By Dani Evans

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The Russo Brother’s third and penultimate directorial effort in the MCU: Avengers Infinity War, is a shining example of Kevin Feige’s meticulous world crafting and devotion to these characters and storylines. With a whopping 27 central heroes, it is truly a testament to the Russo Brothers directorial instincts and the writing of Markus and McFeely that this behemoth tale manages to juggle the nail-biting action scenes along with pivotal character arcs and development. 

 

The first part of Kevin Feige’s ultimate 10-year culmination of stories finally introduces real threat and danger for our heroes unlike any previous movie. The MCU’s first three phases were infamously weak for villains, however Josh Brolin’s neck shattering entrance into this movie shows that not only are we in uncharted territory for the franchise, but we’re now entering a new phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Brolin’s performance is captivating, terrifying and gargantuan – he makes the most terrifying, threatening Titan into the most humane villain with true motivation and sympathies. Brolin in a single movie triumph over all other MCU villains and stands in the pantheon of great villain performances. 

 

Since the Russo Brothers debut with Captain America: The Winter Solider it was obvious that this directing duo could helm great action sequences, but they truly outdid themselves with Infinity War. From a brawl in the streets of Edinburgh that escalates to a train station fight scene, the attack on Titan and the assault on Wakanda – the Russo’s managed to strike fear into the hearts of the audience that this time the Avengers would not be walking away victorious. 

 

More than their excellent action sequences, the Russo’s managed to evoke real emotion in this story through the themes of loss and love. From Thor’s final goodbye to Loki, a tearful Thanos on Vormir sacrificing Gamora or the heart-breaking destruction of Vision’s mind stone. The lasting stakes lingering from Civil War and the overall feeling of helplessness and loss of time is what truly makes infinity War the special event that it is and remains to this day. They pondered the question “what if our heroes couldn’t save the day?” 

 

Pairing Chris Hemsworth’s newly redefined, comedic Thor with the Guardians of the Galaxy was a stroke of genius and their camaraderie really helped to bring a levity to the dour situation of the impending snap. The banter between Robert Downey Jr, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Holland was truly a delight to see on screen, with their scenes acting as a passing of the baton to the new generation of heroes paving the way. Whilst, my favourites were short-changed in this sprawling story: Wanda, Captain America, Black Panther and Black Widow remained stand outs in their brief screen time. 

 

My personal favourite Avengers in this movie were Doctor Strange as seeing him finally start to develop as a sorcerer from his own movie was a true delight and his display in the third act fight against Thanos is both visually stunning and brutally vicious. Furthermore, this was the beginning of Wanda Maximoff’s journey that culminated in Wandavision and Elizabeth Olsen’s raw acting contrasted with her bombastic powerset makes her a really captivating and unique presence onscreen. Finally, to see Chadwick Boseman as a powerful king and commanding leader was such a joy and his absence will be such a loss to the world and the Avengers movies going forward. 

 

The Avengers movies truly bring out the best craftsmen in the world and I wanted to highlight the excellent cinematography from the Russo’s frequent collaborator Trent Opaloch. From the decimated Knowhere to the beautiful, haunting cliffs of Vormir, Opaloch’s visuals were breathtaking and truly the MCU operating at its finest visually. Silvestri’s score was iconic and his blending of themes from each respective franchise was so seamlessly incorporated and aided in setting the tone for the whole piece. Finally, it cannot be understated the phenomenal work of the stunt department on this movie. The brutal action scenes and tumbles came at the expense of a leg full of bruises for a number of stunt people and they should be commended for making this 2 hour thrill ride, the action packed spectacle it is. 

 

Avengers Infinity War is a masterclass in epic storytelling and is the perfect penultimate chapter to a beautifully woven first three phases for the MCU.