Avengers: Infinity War is Exhilarating, Jaw Dropping Superhero Yumminess

Avengers: Infinity War is Exhilarating, Jaw Dropping Superhero Yumminess

Avengers: Infinity War, the third installment in the “Avengers” franchise and 19th Marvel Studios film to date, marks the 10-year anniversary of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which began with the release of “Iron Man” in 2008.  Assembling a team from every Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise ever, the Avengers align in solidarity attempting to defeat the powerful Thanos (James Brolin) before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.  

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DOCTOR STRANGE

Benedict Cumberbatch is exchanging those serious Oscar nominated roles like Alan Turing in The Imitation Game and the BBC's Sherlock for  neurosurgeon turned sorcerer in Marvel's Doctor Strange.

This latest Marvel installment may be just what the franchise needs to reinvigorate itself.  I spent a majority of this film with my mouth dropped from witnessing  the most amazingly eye-twisting visual special effects I have ever seen.  They were simply marvelous, yet mind-bending to watch.

Of course, I would be remiss in not addressing the controversy that has swirled around the casting of Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, a role depicted in the comic as one of Asian descent.

 

While the studio, the writers, director Scott Derrickson and even Swinton herself have spoken out about the upcoming changes in the film, it continues to be a topic of discussion among many. 

In a recent interview with Out, the actress once again addresses the controversy surrounding her character and states that the Ancient One was never written as a Tibetan man, as portrayed in the comics.

“There is little for me to add except to say that anyone speaking up for a greater accuracy in the representation of the diversity of the world we live in has me right beside them,” she says. “As someone who has worked from the beginning as an artist within a queer aesthetic, the urgency of that voice is always going to be welcome.”

It goes without saying that clearly the Asian community is sick of exclusion, as are people of color, Latinos and Native Americans.  Who can forget not too long ago the casting of Jennifer Lawrence as Catniss in The Hunger Games franchise, when in the book Catniss is Native American.  One of these days, Hollywood will get it right.

Anywhoo, back to Doctor Strange.  I loved it!  The cinematic aesthetic is off the charts thanks to Ben Davis and Scott Derrickson.  The action keeps you engaged to the point when the film is over...you are totally not ready for it to end.

Both McAdams and Cumberbatch reached into their lighter side to make Christine and Stephen engaging, charming and comedic without being over the top.  It was wonderful to see Chiwetel Ejiofor cross over to the dark side (smelling a sequel) and watch him leap into his superhero lane making a departure from his more serious work as well.  Controversy aside, Tilda Swinton is fantastic as The Ancient One.  Kinda hate that she...oops don't want it spoil it for you guys:)

 

However, the real star of this film was the "cloak of levitation".  It truly was a character all unto itself without skipping a beat.

Marvel really out did itself on this one.  The credits for the digital crew and special effects listed at least more than 100 people for everything ranging from CGI to Sound.  Bravo!  Can't wait for the sequel!!

Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange opens in theaters Friday, November 4th!

Click HERE to watch the trailer

 

Carla Renata

Fellow Movie Lovers...

Carla Renata aka The Curvy Film Critic is a graduate of Howard University and named one of 2018’s Underrepresented Critics of Color by the Los Angeles Times. Her reviews, articles and/or op-ed's have been featured at AAFCA.com, Ebony.com, NPR.org, her own site The Curvy Film Critic, ET Live! Maltin on Movies, Ebert.com, as well as Shadow and Act, EUR Web, FOX 11-LA and Variety. She has served as a moderator, host or gust film expert for MPTF’s Night Before the Oscars, Good Day LA, Fox 11-LA, Film Independent’s Spirit Awards backstage and hosted an evening of The Black Experience on Film for Turner Classic Movies sponsored by AAFCA.

Being a proud member of AAFCA (African American Film Critics Association), (OAFFC) The Online Association of Female Film Critics, (AWFJ) Alliance of Female Journalists, Tomato-meter approved critic on Rotten Tomatoes and a member of (CCA) Critics Choice Association.

The Curvy Critic with Carla Renata streams LIVE every Sunday 5pm PST via YouTube featuring reviews, news and interviews with talent in front and behind the camera.