Random Thoughts on <i>Avengers: Infinity War</i>

Random Thoughts on Avengers: Infinity War

I haven't written a lot about the Marvel movies here, but I have seen almost all of them at this point (still need to catch up with Spider-Man: Homecoming and Ant-Man), plus I've spent most of my life reading Marvel Comics, so I'm as invested as anyone in these films. But for a while, circa Captain America: Civil War, I was starting feel over it all, and interest in future films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was waning. Then I saw Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2—loved it—Thor: Ragnarok—loved it—Black Panther—loved it—and now Infinity War—loved it. So, I think I'm back on board, as we rush headlong towards the MCU's endgame.

Here are just a few random thoughts regarding Infinity War. There are plenty of good critical analyses of the film online, but I'm not interested in writing one of those right now. I see the film's (many) flaws, but for this piece I'm just going to discuss some aspects of the film that worked for me, and a few that didn't. Pretty simple, pretty basic.

Obviously, spoilers aplenty ahead.

Loki sacrificing his life to save his brother Thor, was a shocking start to the film. Tom Hiddleston has been consistently amazing in the role, and if this is his final moment in the MCU, then ending on a note of redemption was a damn fine way to go out.

Robert Downey Jr. brought real depth and nuance to Tony Stark. As the film progressed, Downey Jr.'s eyes kept signalling towards Tony's slowly eroding hope that they could stop Thanos. Also, the verbal sparring between he and Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange was a joy to behold.

I kept hoping for Adam Warlock to show up, but ultimately I don't think there was enough space to introduce him. Rumor is that he's going to be in next Guardians of the Galaxy film (with an Easter Egg about him in the last film). Fingers crossed, because I'd love to see Warlock and Thanos reenact their frenemies routine from the comics.

Scarlet Witch and Doctor Strange looked great doing whatever that sorcery thing is they're always doing. I'm sure the actors looked silly while filming, but when combined with the effects, it made me happy, what can I say? I'm happy that Elizabeth Olsen played such an important role at key moments, because she's been quite good as Wanda. This movie really showed off how awe-inspiring Scarlet Witch's powers can be, although I could have done with a wee bit less of her worrying about Vision. Cumberbatch was much better here than in his solo film outing (I found Doctor Strange mostly boring, which is something a Doctor Strange movie really shouldn't ever be, if done right). This performance felt like the Stephen Strange we all know and love from the pages of Marvel Comics.

I did not miss Hawkeye, not even a little. Sorry, Mr. Renner.

Thanos's motivation was far less clear or believable than in the comics. Jim Starlin's source material presents a Thanos obsessed with Death—and because it's comics, Death is personified as a cosmic entity in a female form, roaming outer space looking forlorn and unimpressed. His desire to eliminate half the universe's population stems from wanting to impress her. That's some deep, psychologically rich stuff, and why the film chose not to go this route is beyond me. It wouldn't have added much running time to the film, and they could have seeded a little bit about it in Thanos's cameos in previous films.

When Thanos exchanged Gamora's life for the soul gem, I had to stop myself from blurting out, "NO!" in the theater. After being unsure about Zoe Saldana when she was initially cast, I've grown to be a huge fan of her in the role. She won me over in the first Guardians of the Galaxy, then stole my heart in the second. She was destined to play a large part in this film, and it provided a nice tribute to both Gamora and Saldan's excellent work with the character. But about her death...

Gamora's trapped inside the Soul Gem, right? Just like in the comics, yeah? I mean, Thanos visits young Gamora in what I'm guessing is the pocket universe inside the Soul Gem (sorry, Stone, as Marvel says these days). I don't think we've seen the last of Saldana as Gamora.

Star-Lord really screwed the pooch, as the saying goes, huh? Not Peter Quill's finest hour, and Chris Pratt's unfortunate facial hair didn't help matters, either. Even worse, he ruined a shot for Mantis—admittedly, an MCU character I have an inexplicable soft spot for—to play an integral role in stopping Thanos. She had him zonked out in la-la land before Quill lost his cool about Gamora's death (understandably, of course, but still).

Speaking of the Guardians of the Galaxy, I've really grown to love them. In fact, they're my favorite thing about the MCU. With the X-Men not (yet) in the MCU, the Guardians—Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Drax, Mantis—have filled that void for me. They're lovable losers, outsiders and malcontents, banding together to save a universe that doesn't respect them—or even care to know who they are! They're the anti-Avengers and I can't help but love that. Seeing them fighting alongside the Avengers was a treat, and the contrast between teams provided some real tension and comic relief.

Chris Evans as Cap gave me all the feels. Even though he doesn't have many lines, really, Steve Rogers is still important, with several well-timed and effective reaction shots. Plus, there's the moment when the long-haired, bearded, no-mask Cap stands toe-to-toe with Thanos, even if only briefly. It's a moment so uplifting, so essential to the spirit of Captain America, and Evans' steely determination sold it just right. Evans is Captain America, and I doubt that I'll ever be able to accept anyone else in the role.

Thor keeps proving he's the mightiest Avenger. Chris Hemsworth has really grown into the part and seems increasingly comfortable in the Thunder God's shoes. He was excellent here, just as he was in Thor: Ragnarok last year.

So, just months after the uplifting success of Black Panther, Wakanda gets blitzed by Thanos and his minions, hard. Oof. Weird choice, Marvel.

Nebula will gain access to the Infinity Gauntlet in the next Avengers film, yes? I hope so, mostly because I'd love to see this moment reenacted by Karen Gillan and Josh Brolin. On a related note, I miss Nebula's cosmic biker babe look—it was absolutely ludicrous but it was also so, so comic booky that it's hard not to kind of love it. I do not, however, miss the Hulk wearing a crimson pantsuit, nor do I ever again need to see Drax wearing a purple cape.

Josh Brolin did a terrific job playing Thanos. I especially liked the subtle shading he applied to the character's motivations and actions, making the Titan as complex and interesting as when Jim Starlin writes him in the comics.

The ending of the film is not only bleak, it's also seriously messed up. Thanos, finally content to rest, staring off at the sunset, not long after snapping his fingers and annihilating half the universe's population. Like you do. Yikes. It's hard to walk out of the theater feeling anything but off balance, disturbed, and a little bit amazed that they had the temerity to end it that way. I'm reminded of Empire Strikes Back—I know some fans consider this comparison sacrilege, and to them I say, "Calm down" and "Get over yourselves."

Of course, Infinity War is loosely based on comics, so it's probably unlikely everyone will actually stay dead. Why? Because, comics. As a lifetime comics junkie, when I see audiences losing their minds over the film's ending, I want to roll my eyes and chuckle. They're going to reverse at least some of the deaths, I'd stake my comic fandom cred on it. But I think a few, maybe even several, of these deaths will remain permanent. We'll know which ones by next year, I suppose.

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