The Mother of All Wars

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ is the latest installment in the much ballyhooed Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the third of a planned four films in the all-star super team’s mega-blockbuster franchise.  After fan fave Joss Whedon (‘The Avengers,’ ‘Age of Ultron’) departed to take over the rather lackluster ‘Justice League’ from Zack Snyder for DC/Warner, The Avengers franchise was put into the talented and capable hands of the Russo Brothers (‘Captain America: Winter Soldier’ and ‘Captain America: Civil War’), whose pre-Marvel filmography as directors comprised of only two movies including the 2006 rom-com ‘You, Me and Dupree.’

Unless you’ve locked yourselves into a closet, I’m sure you all know that the Avengers, dis-assembled due to their philosophical differences as chronicled in ‘Captain America: Civil War,’ had split up and scattered to the four winds.  Only a world-shattering threat can hope to bring them back together against a common cause.  This threat came in the form of hulking, granite-chinned Thanos (Josh Brolin, who’s also Cable in the upcoming ‘Deadpool 2’), a demigod hailing from Titan who seeks to collect the “Infinity Stones” and cull the universe through his brand of controlled genocide, what he calls “balancing the universe.”  This hombre is so badass that he made even the Hulk tuck his tail -- if he had one -- between his legs.  Well-meaning (in his mind at least) but misguided, only the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Sorcerer Supreme master of the mystic arts Doctor Strange can stand in his way.  But is even all that power arrayed against him enough?

I don’t really have to tell you how good this movie is, do I?  Chances are, you’ve probably seen ‘Infinity War’ by now (if not, what the hell are you waiting for, goddam it?).  If I have to describe A:IW in one word, it would be "Epic." In two words?  "Epically Awesome!" of course. This film has already broken all kinds of box office records including the single weekend gross previously held by ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ swatting it aside like Thanos dispensing with so many Avengers.  Like Thanos, ‘Infinity War’ is a juggernaut that seemingly can’t be stopped, and it hasn’t even dropped in China (due this Friday) yet.  Why can't DC movies be like this?

Grade: A