5 Things to Know Before You See Avengers: Infinity War

I was going to write about 5 reasons you need to go see Avengers: Infinity War.

As if you need any actual specific reasons to see Avengers: Infinity War.

As if someone needs to tell you “it’s really, really good and you should really go see it.”

Let’s be honest. Either you’re going to see it no matter what or you have absolutely ZERO interest in seeing it (in which case, don’t even bother reading).

Yes, there are those people out there that just aren’t into it. These are typically the people that admit that they’ve never seen a single Star Wars movie. I don’t really understand them and they don’t really understand me.

But you understand me. You’re like me. You’re here because you love these Marvel movies. You, however, aren’t a superfan. You sometimes have to lean over to your 11 year old son and ask, “now, who is that again?” In fact, it’s one of the many ways my son and I have bonded. And that’s why it was so painful to tell him that I was invited to an advanced screening of Avengers: Infinity War and I wasn’t allowed to bring any guests with me.

Not only would I not have anyone to talk to about the movie but I wouldn’t have my little Marvel genius beside me to guide me through areas of uncertainty. Luckily, he gave me a little background and I sailed right through the movie.

And by sail, I mean I sat on the edge of my seat biting my nails waiting for the next hammer to drop (no pun intended). Whether you have an 11 year old boy genius with you or not, here are a couple of things that will get you ready for this movie that, in my opinion, is the absolute best Avengers movie ever.

1. See a few Marvel movies before you go.

Obviously a true fan will have seen ALL the Avengers movies but I think I missed the second Thor movie and one of the Captain America movies. I did try to see Avengers: Infinity War through the lens of someone who has never seen any of the movies and I still think you could follow along and enjoy it. But you’ll be missing a lot of the inside humor and some of the storyline background.

My recommendations of which movies to see if you’re pressed for time:

Marvel’s The Avengers
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Captain America: Civil War
Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Doctor Strange
Thor: Ragnarok

2. Get to know Thanos.

Never heard of Thanos? That’s okay. Neither have a lot of Avengers fans. But he’s the star of the show this time. I’d like to say he’s the evilest evil villain of them all but I know I’d get blasted (trust me, I did that with Galactus and was told he wasn’t a bad being; he was just really hungry).

Thanos is a big purple guy born on Titan, one of Jupiter’s moons. In the comics, he’s a big fan of death, Mistress Death to be exact. He becomes obsessed with death and wants to impress her by killing half of the universe.

Thanos, in this movie, follows the same spirit as in the comics. But you also see him as a complex character who claims his motive for wiping out half the universe is actually to provide balance to the universe. It’s kind of like saying Galactus eats planets because he’s hungry. I mean, yes, but…

He’s actually appeared in several Marvel movies but in this one, he’s prominently featured.

3. Suspend your belief in reality, just a bit.

I know it seems silly to say that about a movie about superheroes and gods but if you are totally over-the-top analytical, like I am, you’ll constantly say things to yourself like,

Oh, how convenient that their atmosphere must be exactly like Earth’s.

That’s a great superpower you have but you totally would have had a head injury or internal bleeding from that.

How are they actually going to get off that planet and get home?

Why are you sparing this one person this one time?

Yes, these are the tiny little things that run through my brain when I’m watching a movie. I can’t turn it off. But sometimes, you just have to look the other way and say, BECAUSE IT’S A MOVIE. This is the kind of movie that lets you get immersed in their fantasy world.

4. Bring tissues. Or not.

For superfans, this might be a bit of an emotional movie. Thanos really likes to kill people and this is the first half of the final Avengers movie. So you can put those two ideas together and figure out that not everybody makes it out alive.

There are scenes where you see what’s coming and scenes that you don’t. Either way, it will knock the wind out of you. It feels like watching the Washington Monument crumble. But, man, it makes for a dramatic movie. Just be forewarned… you won’t walk out of the theater with a smile on your face.

5. Keep hope alive.

While I’m sure that some deaths will be permanent, I highly suspect we’ll somehow see the resurrection of many characters for the final Avengers movie. My only advice to you is to keep your eye on Dr. Strange. I have a feeling he’s going to be key to figuring out this whole mess.

Overall Review of Avengers: Infinity War 

Man, I loved this movie. I loved every hold-your-breath, sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat moment. I loved how well the characters from different sides of the Marvel Universe were integrated while still keeping 100% true to the characters we’ve come to know and love (and loathe). You’ll find fantastic interactions you could have only dreamed of. And you might cry a little. (I didn’t.) Keep in mind this is part 1 of 2 so expect there to be some unanswered questions.

This is a big, intense movie full of action and, yes, death. I’d keep it reserved for ages 10 and up (maybe as young as 8 if they can handle it). And stay tuned for the untitled Avengers: Infinity War sequel.

UPDATE: It’s finally here! Read what I didn’t like about Avengers: Endgame)