Our Thoughts On Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron!

Avengers254ecd2d63863f

Hey All!

Semi Spoiler alert to those who have not seen the film. Marvel’s Avengers Age of Ultron is the sequel to the blockbuster film Marvel’s The Avengers and the eleventh film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Written and directed by Joss Whedon (Writer and Director of the first Marvel’s Avengers film) Age of Ultron definitely fits as the second chapter in the Avenger’s story as a team. Whereas in the first film we saw a group of heroes overcome their differences to become more than the sum of their parts, this film has them functioning as a team right out the gate.

Joss Whedon continues to succeed in giving every character an equal amount of screen time and story. The trick, as shown in the film, is to continue each character’s individual story.

Avengers253d1a1bcebbe6

Iron Man, Captain America and Thor not only have their character arcs continued from their respective films but seeds are planted that will clearly grow throughout Phase 3. Characters who do not have their own series (Black Widow, Hawkeye and Hulk) have their individual stories and this film also allows us to see into their lives. New comers to the franchise are Pietro Maximoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Kick-Ass), his sister Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen, Martha Marcy May Marlene) and the villain of the story Ultron (James Spader, The Black List). Though this is the introduction to these characters, they are also given fully realized arcs that mesh well within the whole of the story. Finally, The Vision is brought to life by Paul Bettany (the voice of JARVIS from every other Iron Man film). Also making appearances are returning characters but discovering which characters and how they fit into the story is part of the fun.

Avengers2551d8c31cda95

Without spoiling anything, the story is that The Avengers are dismantling HYDRA and the end of their missions is nearing with one of them having bigger plans. Tony Stark, still recovering from his interplanetary wormhole experience from the first Avenger’s film, wants the world to be prepared and wants to make “an armor around the world.” This armor is the artificial intelligence which takes the name Ultron. Naturally, in true comic book fashion, everything goes to hell and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes must assemble to take down Ultron while also facing their greatest fears.

Avengers254d1158022f16

What makes Age of Ultron an excellent second chapter in the Avenger’s saga is how the film not only has a current threat in Ultron, but looming threats that are revealed when each Avenger is shown their own greatest fears. These fears not only show us the next stage for the characters, but also gives us insight as to why they still do what they do. Steve Rogers and Tony Stark have a conversation in which Stark informs his plans are leading to everyone to retire from a life of danger to which Rogers replies that may not be what he wants anymore. This progression of character in all of our heroes is what makes the entirety of the Marvel Cinematic Universe feel like one large film.

Avengers253d1a201d44a7

To accompany the intimate storytelling is of course big action and set pieces worthy of a Marvel epic and the fun dialogue to which we have now grown accustomed. Though the Avengers are clearly a well-functioning team, they still have their fun jabs at each other. There are two running gags in particular that are a lot fun; one involving Cap commenting on bad language and the other regarding Thor’s hammer. Hawkeye has been given some of the best lines which are not only funny but poignant, especially a line about taking on an army of robots with a bow and arrow. James Spader should be lauded with praise for making Ultron such a wonderful mix of machine logic and human emotion. His performance shows how worthy a threat he can be to the Avengers.

Avengers254ee32585e5e1

Joss Whedon promised a different kind of film from the first Avengers and he delivered not only that, but something that fits perfectly in the big scheme of the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

We enjoyed it immensely and you will too! Counting down to Phase 3!

Marvel’s AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON is in theaters now!

For more info…

Like THE AVENGERS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avengers

Follow THE AVENGERS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/avengers

Visit the official website: http://marvel.com/avengers

 

Comments