Avengers: Infinity War

Thanos the Mad Titan (Josh Brolin) seeks six Infinity Stones, artifacts of immense power that will allow him to kill half of the life in the universe, a move he believes will allow the surviving half to thrive. After he lays waste to the surviving Asgardians, their former prince Thor (Chris Hemsworth) seeks refuge with the spacefaring mercenaries the Guardians of the Galaxy while Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), having reverted from his Hulk persona, returns to earth to warn the mystic Dr. Steven Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Tony “Iron Man” Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) of Thanos’s impending arrival. Though Stark clashes with both Strange and remains on poor terms with former Avengers teammate Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a common threat unites them as well as the forces of Wakanda.

Infinity War might be the single most insular film ever made. Those unfamiliar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe will find it incomprehensible. Those without much affinity for the MCU will likely find it a shiny overlong bore. But for those fans who feel invested and have kept up with these characters through all or most of the preceding eighteen films, the payoff is immense, and Infinity War lives up to its considerable hype.

Even the indifferent would have a hard time knocking this film on its aesthetic merits. From New York City to Wakanda to the depths of space to the ravaged planet Titan, the film juggles multiple settings and renders each in distinctive visual detail. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously demonstrated a penchant for exhilarating hand-to-hand combat in the Captain America films, have proved themselves capable of handling action on a much larger scale. The mingling of new characters and the raw power of Thanos means that you will be entreated to far more than just punching and guns. Even the massive Lord of the Ringsesque battle scene across the plains of Wakanda, which calls to mind a better scene in Black Panther, is not poorly done, merely derivative.

Though Infinity War relies on previous MCU films to establish characterization, it is not a style-over-substance affair. Pathos runs high here. Infinity Stone-powered android The Vision (Paul Bettany) asks his partner Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olson) to destroy him along with the stone if it cannot be removed and safeguarded, a singularly anguishing decision. Thor grieves his recent losses, Banner loses patience with his other half, and Strange cautions Stark about the need for greater-good sacrifices. Oddly, even Thanos, he of grandiose boasts and genocidal destruction, is given a quasi-sympathetic touch. His motivation is changed from that of a crazed death fetishist to one who sees his as a necessary and inevitable mission. Even if the character’s helmetless and armorless look is a bit ridiculous (Chris Pratt, as Starlord, mockingly calls him Grimace), Brolin turns in an unexpectedly nuanced performance, and Zoe Saldana, as Thanos's forcibly adopted daughter Gamora, does some of her best work opposite him.

Despite its show of soul and gut-punch of an ending (ameliorated for those who are familiar with the source material), Infinity War is not an entirely somber affair. Downey’s snark and rapid-fire insults, Pratt’s conversational bumbling, and Dave Bautista’s deadpan literalism all return from previous films, and they are joined by a typically amusing Stan Lee cameo and Thor’s repeated mistaking of Rocket Raccoon for a rabbit. Though the stakes are high, this movie did not forget to have fun.

So what’s not to like? As mentioned above, the ending is tough to take yet necessary to set up the next Avenger’s film (and perhaps cheapened by that film’s cast list). Beyond that, Infinity War’s problem is one of excess. It makes the most of its two and a half hour run time, but there are so many characters to account for that some are cut (Hawkeye and Ant-Man) while others are given short shrift. Steve Rogers and T’Challa, the leads of Captain America and Black Panther, are bit players here, a randomly blonde Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson) does little aside from fight, and Spider-Man (Tom Holland) is literally the tag-along kid. Meanwhile, the Red Skull (last seen on screen seven years ago returns in an awkward new context.

Given the complexity inherent in trying to tie together so many different strands of a shared universe, Infinity War could have easily collapsed under the weight of its ambitions. Instead, it makes for an exciting and impactful film. This isn’t the best Marvel movie, but it does stave off fears of imminent decline.

8.5/10

Five-Carat Soul

James McBride’s 2017 short story collection offers tales that transcend the boundaries of place, time, and even species. In “The Under Graham Railroad,” a shrewd toy collector becomes obsessed with buying a rare train set from a hardworking minister who could seemingly care less about it. In “Mr. P and the Wind,” a zookeeper learns to speak to animals telepathically with disastrous results. And the Five Carat Soul Bottom Bone Band links a series of stories featuring troubled young musicians in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

A veteran journalist by training, McBride must have had countless interactions with and observations of people from all walks of life. Such is the only explanation for this book’s verisimilitude and versatility. The stories contained herein change from humorous to heartbreaking on a dime while avoiding the tonal schizophrenia that this eclecticism often invites. In “Blub,” the title character’s affections for the narrator’s sister come across as laughably awkward at first only to be reappraised as crushingly sincere when later reciprocated. “Mr. P and the Wind” begins with an intriguingly absurd premise – a condescending lion narrates his contempt for humanity whilst confined to a zoo – but evolves into an astute commentary on human nature. Some stories are more gripping than others – and “Mr. P” arguably runs too long while others feel truncated – but there really isn’t a dud in the bunch.

McBride’s mingling of the magical and the crushingly realistic definitely has the potential to test some readers’ patience, but there is no denying his knack for storytelling.

8/10

Detroit

In 1967 amid Detroit’s 12^th Street Riots, police officers led by Phil Krauss (Will Poulter) descend upon the Algiers Motel in response to shots supposedly fired their way. In their attempt to identify the shooter, they subject the motel’s occupants – a returning Vietnam War veteran (Anthony Mackie), members of an R&B band (Algee Smith and Jacob Lattimore), and two white girls (Hannah Murray and Kaitlyn Dever) – to increasingly abusive and terrifying interrogations. Melvin Dismukes (John Boyega), a security guard, is uncomfortably caught in the middle.

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark Boal (the team behind Zero Dark Thirty), Detroit is a polarizing film both in terms of its treatment of history and its creators’ stylistic and narrative choices. What it does well it does exceedingly well, but that strength comes at the expense of nearly all else.

As should come as no surprise for fans of Bigelow’s work (see The Hurt Locker), Detroit is an extremely tense film. The film’s long, brutal interrogation sequence is unflinching, unglamorous, and uninterrupted by either music (arguably a waste of James Newton Howard’s talents) or Hollywoodized false hope. It grabs audiences and makes them feel as uncomfortable as the beleaguered motel patrons, a relevant and resonant move given contemporary worries about police tactics.

Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of diminishing both character development and the film’s conclusion. Poulter stands out as a rabid, paranoid, violent cop who is nevertheless assured that he is in the right, but other actors aren’t given enough to work with – it’s hard to build layers of character when most of your screen time calls for you to either casually drink or look scared. Moreover, because the motel scenes take up so much of the film’s nearly two and a half hour run time, the aftermath, which is supposed to make us feel the repercussions of the damage done, instead comes across as almost an afterthought. It simply pales compared to the dramatic crescendo that preceded it.

All of this makes Detroit an ambitious, admirable, yet frustratingly flawed and not particularly likeable film. It’s worth watching for its intensity, but one wishes it had broadened its focus.

7.5/10

Fisher's Grille

Located at 608 N. Elm Street in the Fisher Park neighborhood of Greensboro, Fisher’s Grille serves American bar food for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Outdoor seating is available, food and drink specials change daily, and there is live blues on Tuesday nights.

Fisher’s is your classic neighborhood sports bar and a fairly good representation thereof. The menu is the expected mix of apps, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. However, the burgers can be had with nearly a dozen topping combinations and run a very reasonable $7.50 with a side included. A Cajun burger (provolone, mayo, onions, and peppers) and accompanying Cajun fries were both flavorful, well-seasoned, and served hot. A fried pickle starter was tasty but didn’t hold its batter.

My wife and I made the mistake of visiting toward the end of a Sip and Stroll event, so the establishment was absolutely slammed. This made for a loud meal in close confines, but that isn’t the norm. Even under these circumstances, the bartenders (it’s counter service only here) were fast, patient, and amicable.

Fisher’s is no threat to Greensboro’s upper burger echelon, but it’s still a reliable spot to grab a satisfying bite to eat.

7.5/10

ZC Hawaiian BBQ

Located at 2224 Golden Gate Dr. in Greensboro’s Golden Gate Shopping Center, ZC Hawaiian BBQ serves Hawaiian and pan-Asian cuisine for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Bulk orders, takeout carrying, and health-conscious options are available.

Sometimes, being the only game in town is both a blessing and a curse. The lack of competition grants a measure of protection, but the expectations to “get it right” are that much higher. So it goes with ZC, Greenboro’s sole Hawaiian eatery. Those who have had Hawaiian elsewhere will likely be underwhelmed, but ZC still serves a need for the area adequately if not impressively.

The Z in ZC stands for owner Benny Zeng, a Chinese restaurant veteran who opened the eatery with his family about two years ago. The staff here are friendly, and though the restaurant is more colorful than most, it still exudes a casual, Chinese takeout vibe.

The menu, on the other hand, goes far beyond typical. Saimin (Hawaiian ramen), musubi (a cooked sushi variant), rice-and-vegetable bowls with various toppings, and combination platters join about two dozen versions of the Hawaiian lunch plate. Sandwiches and sides round out the impressive list of offerings.

For a takeout order, I went with a BBQ Mix (chicken, beef, and short ribs), a Seafood Combo (fried fish, fried shrimp, and chicken katsu), and a few manapua (pork steamed buns). The food was prepared on-time and still warm by the time I made it home. So far, so good. Unfortunately, the meal itself proved to be a decidedly mixed experience. The meats were seasoned well, but they were overcooked. The chicken katsu in particular was quite chewy and dry. There were also very few accompanying vegetables. On the other hand, the sides of macaroni salad were a welcome addition, and the sauces provided complemented the dishes nicely.

While ZC’s quality is less-than-stellar, it is a great bargain. Lunch plates can be had for as little as $6, and my combination platters were both under $10 apiece. You get plenty of food for your money, too: the two platters easily yielded four meals.

Though I would be hesitant to repeat my order, given the sheer number of dishes available, I will likely give ZC another try in the future. Despite its flaws, it is cheap, abundant, and far more interesting than the average Asian takeout joint.

7.25/10

Pedro's Taco Shop

Located at 948 Walker Ave. in the College Hill neighborhood of Greensboro, Pedro’s Taco Shop serves tacos and other Mexican fare for lunch and dinner seven days a week. There is a full bar, margaritas are $1.99 on Thursdays, and gringo-style tacos are 99 cents on Tuesdays.

The corner of Walker and Tate has been home to a succession of bad Mexican restaurants over the years, but there was hope that Pedro’s would be an improvement over its predecessors. Reviews were positive, and the menu offers more than the same predictable Tex-Mex offerings. While the food is a step in the right direction, Pedro’s still has a ways to go in other areas.

First, the good: the brightly colored décor gives Pedro’s a beach casual ambiance, and the food selection is commendable. While you can find the standard burritos and fajitas and whatnot here, Pedro’s also offers enticing apps (elote dip, carne asada fries), build your own salad bowls for the health-conscious, and authentic-style tacos with a variety of fillings.

For our first visit, my wife and I split the elote dip and went with three tacos apiece. The dip – a dressed-up queso with corn – was addictively good, and the accompanying chips were fresh. The tacos were not among the best in town, but they were more enjoyable than not. The carne asada was well-seasoned, the shrimp came with a delicious sauce, and the chorizo was appropriately spicy. While the pastor had the right flavor profile, the meat was disappointingly dry. Accompanying rice and beans were strictly run-of-the-mill.

Given the number of UNCG students this place must attract, it is not surprising that prices are fairly low. Our dip and chips ran about $5 while any three tacos with rice and beans came out to $9. You will get your money’s worth eating here.

Service, on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired. My wife and I visited shortly after 7 p.m. on a Sunday, and the restaurant was mostly empty. Our server was accommodating at first, but toward the end of the meal, a handful of patrons congregated at the bar, she went on bartending duty, and we were promptly forgotten. Cue awkward waiting and another server who seemed peeved when we asked him about our check. Staff could also be overheard arguing loudly with one another in Spanish.

Were I still living on Tate Street, I would be more inclined to overlook these issues. Indeed, for College Hill residents – and especially the carless among them – the prospect of mostly tasty cheap eats can be enough to offset possible staff mismanagement. But for those who aren’t limited to the neighborhood, El Mercadito and El Azteca are both better options for your taco fix.

7/10

Positano Italian Family Restaurant & Pizzeria

Located at 2605 Lawndale Dr. in Greensboro (with a second location in Asheboro), Positano serves Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. There is a full bar and a wine list featuring Italian whites and reds.

Greensboro has quite a few restaurants that are frustrating not because they are terrible but because they have the potential to be so much better. Some look great on paper, but their exciting concepts are offset by mismanagement or inconsistent execution. Some have impeccable service but only mediocre food. In the case of Positano, the food is tasty and the ambiance is appealing, but the other aspects of the dining experience leave room for improvement.

Housed toward the end of a shopping plaza, Positano is fairly spacious. The brick and wood décor add touches of old-world class, and the restaurant is well-lit. This is a comfortable place to settle in for a meal.

The menu features much of what you would expect, which is to say pasta dishes (baked or create your own), pizza, veal, seafood, soups, salads, and apps. Positano also offers half or whole rotisserie chickens, but that is about the biggest departure from convention that you will find.

Of course, there is no shame in sticking to the tried and true if you can do it well, and for the most part, Positano’s kitchen is on top of its game. My wife and I shared a fried zucchini starter followed by lasagna and seafood alla positano, respectively. The zucchini was cut like shoestring fries, and the batter did not cling very well, but the taste left no complaint. Positano’s lasagna adds salami, ham, and eggs to the standard beef/mozzarella/ricotta/tomato sauce composition. The sauce is a bit on the sweet side, but the dense dish is satisfying. The seafood alla positano was billed as shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, and scallops in a pink sauce over your choice of noodle (I went with linguini), and it came as advertised. The sauce was savory without overwhelming the palate, and the ratio of seafood to pasta left no complaint.

Unfortunately, not everything here is up to the standards of the food. Our server was not rude, but he definitely seemed to just be going through the motions. Wait times for food were moderate, and that was with the restaurant far from capacity. Perhaps the biggest gripe here is the relative lack of value. On its face, Positano’s pricing is reasonable: $10 for our app, $14 for the lasagna, and $20 for the seafood dish. However, the lasagna ran on the small side, and neither entree came with salads (a $3 addition, if you are so inclined).

Even with these annoyances, Positano is a solid mid-tier Italian option. If you want to be blown away, save up for Osteria. If you don’t mind overpaying for competently executed renditions of classics, you could do worse than here.

7.5/10