Putting it in Context

Rating: 9/10 (2 June 2018)

I was not going to write a review for this film, but having seen so many negative reviews for this film, I feel it is important to put things in context. You should not watch this movie if you have not seen the other MCU films. There have been reviews stating that this film has no plot and that it is just mindless action. That is basically true. The film cannot stand on its own and it was not meant to. Someone described this film like the season finale of a TV show. The characters and plot of this film have been set up over the course of many other movies. If you come into this film not knowing that, it will seem like a mess to you. However, for those of us who have watched the previous MCU films and grown to love these characters, we do not need a set up. We know where we are and what is at steak.
This movie is the culmination of ten years of storytelling. As the end to a ten year buildup this film is excellent. It is exciting and emotional. It is fun to see different characters interacting with each other. Characters who have never met before are forced together and the results are funny and interesting. At no time during this film was I bored. Many times I was on the edge of my seat wondering how our heroes were going to save the day. I was shocked to see what characters lived and died.
Thanos as the villain of the film was excellent. He was compelling and scary. He is a commanding presence. This film sticks with you after it ends not only because of what happens at the end, but because of the powerful performance of Josh Brolin as Thanos. This is a highly satisfying film for anyone who has followed these characters for so long.