Here at FC HQ, theorizing the infinite combinations in Infinity War has whipped our offices into complete chaos. And with parallel story lines intersecting all over the galaxy, how, in the name of Blaise Pascal, can a watchable film be the product? But, gasp, this film defies the math.

From the go, the futility of The Avengers in the face of Thanos (Brolin) is cocooned in the fantastic villainry of Ebony Maw (Vaghan-Lawlor) whose intelligence and metaphysical mastery are visually stunning and the perfect complement to his arrogant condescension. The new, and humorous, Thor (Hemsworth) paired with the Guardians forces Quill (Pratt) to summon his machismo but our eye was fixed to the gadgetry and hilarity of Rocket (Cooper) as he internalizes Thor’s species knowledge deficiencies.

Even more alluring is Stark (Downey Jr.) settling into his best performance in the entire series. Our tenured and quippy hero refreshingly folds into a practical leader rather than a bogarter of scenes as he rears one of our favorites, Parker (Holland), through the Avenger ranks.

It’s a wild ride through galaxy but we aren’t Chris Tucker-ed and unaware of what just hit us. This Avengers installment captures 4.1 infinity napkins out of 5.