Movie review: Avengers Infinity War (zero spoilers)

Marvels newest movie, "Avengers: Infinity War" is finally in theaters! For those of us who are long-time fans of the Marvel's "Infinity Gauntlet" storyline, it's been highly anticipated. One word of warning: the cast of this film is gigantic, so it's a big help to be familiar with the previous Marvel films. Events are happening all over the universe, with evil Thanos squarely in the middle of it all. When Marvel comic books ran this event, it permanently shook up their entire lineup. I won't reveal who is affected, but if "Infinity War" is true to form, the effects are lasting. Why do I mention this aspect? Because great stories have consequences. If those consequences are just a bluff--fixed by a dream, or never actually happened--then it cheapens the story of this movie beyond words.

"Avengers: Infinity War" is a massive movie, combining aspects of plenty of the prior movies. Because of this, the plot hinges quite a lot on what you already know and instead jumps straight into the action. Everything happens in the present (aside from a short flashback scene), and the tension barely takes a break. The set pieces are grand and loaded with atmosphere. Character development is left to Thanos, but equates to: big guy bad. Thanos is a towering figure--powerful and ruthless in his behavior. He's not someone you do a dance-off against, or try to out-bluff.

I loved the movie. There's plenty of heroism, battles lost and won, and tragedy. I can't wait until the next part rolls in. This film is resetting the Marvel universe, preparing the way for a new breed of heroes. It's a gutsy move, just like the story the movie is based upon, and yet it's also sad to see the old and comfortable go away. Yet, listening to the audience reactions throughout the film, I'm happy to say that people were very into the story and hated to see it end. And that is the best sign of a good story.

Yes, I heartily recommend "Avengers: Infinity War." It was fun and engaging. I'm planning on seeing it again soon.

- M

Comic books aren't only for children. Adults love them too.

I love comic books. They tell stories which are difficult to tell in any other medium--a kind of blending between novels, movies and soap operas. Comics also have the amazing quality of visually showing the action, while also delving into the minds of the actors. The artwork often rises to truly incredible quality, and the writing is frequently first rate. The biggest feature of comic books is how they tell an ongoing story, where acts and behavior have real consequences and alter their worlds. It's fascinating to watch, and even better to experience.

When we're little, we tell basic stories of adventure and fantasy. We watch crazy cartoons about talking animals and robotic time-travelers. Then, we move to deeper and more intelligent stories. I think it's only natural to combine the real and unreal in magazine format, with pictures and dialogue. Comic books satisfy visual artwork and intellectual story, without compromising either. Yes, movies can do the same, but they can't express inner thoughts and narrative as simply and elegantly as comic books.

I've never understood why comics are frowned on, as though they weren't proper stories, or are beneath the notice of adults. Sure, they're ridiculous and overblown, have huge casts of characters and too many plots, yet they remain popular vehicles for storytelling. It's fascinating to find comics all around the world. I think they deserve higher respect in the world of stories, and definitely should be given more credit than they currently have (although with the Marvel movies, comics are seeing a definite resurgence).

- M

Batman vs Superman! Who wins this epic fight?

Ok, this is the big question right now as the feature movie is nearly upon us. If you've read the comics (especially the "Dark Knight Returns" by Frank Miller) then you know there have been fights between these two that are hotly debated. To start, you have an alien being--Superman--who is essentially a limitless god-like character, and on the other is a regular human--Batman--without any powers (unless you count huge resources and a brilliant mind). So, what happens when they come to blows?

 

Well, you have a pair of heroes who absolutely will not kill. That rather limits the argument, since it's just a game of knock out now. Otherwise, Superman could instantly vaporize Batman with his heat vision from miles away, though Batman could prepare defenses against it. You could be very clever about it. But, it comes down to what the characters believe. In the end, they both want justice and peace (they just go about getting it in different ways). A fight between them is to prove their personal way is better than the other. Motivation can only go so far.

 

That's why the movie needs more (which brings in Lex Luthor and eventually Doomsday). When it comes to crunch time, Batman and Superman are on the side of the angels. The big fight is a reason to bring the true conflict into the open--good against evil. Don't worry, we'll still get a fancy fight, but we won't get a fanboy finish. Neither will win, because the war is about to begin and you don't fight your friends to the death.

 

- M

Comic books, graphic novels, and graphic movies

"Comic books are for kids." I've heard that so many times, I lost count long ago. Modern comics, despite having many heavily adult themes, are still considered mostly for the younger generation. I'm not sure why, since stories told in pictures is a time-worn concept that has lasted well. In fact, some of my favorite tales are comics (Dark Phoenix saga, Infinity War, Terminal Velocity). Sure, children have far greater imaginations than adults, but that shouldn't prevent anyone from enjoying the medium. And, in comics the heroes generally win out in the end, and happy endings abound. For the most part, it's a much more positive genre than others.

Graphic novels are much longer than a single comic book (usually around 10 or more bound all back to back) and focus on one constant story, like a regular novel but told in picture form. Graphic movies are a fairly new concept and take a graphic novel and animate it a bit so it's a "movie." I wasn't sold on the concept, but I bought "Iron Man: Extremis" and am totally amazed. The story is preserved in marvelous form and the minimal animations fit the style. I highly recommend any Iron Man fan get this (mainly because the 1st and 3rd movies use practically all the concepts within the Extremis story).

I'm glad to see comics moving beyond just the papers they started in. Comics are a powerful storytelling tool and I think more adults should check them out, rather than idly toss them to their children. These are stories of worth, stories of heroes and villains, stories of sacrifice and triumph, especially they are fun and enjoyable. What's wrong with a bit of fun in our boring adult lives?

- M