Avengers: Infinity War Spoiler-Free Movie Review

Yesterday I attended a press screening of Avengers: Infinity War and I am still processing what I saw. I feel like to really dissect this amazing Marvel Studios film, I need to see it again. There was so much that happened during the 2 hours and 40 minutes run time. Without giving away any spoilers, I am sharing my initial thoughts on Avengers: Infinity War.

Avengers: Infinity War Spoiler-Free Movie Review

Which Avengers Got the Most Screen Time

It is no secret that I love Thor. Attending a red carpet premiere for Thor: Ragnarok was a dream and that movie was amazing. So I was beyond excited, and honestly, a little surprised, to see how much screen time Thor had in Infinity War. With Thor: Ragnarok being released so recently I didn’t expect him to have such a front and center role, and it was amazing.

As you’ve seen in the trailers, the Guardians of the Galaxy join the Avengers in this movie. The introductions are fun and witty. It is a nice break in the nonstop action and suspense of the film. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat from the moment Infinity War starts until well after the credits. Marvel Studios did a fabulous job of mixing in enough one-liners and light comedy to keep it from being too stressful.

After all, you are watching and holding your breath to see if Thanos conquers and succeeds in his plan to wipe out half of the universe. 

Going into this ten-year movie release there has been so much speculation on which Avengers will die, that just heading to the theater can be stressful. I promise you will have some laughter and enjoy the movie.

All of the characters in the film were given significant roles. Spiderman gets more play than he did in Captain America: Civil War. Iron Man, the Guardians, and Doctor Strange are in majority of the scenes. Vision has a large part in the plot, as well. Truly, I was impressed how all of the characters were given ample action time.

Heartfelt Moments + Humanizing the Enemy

Avengers: Infinity War is filled with non-stop action. Your emotions will be pulled in all directions the entire movie. From intense fight scenes to comedy and sadness to empathy, you will feel it all. One thing I was most impressed with in this movie was how many times I felt sorry for Thanos. I know, I know. He is the villain and we should immediately hate him.

Marvel Studios did an amazing job at humanizing Thanos. He was not played out to be just a ruthless monster. He was given depth to his character. We could feel how much he believed in his actions and plan. He believed he was helping the universe. He believed he was making sacrifices that were necessary to best a larger evil. You do not only watch that story unfold, you feel it. We even get a glimpse of a sweeter side to him at one point. He thinks he is living out his destiny.

Which Movies to Watch Before Avengers: Infinity War

If possible, watch all the Marvel movies before seeing Infinity War. So if you have seen almost all of them and are only lacking a couple, make the next few nights a movie night and catch up. Each character has a backstory that you will find useful knowledge when going into Avengers: Infinity War.

However, seeing all of the Marvel movies at the last minute is not always feasible. 

I recommend you have watched several of the films before seeing Infinity War. 

Recommended Movies to Watch Before Infinity War:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 1 – 2014
• Avengers: Age of Ultron – 2015
• Doctor Strange – 2016
• Captain America: Civil War – 2016
• Spider-man Homecoming – 2017
• Thor: Ragnarok – 2017
• Black Panther – 2018

To fully enjoy and understand all the references and one-liners in Infinity War, I recommend you see the movies on the above recommended list.

In the trailer you see Peter Parker introduce himself to Doctor Strange. He makes a joke when Strange gives him his name saying “oh we’re using our made-up names”. Unless you have seen Doctor Strange you might not realize how funny that statement is. Seeing as Doctor Strange is his real name. 

In the movie Doctor Strange, you will see why and how he gets his powers. You see his background story of how he was a surgeon and his last name is Strange. Hence, Dr. Strange. I feel this movie is important so you understand his full abilities. There is a major scene in Infinity War that means more to those that understand his role.

Spiderman-Homecoming introduces the new Peter Parker to the fold and shows you how he is connected to Tony Stark. Our family really enjoyed this movie so I do suggest you watch it. If you do not have time, you will see him again in Captain America: Civil War – which is a must-see.

Marvel Studios most recently released film, Black Panther, is amazing. You saw Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War, but in his standalone film, you get more of the story of Wakanda. A large chunk of Infinity War takes place in Wakanda so it is helpful to understand their resources and abilities there.

However, if you didn’t get a chance to catch Black Panther in the theaters, it does not release on digital download until May 8th, meaning you would not be able to see it before watching Infinity War in theaters. Do not wait. You can catch up later.

Must Watch Movies Before Infinity War:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 1
• Avengers: Age of Ultron
• Captain America: Civil War
• Thor: Ragnarok

The entire movie is focused on Thanos’ mission. You need to know who the Avengers are, who the Guardians are, a little bit of their backstory, and what the infinity stones are and can do. These four Marvel movies are a must-see before Avengers: Infinity War.

Are you headed to see Avengers: Infinity War in theaters?

Avengers: Infinity War opens in theaters April 27th! I cannot wait to hear your thoughts.