Not Approved

The Avengers: Infinity War

The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.
12
Negative Rating
12345
SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
3
Positive Rating
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FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

When Thanos, the over-arching villain of the Marvel universe, sets out at last on his mission to recover the six infinity stones, it becomes clear that all else pales in comparison to the task to stop him. Doing so requires assembling a team of all the heavy-hitters, and I mean all of them. 

There’s no question about it; this is the biggest Marvel movie to date, and arguably the most epic flick in the genre. As is the case with all Avenger movies, it’s all about the numbers, but this latest installment takes it to another level as it combines characters from nearly a dozen story lines. The magnitude is unprecedented, and the undertaking is nothing short of cinematic pioneering. 

But rather than crumble under the weight of its star-studded cast, the narrative manages to unfold with ease, developing a plot which proves to be as moving as it is entertaining. Comedy meets high-stakes war when the Avengers assemble against the powerful Thanos in a race to keep him from obtaining the six infinity stones. And just when the audience feels that one of their favorite heroes is lacking their moment in the limelight, or that they know what will happen next, the scene shifts, the story deepens, and the movie carries on, proving that Marvel knows what it’s doing. 

Without a doubt, Avengers: Infinity War will be one discussed for years to come. Dull moments are virtually non-existent in this action-packed spectacle, and the investment it demands of the viewer is high. If you plan on watching it, prepare for a ride of glittering special effects and seamless choreography which prove that we’re truly living in a time of cinema magic. There’s no better way to say it other than it’s positively fun to watch, and yet it holds its own as a story that will have you with hands clapped over your mouths on more than one occasion. 

As Dove considers a movie like Avengers: Infinity War, we want to be very clear on one thing: just because a movie doesn’t get a seal of approval, does not mean that it’s not worth engaging with. Due to a handful of inappropriate remarks, mostly crass language, we can’t approve this movie. It should be noted that as this is the franchise’s most climactic moment yet, the film does include death and violence that might be shocking for children who are fans of particular heroes. We don’t want to spoil anything here, but if you’re concerned about this, be sure to look up a plot summary to screen these moments. 

But even as we cannot approve the film please note that we feel confident it will be one of those movies your kids will most likely want to see, and you will make that choice based on your family. This film has lots of character to discuss and even the obvious “god” references are opportunities to discuss the one true God. Super heroes have captured our hearts as consumers of stories since they were birthed, and this is the crowned jewel of them all (at least as Marvel is concerned). As this film will no doubt rise to the top as a cultural icon, consider risking a night out, followed by a good discussion. What is it about super heroes that we all love so much? What is it that Thanos, the villain of all villains, wants? How do we know it’s wrong? What’s at stake? What do heroes and our love for them say about humanity, the way we’re made, and the dark world we find ourselves in? All of these questions force us to probe issues much deeper than crass language. Though we cannot approve the language that we find in the film, we can say that it is easily something that can be worked through if your family is eager to watch a film about heroes saving the world.

Dove Rating Details

0
Faith

None

3
Integrity

Sci-fi action and extreme violence throughout; both major and minor characters die; some bloody images and aftermaths

2
Sex

Some kissing; language references to male genitalia, sexual innuendo

4
Language

Incomplete uses of "F***"; "Sh**"; slang for male genitalia; "A**"; "D***"; "OMG"/God"

4
Violence

Sci-fi action and extreme violence throughout; both major and minor characters die; some bloody images and aftermaths

0
Drugs

None

2
Nudity

Male characters seen shirtless; some cleavage

0
Other

None

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