REVIEW: Marvel’s AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON REVIEW – (Disclaimer: this review has mild spoilers, but no plot reveals.)

Like everybody else on this planet, I have been anticipating this moment ever since the superhero team assembled back in 2012. Now 3 years later, we have arrived at the end of Phase Two in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe with Avengers: Age of Ultron.

The upcoming superhero sequel pits the Avengers against Tony Stark’s newest creation: Ultron. Initially, the self-aware A.I. does its job assessing threats and sending Stark’s drones to deal with the bad guys, while he and his partners take a break from the action. However, as Ultron begins to learn and adapt, it realizes that humans are the reason for all of the world’s problems. With a super-powerful being targeting humans for extermination, it’s up to the Avengers to save the world again.

Simply put, the sequel is over two hours of non-stop entertainment. With plenty of hammer-throwing, Hulk-smashing, shield-bouncing, and energy-blasting, the film has all the action you’d want to see in an Avengers movie, plus more. However, it all seems too predictable. While that isn’t necessarily bad, the first Avengers movie had surprising moments, such as Bruce Banner’s “I’m always angry” transformation or Hulk banging Loki around like a rag doll. Beyond that, Age of Ultron is filled with action with interesting additions and an eccentric villain.

Steering away from their comic book origins, Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), although never mentioned by their superhero names, are portrayed as twins who’ve gained extraordinary powers after a Hydra experiment. Given their previous collaboration on 2014’s Godzilla in which they played husband and wife, the actors show great chemistry, but Olsen needs a bit more practice with her Eastern European accent.

What I particularly enjoyed was that all the members seem to get equal screen time, especially Jeremy Renner‘s Hawkeye. Always known as the “weakest link” of the group, Hawkeye finally gets the spotlight when the film dives into his private life. We also catch a glimpse into the past lives of several other members including Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), continuing their character developments.

Departing from the overused New York City location, the film takes place in various spots over the world, including South Korea and South Africa. We also meet new characters in each of those countries, but it never feels like there are too many to keep track of.

James Spader‘s Ultron was….unique. With an A.I. evolving into a destructive “murderbot,” you’d expect a more robotic character, but instead, we get a philosophical, snide, and even humorous villain. Loki is still Marvel’s best villain yet, but Ultron’s overpowered abilities and condescending remarks make him a contender.

Although the film is predictable and lacks a real sense of danger for the Avengers, it is still amazing. As a fan of these comic book characters and the charismatic cast, I am extremely satisfied with this sequel. When I watch a superhero movie, I am expecting epic action with plenty of fan service, and that is exactly what I got. I knew minutes into the film that I would be back for a second or third viewing. If you’re looking for an existential experience, go read a book. If you’re looking for a hugely enjoyable time at the movies, this is it.

(NOTE: There is a mid-credits scene, but no after credits scene.)

Avengers: Age of Ultron is directed by Joss Whedon and stars Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Paul Bettany, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Don Cheadle, Hayley Atwell, Thomas Kretschmann, Claudia Kim, and Cobie Smulders.

PLOT: As the US Government create a force, known as Ultron, The Avengers are told they are not needed any longer. But when Ultron turns against Humanity, it’s time for The Avengers to assemble yet again for their most dangerous challenge ever.

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