A Mormon Movie Review of Avengers: Infinity Wars

IS IT ANY GOOD? (GRADE: A-)

Manage your expectations. Not about the film’s quality, mind you; it’s very good. In fact, given the sheer number of characters to juggle, it’s beyond impressive. It should have been a disaster, but in the capable hands of the Russo Brothers (Captain America: Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War) it’s better than it has any right to be. No, I recommend that you manage any expectations about this being a fist-pumping, crowd-pleasing romp. It has those moments, along with the stunning action and wonderfully comedic character beats we’ve come to expect. But there’s a heaviness here, an element of tragedy, that will hit you right in the feels.

Keep in mind that, while Infinity War has a complete story arc, there’s a final Avengers movie coming next summer. There’s more in store from Marvel Studios, and I spoil nothing to say that this next year will be very, very interesting. Knowing that the story will continue kept me from disappointment and left me, instead, with mind-blown anticipation for what’s ahead. Marvel storytelling has reached absolute unpredictability, and I love being surprised. As always, stay through the end credits for the bonus scene hinting at the next adventure.

As for this film, the characters are all well-served and well-acted. I need not comment on the artistry; it’s at the top-shelf level fans have come to expect. I grade on a curve here; I would actually give the film a B+, but I have so much respect for the momentous task of fitting all these puzzle pieces (story elements and characters) together. The truth is the film has some pacing problems throughout the first two acts because there’s just so much going on. There’s no way to have as much time with these beloved characters as we want, because there’s just so many of them. The third act is excellent.

As for Thanos, he always struck me as cartoonish (in the worst way) in his previous cameos and in the promos for this film. I still think his “look” doesn’t translate 100% from comics to live-action, but that being said the final CGI is far better than I thought it would be. What really elevates the character is Josh Brolin’s performance capture, along with the complexity with which Thanos is written. There’s real menace, real emotion, and a well-rounded portrayal with relatable motivations. I wasn’t fully sold on Thanos as the “end game” villain; now I am. While I still think Killmonger from Black Panther is Marvel’s most interesting antagonist, Thanos is definitely the most frightening.

Well played, Marvel. You’ve got me begging for mercy and I love it. I trust you’ll stick the landing. Bring it on.

IS IT OKAY FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Avengers: Infinity War is rated PG-13. There are a handful of moderate profanities (SOB, a-hole, sh–, etc) and plentiful death, torture, and action violence. While the gun violence in Winter Soldier is probably the harshest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe because it feels so real, this film has the highest onscreen body count of the MCU. Minor spoiler: some beloved characters die onscreen, which will be traumatic for many children. If there’s any question about how your kid will take it, see it without them first. There is no sex or nudity.

ANY WORTHWHILE MESSAGES?
Heroes are willing to give their lives to protect others (see John 15:13). Most people who do terrible things think that they’re doing good and don’t see themselves as monsters (see Alma 54:15-24). Revenge is not as good of a motivator as love. Real war is not cool; like in the film, there is a terrible cost (see Mormon 6).