A movie that brings the characters from Marvel’s various comic book universes together – Avengers, Guardians, Wakandans among them – Avengers: Infinity War could easily have been a mess of storylines and superheroes. Instead, in the capable hands of directors Anthony and Joe Russo, it’s a glorious, shocking, edge-of-the-seat adventure that boasts one of Marvel’s best-ever villains, too.
That villain is Thanos (Brolin), who first appeared in the post-credit sequence of Avengers Assemble. A giant, super-strong, mean and purple-headed bad guy, he’s fixated on collecting the Infinity stones he needs to becomes so powerful he will control the universe. Our various superheroes, including Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Doctor Strange (Cumberbatch), and Vision (Paul Bettany) have encountered some of the stones before, but as they are all scattered across the universe, we’re safe, right?
As Thanos goes about procuring the stones with the help of some vicious henchmen, our Marvel superheroes are scattered about trying to stop him, and thanks to some clever plotting come together in new and inspired groupings – Doctor Strange and Tony Stark (Downey Jr) sizing up each other’s bloated egos being one of the most enjoyable. It’s not just the earth-bound Marvel characters that are roped into the adventure, as Star Lord (Pratt) and his fellow Guardians join the fight, which – yes! – means that teen Groot (permanently attached to an eighties handheld videogame) and Rocket are in on the adventure, too.
Fans of Black Panther, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Captain America (with added beard!), Spider-Man, Scarlett Witch, Gamora and even Pepper Potts will be pleased that all their favourites each get moments in the spotlight, some of them funny (Thor talking about the members of his family who are dead is a hoot), some action-packed (including a stunning battle in Wakanda), some shockingly tragic.
Throughout – as these storylines entwine, break off and merge for a stunning finale – there is Thanos. By no means a one-dimensional super-villian – this dude has depth– he’s one of Marvel’s most interesting characters to date, perfectly played by Brolin and mesmerising from the first frame until the last. Like the movie itself, he’s epic, jaw-dropping and not to be missed.
Is Avengers: Infinity War suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
Please note this is a 12A certificate movie (UK) and is aimed at adults and older children.
Thanos is a merciless and powerful bad guy (with a big purple head) who may frighten younger (under age 10) viewers).
His two companions will also be scary for younger viewers.
Numerous beloved characters are harmed, beaten, threatened etc, which may distress sensitive viewers.
There are some scenes of torture but they are fantastical rather than realistic.
There are numerous battle scenes featuring weapons and superpowers.
If you like this, why not try: