When you are making a movie like Avengers: Infinity War, it is highly impossible that you get everything right. Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joe, had to juggle as main as three dozen main characters and several subplots to make this movie. It is a miracle that Avengers: Infinity War turned out to be this good, at least for this writer. Remember how Joss Whedon has complained about exhaustion from directing Avengers: Age of Ultron so much that he bowed out from directing any further movies for Marvel?
Thankfully, Russo Brothers, have two safe pair of hands to deliver an incredibly great blockbuster that works in nearly every department. There are niggles plenty, but it is forgivable when dealing with a movie on this level.
One of the biggest criticisms about the movie is that not every superhero gets a good deal in the war against Thanos. Some like Iron Man, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, most of the Guardians of the Galaxy have some exciting arcs. Also contrary to what the title claims, the movie is less about Avengers and more about Thanos and his grand plans of world domination. And in accommodating Thanos and some pressing arcs, there are other essential heroes who couldn't make as much of an impact as they should have. Here are seven such heroes who got a raw deal in Avengers: Infinity War. Needless to say, a lot of SPOILERS ahead!
Captain America
It is strange that the Russo Brothers who helmed the last two Captain America movies and made him so cool, had nothing interesting to offer the Cap the third time around. Sure, he got a badass entry, and he faces off against Thanos like a champ (but so did Spider-Man and Iron Man), but Captain America is not given much to do later, except share a hug with bucky, stand and run.
Loki
The best villain of the MCU, before Thanos took his crown, doesn't go beyond the movie's opening act. While he continues to play his double act, Loki does redeem himself when he stops Thanos from killing Thor (in exchange of the Tesseract) and that he gets to recall Iron Man's famous dialogue from the first Avengers when he says, "We have the Hulk"! Too bad, he will be...Oops! On a separate note, even fellow Asgardian Heimdall (Idris Elba) doesn't get much to do either in front of Thanos' might.
Black Panther
Coming straight after making more than a billion dollars at the box office, we expected a lot from Black Panther. Especially since some of the significant action takes place in Wakanda itself. But T'Challa barely has more than four lines, as he mostly leads his army to fight Thanos' minions. Okoye fares slightly better, but M'Baku and Shuri don't. Well, Shuri at least got the chance to throw shade at Banner.
Black Widow
With Hawkeye nowhere in the scene, it is upto Black Widow to being the sole spy with no superhuman powers. She isn't bad in the movie, but she doesn't get much to do either, save for battling Proxima Midnight in the final battle.
Bucky
Bucky aka Winter Soldier was made out to be such a great deal by MCU. He got a tagline in his name for a movie (Captain America: Winter Soldier) and appeared in no less than three post-credit scenes. But Infinity War couldn't find much scope for him, though he did share a brief tag team moment with Rocket Raccoon.
Groot
Groot was supposed to be the star, that's what he does, doesn't he? Maybe the fact that he was a teen and teens are generally annoying, Groot doesn't manage to create much of an impact here. He is seen mostly playing a video game and being rude to others. But he does get to play a crucial part in Thor's arc, and his funny intro with Captain America makes for a great gag!
Hulk (not Banner)
Unlike the previous two Avengers movies and Thor: Ragnarok, it is Banner who gets to shine more than his monster green alter ego. Hulk has an impressive moment in the start when he tries to pummel Thanos. However, when the tables get turned on him, he turns back to Banner, and then refuses to surface, despite Banner's pleas. Which is tragic, since it is always a treat to watch Hulk smash! But then, it also gave Banner a chance to be a hero without going green.
Agree with our above list? Do you think these characters deserve better? Well, don't worry, as the makers have promised us that Avengers 4 will give more scope to characters who didn't get much to do in Infinity War. You only have to wait an year more.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 27, 2018 05:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).