Avengers: Age of Ultron

It's crazy to think that we are here...the sequel to one of the biggest films ever, The Avengers, and the essential mid-way point for what appears to be this Marvel universe's end game: 

The Avengers: Age of Ultron

Marvel has no doubt revolutionized, and basically defined, what it means to have an extended universe. Between their phenomenal critical and commercial success with their films and their slightly-less-successful venture into TV (although Netflix's Daredevil was pretty great), they have an intricate weaving epic storyline here filled to the brim with characters we love, enemies we hate, and plot lines to wrap up. 

The previous Avengers was nothing short of a comic book film classic. It was fun, very funny, action packed, and marked a HUGE event for the Marvel universe with the attack on New York City. Since then, a lot has happened in this universe and Marvel is coming off a remarkable 2014 with what some would argue are their best two films to date, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy both of which I adored. Ultron not only had a lot of hype and expectations riding on it from the previous Avengers, but also the seemingly constantly-improving track record that Marvel is miraculously able to pull off. 

So, as with all huge blockbusters: did it deliver?

It did. It did in spades. 

"Ah...ah...ah I think I pulled my groin."
Suck it up Cap!

Ultron is so high right now...

But, there is a slight asterisk (*) to that statement. As fun, funny, and crowd-pleasing as Ultron is, it also has some issues. Before I heap tons of praise onto the film, I'll start with what I didn't like. First and foremost, it's clear that Joss Whedon had a lot on his plate with this film, as he has been constantly complaining about in interviews recently (seriously Joss, we get it). The film "plops" us into an action sequence and tries to explain a lot of things as it goes along. It mostly does that well, but it's also clear that Joss' initial 3-hour cut of the film had more details to divulge. Throughout there are moments that are glossed over (Thor's detour comes immediately to mind) and character motives switch on a dime (the twins' come immediately to mind). By the time it's all said and done, Ultron feels very much like a placeholder film, as great as it is, seeing as how this is our first introduction to the main villain. It sets up the future Infinity Wars somewhat, but when I ask, "How does this affect the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe?" I'm not sure the answer is as big as one would hope for a big-event film like this. I don't want to give anything away, no matter how obvious it may be, but I feel like the relative footprint of this Avengers is significantly smaller than the other. So, other than some pacing and plot significance issues, I truly don't have too much more to complain about. I'd say that those are somewhat "big" issues, but their effect is not severe enough to drastically suck away the enjoyment of the film itself. 

Quicksilver just checkin out his sister's
butt real quick

For those that have been living under the world's largest rock, Ultron basically boils down to: Tony Stark discovers/invents artificial intelligence and it has bad consequences. Given that Marvel has so much to do in outer space now (and will in the future) you may be able to see how the detour to AI is a bit odd. The film has its reasons (again, I won't spoil it) but it does detract a bit from the bigger MCU picture. But on paper, Ultron is as brilliantly simple as the first Avengers with many different sub-layers of context for those who are paying attention. I won't delve into each one, but many of them are brought to light by one of the new players, Scarlet Witch, who makes each character see their fears, memories, etc. Some are better than others (again, Thor's is poorly explained and implemented) but they help to give us context for each character. Her brother, Quicksilver, is also new (for those wondering, Days of Future Past's Quicksilver was superior...though that's not to say Ultron's is "bad" by any means) and the twins add value to the growing roster and are fun new additions once they finally choose sides. Other than them though, the whole crew is back and just as good as before. They may be more cohesive this time, but the quips and one-liners are still there (with Hawkeye having a few dead-pan gems) and I would say the film is just as funny as the first Avengers. What it does better is characterization, particularly for the two lesser-talked-about members, Hawkeye and Black Widow. We learn a lot about them in this film and I really appreciated the well-done effort to make them more of a focus this time over the "gods" that we have come to know so well because of their solo films. On top of being funny and quick, Whedon's script is heartfelt and it humanizes many of it's characters in a way that Marvel has gotten so good at accomplishing. 

Hawkeye! Look out! ZOMG!

That poor, poor, poor Toyota Corolla

The nearly 2.5 hour film has small lulls but it feels like it is mostly action. And while the original Avenger's action was superb, I truly found most of the action beats in the film to be the finest Marvel has ever produced. I personally never really felt fatigued by it all and I was having a blast. Again, this is kudos to Whedon's direction for breaking up the destruction and mayhem with small one-liners, character moments, or even couple minute breaks to show what other teammates are up to. It's all very well-edited with limited shaky cam, some great slow-mo, and some expert tracking shots. The action is supported by industry-best special effects that continue to blow me away and some great 3D (I'd highly recommend IMAX 3D...this film is worth it). I would add that, despite the ridiculous (and unnecessary) amount of footage that Disney/Marvel has released pre-film, a lot of the best bits go unspoiled by trailers and in this day and age I can really appreciate that. 

Truly, I could go on and on about Age of Ultron. It's a fascinating exit film for Whedon from the Marvel universe, and I still find it hard to believe that we are now at the "beginning of the end". Like many middle films in planned trilogies, this one sometimes feels like the bridging-the-gap film and I still question it's overall significance/impact to the greater MCU other than it's set-up moments. But other than those gripes, Avengers: Age of Ultron is one of the best Marvel films to date. 

Nerdgasm commence in 5...4...3...2...1!

It's tons of fun, consistently hilarious, features some awesome action, strong characterization and most importantly? 

It's got me eagerly anticipating Phase 3. 

Damn you, Marvel. You're like a drug. 

CONS:

• Ultron is a good villain, one of Marvel's best, but he is created within the film. That means his motives are rushed and he seems like a one-and-done villain as a result
• The twins motives change on a dime
• Thor's side quest is poorly implemented
• Some pacing issues
• I question the severity and long-lasting impact of this huge-event film. It doesn't seem as significant as one would hope it is
• Succumbs to the "middle child" syndrome of trilogies at times

PROS:

• Whedon's direction is strong, despite his complaining in recent weeks. I'd love to see the director's cut
• The characterization this time around is pretty fantastic for several characters and the focus on Black Widow and Hawkeye was well thought out and the script really supports humanizing these characters
• Speaking of script, it's just as funny this time as it was in the first film
• Incredible special effects. Some of the best I've ever seen
• James Spader as Ultron may have not been revolutionary, but he was a very strong villain
• Features some of the best action beats out of all 11 films...thankfully mostly unspoiled from trailers
• The action is never "too much" as it's broken up and edited phenomenally
• The Vision
• Great in IMAX 3D
• Tons of fun from beginning to end with several, fantastic, fan service moments
• Has me eagerly anticipating the next Marvel films 

Rath's Review Score: 9/10