Mad Titan Steals the Show

Rating: 9/10 (28 April 2018)

This is going to be rather brief because it's difficult to discuss the film without spoiling anything. That said, oftentimes there's a pivotal moment or a reveal that drives a film's viewership based solely on hype and fervor. In such films, once the initial shock dissipates, there's little left to warrant rewatching, but it does encourage patrons to flood the box officer earlier than later. I suspect the studio push admonishing early moviegoers to avoid spoilers and inciting the hashtag movement, "thanosdemandsyoursilence", was likely a calculated tool to drive the hype. Infinity War, while having such pivotal moments, will probably stand as one of the better Marvel Studios films regardless of the hype.
The ensemble has matured together, and the on-screen chemistry is palpable. It's a blockbuster film that lends well to being seen in large-format or IMAX screenings. The sound mix is also one of the better mixes from Marvel Studios in that despite heavy use of low frequency effects and steady starship droning, the dialogue was crisp and clear. A friend of mine commented that the sound was fuller than other Marvel films and in many ways felt more like a Star Wars mix. I can't disagree with that. While there are jarring explosions and shrill screaming of streaking shrapnel and debris, the soundtrack was balanced with low rumbling, almost brooding, undercurrents. Of course all of this was highlighted and even carried by Alan Silvestri's score.
There were a few minor editing missteps, but I feel they were done in the interest of time and pacing. Despite this, I didn't notice continuity problems. Given the various converging story lines in addition to the myriad of Hollywood headliners who all need their respective screen time, the Russo brothers held this together quite well. In the wrong hands this easily could have become a theatrical Batman v Superman mess.
If you've read the 1990's Infinity Gauntlet comic story arc, you already have a good idea as to what's going to happen. Even so, I encourage you to keep this information to yourself in order to avoid ruining it for those that did not read the comics. There is an element of elitism among some comic readers in that some of them disparage those whose only knowledge base of these characters is solely gleaned from the films. I can also tell you, as a comic reader, you don't know everything that happens or even how it transpires. The film adaptation in many ways is only loosely based on the comic.
However, I am happy that they stayed true to the complex nature of The Mad Titan. Thanos was always a multifaceted villain. The challenges of green-screen and motion-capture acting didn't interfere with the stellar performance of Josh Brolin. Truly mad, but never unhinged, Thanos quite literally steals most scenes. The performance was captivating as Brolin effortlessly vacillates between brutal cruel tyrant, pitiful broken father, and calculated and devious manipulator. Thanos is a character Marvel Studios absolutely could not alter, and I'm pleased to say, this favored character was done justice.
In the coming weeks it will become increasingly difficult to avoid spoilers, so if you have any interest in the Marvel films, I encourage you to see this soon. If, by chance, some elements are revealed to you prior to your making it to the theater, don't be discouraged. If you're an Avengers fan, you will still enjoy this one. If you're a Thanos fan, you must see this.