Avengers: Infinity War Review Roundup: A Superhero Space-Opera That’ll Leave You Stunned
The reviews for Avengers: Infinity War are here, and they speak to a film that lives up to the hype. And not just any amount of hype, but ten-years-in-the-making Marvel-sized hype. That alone should get you excited to see this epic, but we’re pretty sure this spoiler free review roundup will nudge anyone else who still might be on the fence.
“Making good on Nick Fury’s promise from 10 years ago in a manner that was nigh-unimaginable at the time, Avengers: Infinity War doesn’t just assemble Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, it brings together the Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Black Panther… and Thanos, who now must be ranked among the best villains of the MCU alongside Loki and Killmonger. That it does this while also being fun, thrilling, and emotional is perhaps something that not even Fury himself could have hoped for.” – Scott Collura, IGN‘
Yesterday we shared the initial buzz coming out of the press screening, which was essentially critics writing versions of “Oh my god” in 140 to 280 characters. Now that the review embargo has lifted, the proper, detailed critiques of the film are out, and they remain largely very positive, with near unanimous agreement that the film’s ending is truly shocking. Talk of mortality, Shakespeare and shock are threaded through these reviews. Yes, Shakespeare (from The USA Today‘s Brian Truitt). We know what you’re thinking—no spoilers. Infinity War is, of course, Marvel’s ultimate ensemble film. Nearly every superhero from ten years worth of universe building have been poured into a single film to fight the MCU’s ultimate bad guy (for now), Thanos, and one of the consistent themes in these reviews is the surprise at how nimbly directors Joe and Anthony Russo managed this mega-cast and delivered. If that’s not enough to get you excited about Infinity War, we’re not sure what is.
So, here’s your review roundup. We’re offering a spoiler free sentence from each review, plus a link to the full write-up if you’re the sort who really needs to know more before you head into the theater.
Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter: “With so many ingredients to stir into this overflowing pot, you have to hand it to the two experienced teams of Marvel collaborators who had a feel for how to pull this magnum opus off.”
Mara Reinstein, Us Weekly: “Welcome to the ultimate superhero extravaganza.”
Brian Lowry, CNN.com: “What “Infinity War” accomplishes, with surprising ease, is complete immersion in this elaborate world, reflecting how deft Marvel has been in assembling it.”
Sara Stewart, New York Post: “All the past decade’s Marvel movies have been heading toward this showdown. Turns out the payoff was worth the wait.”
Cary Darling, Houston Chronicle: “Just when it looks as if all hope is smothered under the heavy weight of fan expectations [and] a reported $300 million budget, it comes roaring to life with a wake-’em-up battle on the fields of Wakanda and a quietly spectacular, sobering ending.”
Brian Truitt, USA Today: “Marvel has pulled off all sorts of cinematic flavors in its 10-year legacy, from heist films and political thrillers to space operas and fantasy epics. Now it boasts a full-fledged Shakespearean tragedy.”
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times: “Be sure to stick around, empty popcorn bag in hand, for the post-credits scene, which left me wanting another sequel. Preferably tomorrow.”
Rafer Guzman, Newsday: “A superhero-space-opera that will knock you off your feet and quite possibly bring a lump to your throat.”
Germain Lussier, i09: “Avengers: Infinity War is demanding, heartbreaking, exhilarating, massive, and dense.”
Featured image: Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. L to R: Spider-Man/Peter Parker (Tom Holland), Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Drax (Dave Bautista), Star-Lord/Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff). Photo: Film Frame. ©Marvel Studios 2018
