4.29.2015

Avengers: Age of Ultron - Review

PG-13  |   |Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Review - Matt Mungle - @themungle

Go see this movie. The end. Just kidding, although that would be a sufficient review of this 2nd outing in the Avengers films. This is the type of movie that makes going to the theater fun. Fans of the Marvel Universe and these characters are already in line, and those who do not know that Thor carries a hammer could not care less. So a review may just seem like a formality.

This one starts with the Avengers on one last mission (they hope) to finish the craziness that happened in the last one. They just want to get the scepter that Loki left behind, return it to Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and then enjoy some peace and quiet. But when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) uncovers a dormant entity he tries to revive it; hoping it will bring safety to the world. But instead it becomes Ultron (James Spader-Voice), a killing machine hell-bent on destroying all mankind. Gotta hate when that happens. The Avengers have to once again join forces to overthrow what could be their most powerful adversary to date. 

If you are a fan of the first Avengers flick you will love this one even more. It is often hard to recapture the magic of a film but this one seems to do it with ease. One reason might be the cast of characters you have to play with. Each one is so dynamic with their own unique brand of wit and humor. This allows for not only creative dialogue but well written inner struggles. And it does so without recycling any of the previous gags or scenarios. The Avengers have to work together but often they butt heads on issues due to personal beliefs and conflicts. This keeps the script fresh as well as giving the super heroes a more human persona. 

The acting is also solid. Everyone seems to embrace their character and not shy away or become self-conscious about the role. They truly live and breathe the costume and power. Fans of Spader, especially if you watch The Blacklist, will enjoy hearing him give voice to Ultron. Even the movements of the robotic character are noticeably Spader. Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson also join the action in this one as Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver; Russian twins who want to see Stark taken down. Want a more gentler and passionate Avenger? This one even takes the time to give us a bit of that too. Not to spoil it but I think there might be bit of romance in the air for a couple of our warriors. 

But all that means nothing if there is not wall to wall action and structural destruction. Rest easy it is there. Over 2 hours’ worth. The fight scenes are superbly choreographed and enhanced by each Avengers talent. They all get equal billing and no matter which one you call your favorite you will get a good dose of them. Even Jarvis gets a bit of limelight in this one, which those who read the comics are certainly well aware of. All this makes AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON a perfectly balanced sci-fi action flick. 

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action, violence and destruction, and for some suggestive comments. Stark has a bit of a rude wit about him and though it isn't anything vulgar he gets an off colored remark in here and there. The rest of the film is nothing out of the norm. Lots of fighting and saving humans from certain doom. If you kids were a bit too young for the first one then maybe see it now before watching this one. It is in the wheel house for those 13 and older and you will find little to be bothered or worried about. I give it 4 out 5 punches. Hard to give a perfect rating to a film that is over 2 hours long. It moves with a nice pace but could have been trimmed a bit.



1 comment:

Dan O. said...

Had fun. However, the whole superhero craze is starting to feel a tad bit repetitive. Nice review.