A culmination of 10 years of Marvel Comics Universe films comes to a head with “Avengers: Infinity War” – an overstuffed but ultimately satisfying chapter in the ever-expanding Marvel world.

“Infinity War” finds everyone coming together to stop Thanos (Josh Brolin), who is intent on collecting all six infinity stones to gain unspeakable power that would make him capable of wiping out planets with the snap of a finger.

As his powers begin to grow with each infinity stone, the odds of stopping him become smaller – leaving Earth in a precarious position.

If you wanted to see Thor (Chris Hemsworth) interact with the Guardians of the Galaxy or Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) exchange barbs with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), then “Infinity War” is the movie you have been waiting for. Part of the fun of the film is how directors Anthony and Joe Russo (who directed the last two “Captain America” films) navigated through all these characters and different story threads to create something that flows as smoothly as it does.

“Infinity War” is all over the place with characters sprawled throughout the universe, yet the film never sags and never feels overstuffed. It is a credit to the Russos that “Infinity War” doesn’t get bogged down under the weight of all of these characters.

Perhaps part of the reason it works is because the story’s focus is more on Thanos, with the superheroes serving as supporting players. Buried under CGI, Brolin at least gives a performance that is a bit better than your normal special effects-driven bad guy. The screenplay, which is credited to 16 people, does its best to humanize Thanos in a way that at least gives the audience an understanding of his motivations. It’s a nice touch, but I would still prefer Killmonger from “Black Panther” or Michael Keaton’s Vulture in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” in the pantheon of truly memorable villains.

The script is full of fun interaction and some generally comedic moments that make this fun, but “Infinity War” also takes a darker turn for the Marvel Comics Universe – with a finale that left the audience I saw the film with stunned.

It’s an interesting turn that sets the stage for the second “Infinity War,” which will be released in 2019, and also sets the tone for future Marvel films.

We may be nearly 20 movies into Marvel Comic films, but “Infinity War” proves that this universe shows no signs of slowing down.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth

Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, language and some crude references.

Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow), Franklin Drive-In

Grade: B