If you haven’t heard the collective screaming and countless theories made based on the film Avengers:  Infinity War, then you must be living in some different universe.

Avengers: Infinity War is the 19th installment in the Marvel cinematic series. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the film is about Thanos, a powerful being on a quest to acquire the infinity stones, which are the most powerful artifacts that make up the universe, to wipe out half the universe. The Avengers and a numerous collection of heroes have to fight against Thanos on his quest.

If you haven’t watched any previous marvel film, or have only seen a handful of marvel films, this movie is well directed enough for any casual audience member to enjoy this film. The Russo brothers did the best to fit 70 characters into this two hour and 40 minute film. The biggest praise of the film its portrayal of the villain, Thanos. Although this film is riddled with numerous characters, Thanos is the highlight of every scene from the way he speaks and moves; his motivations are clear and understandably justified.

When it comes to the pacing of events, the film barely lets the viewers have a break, making the moments so tense with suspense. It makes the overall situation more intense and important. The score is loud, gloomy, sorrowful, exciting, and perfectly synchronized to fit in moments when appropriate. When the comedy hits, it hits on the right parts. When serious moments hit, they achieve their purpose. The camera work is phenomenal, giving some of the best wide shots of action, and close serious moments of expressions that entangle viewers from start to finish. Computer Generated Images (CGI) and special effects are incredible, and each crafted scene feels like it has a purpose.

Two issues that do arise are the number of characters and its comedic lines. First, characters in this film are somewhat degraded or receive less screen time than others, affecting how viewers feel about them in times of action. Of course the argument made is that the audience needed to have watched previous films to understand and feel a connection with the characters. The simple fact is that they don’t; its more on the script and its issue of balancing 70 characters on screen, condensed into a two hour and 40 minute film. Watching previous films can enhance the experience, but majority of the issue can be directed towards the abundance of characters. The second issue is less serious, but still needs to be addressed. Comedy in this film is spot on, but when the movie starts changing tone, the jokes made during a shift can feel flat or unnecessary. This is only a small gripe and easily does not bog this film down.

Despite these issues, Avengers: Infinity War is a monumental film which no other studio has achieved in cinema; a crossover so ambitious that it satisfies as a blockbuster film and Marvel cinematic accumulation of everything built up ten years ago. Marvel fans will be satisfied, regular movie goers will be jolted by the scope and general direction the film takes, and the average critic will be rather surprised on how this film plays out.

Avengers: Infinity War is now playing in theaters everywhere.