Because that's what this is: it's Thanos' movie. It's almost a disservice to call it an Avengers film when the villain is actually the central character. It's all of those above tropes taken to their collective logical extreme and drawn out for 2:40.
That's not to say Infinity War isn't impressive in other ways — the Visual Effects of Awesome are astounding as always, it's packed with action (little else, really), and there is humour, if you can follow the rapid-fire rushes of dialogue enough to pick up what was just said. The movie has its merits, no question about that, and it achieves its share of entertainment, somewhat by force.
Infinity War has tons of hype already and will get solid reviews, but this could conceivably be the film that finally overdoes Darker and Edgier to such an extent that it fatally alienates average MCU viewers and hobbles the franchise for films to come. I doubt it, and I hope not, but the possibility is there.
Infinity War might finally be too much of a good (or evil) thing
If you go to the theatres for lighthearted fun and enjoyment, stay away from Infinity War.
If, conversely, you like the era of Darker and Edgier, if you feel Evil Is Cool, if you enjoy Rooting for the Empire, if you worship at the altar of the Villain Protagonist — then sure, this film is for you. Have fun.
Because that's what this is: it's Thanos' movie. It's almost a disservice to call it an Avengers film when the villain is actually the central character. It's all of those above tropes taken to their collective logical extreme and drawn out for 2:40.
That's not to say Infinity War isn't impressive in other ways — the Visual Effects of Awesome are astounding as always, it's packed with action (little else, really), and there is humour, if you can follow the rapid-fire rushes of dialogue enough to pick up what was just said. The movie has its merits, no question about that, and it achieves its share of entertainment, somewhat by force.
But enjoyment? Not so much. You've got to go in expecting one No-Holds-Barred Beatdown against the heroes after another, because that's what this film basically is — a Downer Beginning, an outright Tear Jerker Downer Ending, and a string of Curb Stomp Battles in between with maybe two brief Hope Spots.
Infinity War has tons of hype already and will get solid reviews, but this could conceivably be the film that finally overdoes Darker and Edgier to such an extent that it fatally alienates average MCU viewers and hobbles the franchise for films to come. I doubt it, and I hope not, but the possibility is there.