So Avengers: Infinity War is here, and if you are a Marvel fan, you better not miss it! Avengers: Infinity War is directed by the Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joe. It features nearly every superhero launched in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is the culmination of the decade-old, 18-movie journey that came before. So how is the movie? Well, nothing like you have seen before!

Writing the review for Avengers: Infinity War two days before the official release of the movie is a difficult task indeed. There are so many things happening in the film and I really don't want to spoil stuff for you. Even mentioning the plot without getting into specifics is a challenge in itself. Anyway, let's make it really simple - Thanos (Josh Brolin) is a Mad Titan looking for six Infinity Stones to help him restore the balance in the universe. However, he finds obstacles in the form of the pesky Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy, who love the universe the way it is. I think I made it good here.

There is a scene in the movie (already shown in the TV spots so not a spoiler) where Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) 'anoints' Spider-Man (Tom Holland) as an Avenger. There is a feeling of pride on Peter Parker's face when he does that. That's exactly what you feel as a Marvel fan if you have been through this entire journey of Marvel Cinematic Universe. And if you have been like me - someone who has been hooked on to this franchise from 2008 when Iron Man came into our lives, then you, like me, would enjoy Infinity War the most. (ALSO READ: Avengers Infinity War Reviews: A Super-Entertaining, Inter-Galactic Romp That Goes Out With a Bang, Say International Critics)

For this is one hell of a cinematic marvel. This shows the genius of the directors Russo Brothers, the writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely for planning and plotting every thread in the movie (as well as some from the previous ones) and tying them up in a neat manner to reveal an explosive fabric. This is unlike any Marvel movie, and yet it is as fun and emotional as the Marvel movies that came before.

From the first scene itself, you realise that the stakes are high and the threat is damn real. There are deaths plenty, some of them of really important and beloved characters and some very unexpected ones. A piece of advice here - don't go by the trailers. You may think they are spoiler-ish, but trust me, they don't even get half of the movie right. The cast and crew have spoken about getting fake scripts and filming dubious scenes, and we realise they are telling the truth when we get to watch the movie. There are so many surprises and cameos in the film that will enthral and shock you. Have to say, hats off your fiendishly clever minds, Russo Brothers! Wonder what calamity happened when you made You, Me and Dupree!

Despite its two and a half hour run-time, the pace is relentless as you are thrown right into the action at the start itself. It's jarring at first when the movie moves from one setpiece to another; getting us used to one group of superheroes before breaking them up and making new ones. The action shifts from space to Earth to some random planet and to a dying star, and if you are not very well-versed with all the Marvel movies that came before, it might be difficult to keep track of some subplots. Sure, certain situations that happened in Civil War, GOTG series and Ragnarok are talked about, but they are done in an off-hand, even humorous manner. If there is any backstory that the movie loved to explore, it is that of Thanos. (ALSO READ: Avengers Infinity War: Top 5 Highest Grossing MCU Superhero Movies In India Before Thanos Arrives on April 27)

The movie may have the Avengers tag, but Infinity War belongs to Thanos (Josh Brolin). Shown mostly as passing references in the previous movies, Infinity War finally reveals why he is such a big deal. And Thanos shows his menace right from scene one (which is a continuation of the post-credit scene of a previous movie). He may share the same ambition as Ultron, but Thanos is so determined in his aims that on occasions, we feel for him (and secretly root for him too). He is not just an arrogant, evil megalomaniac who wants to see the world burn. In his head, he is just correcting things and making it better. He is proud yet pained, powerful and yet vulnerable; not someone who would kill for the sake of killing, and has no qualms in showing off his softer side. Thankfully, Josh Brolin manages to portray every nuance of the character brilliantly, despite the layers of CGI, making Thanos perhaps one of the best superhero villains ever. His sidekicks, the Black Order, are disappointing, though, save for a terrifying Ebony Maw.

Despite Thanos getting prominence, every superhero in the movie (except for the ones who are not there) have their moments to shine, even the minor ones like Mantis and War Machine. But if you have to pick up the MVP's among them, it would be Iron Man, Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch, who gets an awesome Strange-y scene near the climax), Spider-Man, most of the Guardians (Drax is particularly hilarious) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth…the strongest player of the team).

Gamora (Zoe Saldana), in fact, has a better arc here than both her Guardians movies. Even the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) have a nice track between themselves. Mark Ruffalo gets a different angle to portray his Jekyll and Hyde act of Banner/Hulk. Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) feel a bit short-changed compared to other characters in the movie (actually, if you are a huge Black Panther fan, you might be disappointed). Peter Dinklage excels in a surprise role.

Now we have to talk about the best part of the movie - the climax. It is different, difficult to be executed and powerful. It is not like any ending we have seen in a superhero movie. The scene may feel like a cliffhanger, but then it isn't. It actually completes the main arc, leaving Avengers 4 to deal with what happens later. I am sure, it will leave people with mixed reactions but there has never been a shocking ending for a movie made on this level. It is one big WTF moment delivered in an epic manner. At the same time, it will also leave you super-excited for the upcoming Avengers 4 that will arrive in 2019.

Do wait for the credits to get to that one and the only post-credit scene, which is a talking point in itself. And for a change, let's tweak the review in the below section by starting off with -

Nay!

- The frequent jumping of tracks could be tedious to those who want some breathing space.

- Certain characters feel underused.

Yay!

- Every goddamn thing else, with special mention to Thanos, Russo Brothers' mind-blowing direction and that fantastic climax.

Final Thoughts

Avengers: Infinity War may feel like a difficult movie to follow, but if you are a true Marvel fan, this is a smorgasbord of an excellent palate. Funny and serious at the same time, and moving at a relentless pace, Infinity War never fails to throw in a surprise at every turn. As I end this review, I bow to thee, Russo Brothers, for pulling off the impossible and giving us a movie that will be talked about for years. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us in Avengers 4.

Rating:
5 out of 5

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 25, 2018 10:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).