THE SPOILS OF INFINITY WAR

If you are reading this and intend to see the new Avengers movie and wish to watch the story unfold for yourself, it would be advised to look away – because this is a spoiler-heavy review of “Infinity War.”

Certainly, there have been a lot of reactions from audiences after witnessing the most highly anticipated Marvel film over the last decade. Personally, I’m glad I went to see the movie when I did, even if the first showing I wanted to see was sold out, since it would be nearly impossible to shield myself from discussion about the movie’s most critical moments.

Perhaps the most crucial, stunning scene comes towards the end, where Thanos finally collects all six infinity stones and wreaks havoc on Earth’s population with the snap of a finger. This, of course, includes the deaths of all but a few of the heroes fighting desperately against the dark lord.

As fans watched Black Panther, Doctor Strange, many of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and so many others disintegrate to nothing, there was confusion, anger, and sadness. Not to mention, this all occurs after a number of other key players are taken out earlier in the movie, including Loki, Thor’s best friend Heimdall, Gamora and Vision.

During my showing I heard numerous gasps of pure disbelief all around me. Even I felt the weight of the dramatic conclusion when Tony Stark stands by as Spiderman gives an emotional last few words to his mentor.

The final act certainly comes to a screeching halt when Thanos is able to achieve the power to wipe out so many of our heroes, but the fight to get there is also filled with plenty of memorable moments. Other strong audience reactions that were apparent at my screening included full-on cheers for Captain America’s entrance and the return to Wakanda.

The film’s best trait has to be the sheer amount of heroes and watching them all meet and interact with each other. Stark and Strange have loads of comical exchanges throughout, and the time spent with Thor and the Guardians is just as amusing.

However, despite such an impressive amount of heroes, it feels like Thanos is the star of the movie and the rest were supporting characters – especially since he gets his way in the end.

In traditional Marvel fashion there is a post-credit scene that gives a little glimpse of hope for what’s to come. We find Nick Fury and Maria Hill in the middle of New York City, where it is easy to see the severity of Thanos’ plan falling into place, as the power of all six infinity stones annihilates nearly all of Earth’s population. Amid this destruction the two former S.H.I.E.L.D. agents also fade into the void, but not before Fury is able to send a message out to Captain Marvel.

Looking ahead to March 2019, actress Brie Larson will be taking on the role of Captain Marvel just months before the release of the untitled Infinity War conclusion in May.

It will be nice to see how such a strong character who is new to the big screen is introduced in a standalone film before she answers the call sent from Fury to save the day for the Avengers and the rest of the Marvel Universe.