I never read anyone else’s reviews about the movie I am going to see, lest I be tempted to plagiarize or form opinions ahead of time. I do, however, see the headlines and brief outtakes from others who have seen the film, many on twitter etc. “I have never left a film this awestruck,” was one comment, “legendary” was another, and “jaw dropping” another. I recall plaudits of this kind when Wonder Woman came out a year ago, and that was (in my opinion) one of the best “super hero” movies ever. (Excluding, of course, the original Superman with Christopher Reeves, and the first Batman with Michael Keaton.)
Like many of you I go online to order my ticket, thus reserving my seat of choice in advance. I usually wait until the day before. For some reason, I decided to check the advance ticket sales for the Avengers on Sunday, with the film not opening until Thursday night. There were thirty showings scheduled for Thursday and Friday, and I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised to find that virtually every performance was sold out. I found one open seat that fit my schedule and I grabbed it not even knowing for sure if this was the film I wanted to write about. However, with all the superlatives flying around I decided why not, even though I generally avoid these kind films, besides there was nothing else playing that seemed worth my time or yours.
I left earlier than usual so I could secure a decent parking spot, and discovered there were several mini tail-gating parties underway. Wow, the anticipation among the young crowd was really something. I found my seat, and waited for this blockbuster to begin.
Avengers: Infiinity War
Entertainment Rating: ★
Rating: PG-13: Comic book violence galore, several profanities
Possible Oscar Nominations: Special Effects
From the opening moment to the closing seconds, this is one big battle scene after another. The special effects are beyond awesome. They are spectacular, but that was expected. The storyline is the usual, good against evil, this time the object of our affection is Thanos, out to conquer and rule the universe, sparing no one in his quest. From whence he came we do not know. In any event, the Avengers, at least fourteen of them, band together to thwart his efforts. There are battles royal as we jump from one planet to another, one space ship to another and it never seems to end. The movie is two hours and twenty nine minutes long (count ‘em) and the longer it goes the more inane the plot gets. The closing scenes are, to say the least, spectacular but with a decidedly unexpected ending.
There were two disturbing elements to this film. First, it was strictly violence for violence’s sake. There were no redeeming values other than kill or be killed. Secondly, whether by design or ignorance (probably a little of each), the movie depicts alien creatures as the creator and sustainer of the universe, offensive to those of us with faith. Under no circumstances can I recommend this movie, although millions will go to see it and sing its praises.
