We finally watched AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR.
What ~ did we ~ just ~ witness?
Seriously ~ I mean, that was the most fascinating combination of pure gold, pure mayhem, pure genius and pure insanity wrapped into one of the most tremendous adventures in cinematic history. It was a true “gem” of a film. But I warn you now ~ If you have NOT seen AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, please refrain from reading any further and GO SEE IT!! (this is your only spoiler alert warning).
It was a painful week as we waited to see the grossly anticipated blockbuster, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. Our tradition has been to at least make every attempt to see the Marvel movies as a family once they arrive in the theaters, so we held back until the college kid was home to join us. No doubt, remaining spoiler-free was agony for some, much easier for others. While I would like to say we all remained spoiler-free, that would not be the truth. The oldest could not hold out like the rest of us and his two younger brothers had at least three pieces of information going into the movie. I’m just grateful they knew better and kept it from me. I can proudly say I went into that theater spoiler-free!
What did I expect?
While I was able to avoid leaked information, there were some things that were obviously going to happen. I honestly expected the fierce fight. I expected loss, more so because everyone couldn’t stop talking about it, but I at least kept myself from knowing who was affected. The scope of the battlefield was also anticipated, as was the fact that the outcome was going to be mind-blowing.
To be quite honest and quite frank, I knew in my heart of hearts that Thanos would achieve his ultimate goal and “snap” his finger (did you catch my reference in the title? Yeah, those who know me know I don’t use profanity in my pieces). If he hadn’t, it would have left the audience in complete disgust and disappointment, not to mention feel as if they had wasted their money. The idea of his having all six stones and not carrying out the ultimate deed would have been ludicrous. However, I have to say, when it was executed, it was with pure genius. Every hesitation, every obstacle that stood in its way ~ timed perfectly, played out exquisitely. It was a pivotal and jaw-dropping moment.
What threw me for a loop?
Of course, for every action I anticipated, there was a ton more than pulled my jaw to the floor.
Let’s talk loss. While I am not surprised at Heimdall’s death, I had NO clue we would lose Loki, never mind the fact that it would happen so quickly. I kept waiting for his hologram-like figure to disappear, but it didn’t. He was lying there more lifeless than the last time he died. While nothing ever seems “finished” in a movie…this seemed like a true end. His final demise, however, was draped in loyalty, in brotherhood and in love. His last act was a form of sacrifice. He had given his life for his brother’s.
Losing Gamora was actually heart-wrenching, to be honest. Not because she was a character near and dear to my heart, because she actually wasn’t (nothing against Zoe Saldana). It was simply effective because there was an actual story there and it drew out emotions the audience likely didn’t expect to experience in that moment.
The end of the movie was devastating. The number lost was incredible and the way it happened was so random. Why were these individuals chosen to go? Why were the other lives chosen to stay? How was this determined? What were the factors? Is this REALLY the end or are we just waiting for the Eye of Agamotto to come into play?
AND WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT TO FIND OUT??!!
The Most Relevant Piece For Me
There was one piece of the story that threw me more than anything else. It wasn’t a part of the battle or a particular character loss. It was the fact that Thanos was more “human” than I ever imagined he could be. What I heard was that he was the cruelest of villains, the worst of his kind. Because of that, I expected selfish pleasure in destroying life. I thought his intentions would be led by power hunger. I did not expect to see him having heartfelt conversations or driven by some form of passion.
We saw that Thanos had external attachments. He had someone he genuinely cared about. His heart felt more than just the need for balance and power. However, it was his desperate obligation to preserve balance in the universe that ultimately tipped the scales, enabling him to let go of what he loved the most, to sacrifice what was precious to him.
The irony of it all was that, in the end, Thanos didn’t sit on a throne. He sat back and watched the sunset. His soul felt balance. He felt he had prevented more destruction than what he had actually caused. It was a unique way to create a villain ~ by giving his character what seemed to be a universal purpose.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
My overall reaction?
Hands down – I loved this movie. Sure ~ there were a few holes, but I never thought so many details could be pieced together into such a beautiful mosaic as well as it was.
I loved that there was tremendous sacrifice made by not one, but many. Not that I enjoy seeing “sacrifice,” but it was nice to see pride take a seat so the universe stood a chance. We saw it from Vision, Scarlet Witch, Dr. Strange, Groot, Spider-man and the people of Wakanda. The depth of selflessness was vast.
I also love how the battle took place on many fronts – in space, in Wakanda, on various planets and in the ever so bruised New York City. While this would normally seem disjointed and confusing, it made sense here. There were many battles in this one war, with nearly every Avenger taking on Thanos in different ways, at different times and in different places. The transitions appeared almost seamless, made sense and were timed magnificently.
And speaking of timing ~ we all held the same curiosity for the Soul Stone. Where was it? Who had it? How would it be found? I appreciated that it was not the final missing piece. It fit eloquently in the middle as a distraction and an emotional switch. My boys have been talking for years about who they thought held the secret. From Heimdall to Hela, Hydra was only a fleeting thought. However, as the movie’s opening came closer, they heard rumors of Red Skull making an appearance. It was simply another demonstration of skilled and masterful placement within the film.
But what about the questions left unanswered?
True ~ the movie left us all with more questions and more inquiries, likely even a little different than what we all expected.
We spent the entire ride home talking about what this meant and what this could have meant. We went through the MCU to come up with plots for the next installment and even came up with a list of the questions that seem to have gone unanswered.
So ~ what questions did we have?
- Where were Hawkeye and Ant-Man?
- What happened to Pepper?
- Where does Adam Warlock come into the picture (mentioned in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2)?
- What happened to T’Challa’s sister? M’Baku?
- Did Shuri finish anything with regard to the stone?
- What about Nova Corps? Why was it only a mere mention in the beginning and not a part of the end credit scene?
Needless to say…
This movie was worth the wait. It was worth remaining spoiler-free. I’d pay to see it again and I’m sure it will become a part of our MCU movie collection when it comes out on that platform. Until then, we are left with so much to digest, but, admittedly, not too much where my head is spinning so out of control that I didn’t understand it.
The boys claimed to be “emotionally dead,” as Aaryn explained it. Though they had a few pieces of the puzzle (some more than others), they were still taken back by the immensity of the loss and the complexity of the battle.
Of course, certain things have to be left undone, to draw us in, to create a fierce curiosity. Once again, we are left wondering and waiting.
It worked. It was beautifully orchestrated and knit together into a very colorfully chaotic picture.
Chaos and Balance ~ oh, the irony…
What did you think of AVENGERS; INFINITY WAR? Did it meet your expectations? Did you leave disappointed, excited, awe struck or broken? I’d love to hear your thoughts ~ please share them below in the comments!
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**All photos are being used courtesy of ©Marvel Studios
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