Thanos (Josh Brolin) and his collection of Infinity Stones, present a new threat to Earth's survival, so the Avengers throw everything they have at this bad boy, including Captain America (Chris Evans) Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Thor( Chris Hemsworth), Black Panther(Chadwick Boseman), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Gamora (Zoe Saldana).
Release date April 27, 2018
Violence D+ Sexual Content A Profanity C- Substance Use AWhy is Avengers: Infinity War rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Avengers: Infinity War PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, language and some crude references.
Run Time: 150 minutes
Every good superhero movie needs a very, very bad villain and Avengers: Infinity War has one. Thanos, intergalactic megalomaniac and past ruler of the dead moon Titan, fits the bill. Obsessed with the dangers of overpopulation and environmental degradation, Thanos decides to eliminate half the population of every planet. “This universe is finite,” says the giant purple bad guy. “Its resources are finite. It needs correction.” Thanos initially tries to “correct” overpopulation through conquest and slaughter but decides he needs a more efficient form of genocide. This leads him on a quest for the six Infinity Stones, elemental gems formed as the universe was created in the Big Bang. If he can place all six stones in his gauntlet, he will be able to control the cosmos with a snap of his fingers and instantly kill anyone he wishes.
Of course, Thanos won’t have a trouble-free path to his goal. The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy stand in his way, determined to protect the four stones Thanos does not already possess. However, they face some daunting challenges in their self-appointed mission. Some of the Avengers are still estranged after the events of Captain America: Civil War. And the superheroes are hopelessly outgunned in this fight. They can barely hold their own against Thanos’ minions and when he obtains more Infinity Stones their ability to resist him is strained to the breaking point.
When the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy unite against Thanos, they provide positive messages about overcoming past conflicts, working together, sacrificing for others, and fighting bravely in a hopeless cause. As Spider Man says when he has stowed away on a dangerous journey, “I can’t be the friendly neighborhood Spider Man if there’s no neighborhood.”
The movie also provides a warning against the dangers of uncontrolled anger. At one point, a group of superheroes have managed to neutralize Thanos and have almost succeeded in removing his magic gauntlet. Then one character loses his temper, which rouses Thanos to defend himself and renew his attack on the Avengers and Guardians.
Positive messages aside, the most serious downside of Avengers: Infinity War is its unrelenting violence. Action is a staple feature of superhero movies, yet Avengers: Infinity War is made up almost entirely of violent set pieces separated by thin strands of plot and exposition. While fans of this genre expect a certain number of fights, explosions and some fantasy action, Avengers: Infinity War, ups the ante with mass civilian casualties and three scenes of torture. In addition, a parent murders his own child. Families should also be aware that over a dozen main characters are killed in this movie.
The only mitigating factor in this non-stop bloodshed is that its cost is not minimized or downplayed. The suffering of those who lose loved ones is portrayed as is the emotional price Thanos pays for his choices. “Did you do it?” asks a character of Thanos after he obtains one of the infinity stones, “What did it cost?” “Everything”, Thanos desolately replies.
Despite this bit of emotional honesty, the violence is so pervasive in Avengers: Infinity War that is not suitable for young children. The PG-13 rating is fully deserved and should be taken seriously. Teenagers will likely enjoy the movie, as will fans of the series. For those who are not plugged into the Marvel Comic universe, this two hour and forty minute marathon may just feel infinitely tedious.
Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo. Starring Josh Brolin, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr.. Running time: 150 minutes. Theatrical release April 27, 2018. Updated August 14, 2018
Kirsten Hawkes has a BA in Political Science and English and has worked in international development and medical education and marketing. Kirsten enjoys reading, watching movies, and debating politics with her husband and sometimes unwilling children.
