Captain Marvel movie (slated for release in 2019) will help kick-start a stream of female icons rather than add to the ever-increasing number of males.
Regardless, Infinity War is well and truly a movie for the fans of the franchise. It is one for those who have dreamed of a scenario where Iron Man would team up with Star-Lord, in that respect it certainly does not disappoint. The ending will leave you aching for more and desperate for answers, but unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until May 2019 for the next Avengers movie and an answer to that pain-staking cliff-hanger.
By Faith Pring