Marvel movies are graded on a curve.

We all know this. Sometimes they’re really very good movies — I’ve certainly enjoyed a few of them. But sometimes, they’re capable of getting away with things that other films would be (and often are) excoriated for. When Avengers came out, I pointed out at the time that the level of property destruction in the film was staggering. We’re talking thousands of casualties and billions upon billions of dollars to repair it. Buildings were collapsing like an enthusiastic game of Jenga played by drunks. Yet Avengers was beloved by all, despite its flaws.

Both Age of Ultron and Civil War got away with cinematic sins far greater than any of the DC movies, because Marvel movies are graded on a curve.

Avengers: Infinity War would be getting lukewarm reviews at best if it were not the culmination of 10 years of films in the Marvel Studios umbrella. Is it a terrible movie? No, not at all. It’s fun to watch. But even while you’re watching it, sitting there absorbing the plot immediately brings you to certain conclusions.

I’m about to rail about these conclusions. There will be spoilers. A lot of them. Don’t read on if you don’t want them.

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