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The Story
In 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' we see the otherwise self-conscious and benevolent super genius Tony Stark, truly put the world in danger, when in an attempt to create a revolutionary peace program accidentally let loose an uncontrollable and non-physical force of some kind, which is much bigger and stronger than one can imagine. It is a force driven by a form of artificial intelligence that goes by the name of "The Ultron Project", which makes it possible for this peculiar project to disappear in and out of confidential files and life changing secrets. The problem is that this project didn’t end up in the hands of Tony Stark because of some kind of accidental happening, and Stark has instead awarded the "Ultron" with a destructive power against our dearest super group, which can not only end up as the fatal end for our good-hearted group of super humans, but also the end of all human existence, as we know it ... We have reached a new age, the Age of Ultron.
Despite the phenomenal sense of awesomeness, which the ultramodern supertitle provides you with, it isn’t exactly an entirely new phenomenon to see the constantly evolving technology improve to such an extent, that we are eventually overtaken by its space-age mega-steps – or should you perhaps say impulsive megabits – until we eventually are completely indefensible against a force that can both think, act and move faster than any living and breathing life form. But of course, this doesn’t mean that an idea like this have to be a boring get-together, playing the same strings as always, because ironically, as Ultron himself puts it, he has no strings attached at all. We have previously seen some extremely interesting varied versions of the same old story, but the question is whether the sequel to 'The Avengers' manages to do the same, and actually renew the storyline to the extent of story-wise evolution… In short, the answer is simply no. For the advantage of ‘The Avengers’ in follow-up form, you can, in turn, mention the fact that there are only so many ways to make a film of sky-high epic proportions, which simply have to reflect something as broad and universally destructive as the definitive end of the world. It is understandable that Marvel's answer to the ultimate superhero franchise, will have to come up with an antagonistic force strong enough to be a real threat to all the superheroes on earth. Still, I sort of miss a super villain who is capable of attacking the entire team from more creative angles, and putting the world out of the game in other ways than to create a global mass destruction. I guess you could say that Scarlet Witch gave us a little indication of a mental intruder playing mind games with our super squad, but it never seemed as if the complete potential of this battle strategy was fully exploited.
But all this continuous shortcutting of potentially interesting directions this sequel could have taken, seem to not really come from the lack of talent or focus, but simply the lack of basic control. I feel like Joss Whedon has had his hands tied together during most of the production, and judging from various interviews and comments from the man himself, it doesn’t seem that far from the truth at all. Having an original cut of more than three hours, it shouldn’t be any surprise that cutting down the film to what would eventually be two hours and twenty-two minutes was going to feel jumbled. It was evident that the film needed to be cut down eventually, but when the studio contradicts itself by forcing every Marvel picture, which is part of the crosscutting cinematic universe, to also push several side stories and side characters into the plot, you just know that it is going to be a messy affair. Usually I wouldn’t care much for a quick glimpse of some upcoming entries in the MCU, but what I find to be a major problem is when Marvel doesn’t just want to add to the film, but also take away from it. When deleting a few delusive scenes here and there I won’t batch an eye, but when they choose to cut down on important plot points in the central story, I become rather annoyed. For example when Ultron is first introduced into the film, it happens so quick that you just got to accept the fact that he is suddenly there. First we see him going through the software subconscious of both online information and activities, as well as Stark’s personal assistant, Jarvis, and his programmed line of thoughts, which Ultron eventually messes with to gain ultimate control. But enough of that, after we see him as a mechanic mess walking and talking like someone who wants control but has yet to gain it, it all seems rather natural and straight-forward. But literally a split second after this slow-building introduction, we quick-cut to a shot of Ultron sitting in a church, fully equipped down to every last single metal-made piece of armor. But there is absolutely no explanation of how he got there, why he is there, or how he ended up looking like that. You definitely feel like a good chunk of metallic backbone was missing from Ultron’s backstory, which would further increase our interest for this character, had he been developed properly.
But after all, though you always say that each film is only as good as its villain, it is not all about Ultron and it isn’t him who is single-handedly spinning the film out of control. Of course, there is also the main approach and the overall story, which holds all the smaller pieces together. In reality, 'Age of Ultron' basically consists of a story so incredibly similar to its predecessor, that you don’t really feel there is much new under the sun in this area – except for a metaphorical eclipse, meaning that this sequel certainly possesses a much darker tone than we have previously been exposed to. But looking at the general picture, it still comes down to how our heroes must fight against some kind of inhuman objects, conducted by an antagonist whose power comes from the so-called "Chitauri scepter" (Loki's wand) and ultimately wishes to have the whole human existence to disappear from the surface of the earth... Looking at this statement alone, it is exactly like the first film. So of course, there is definitely room for improvements and innovations in this part of the story, but it doesn’t change the fact that Ultron is a pretty great villain, in my opinion. Maybe not purely as a written character with an impressive and refreshing drive – because he doesn’t quite reach those highs – but when veteran actor, James Spader, brings the character to life, there is no doubt just how intrusive and intimidating he actually appears on the big screen. Furthermore, on yet another positive note, the overall narrative in 'Age of Ultron' feels a bit more coherent than in the first, wherein it seemed mostly like an assembly scenes and superheroes strung together in a single feature film, which made it seem incredibly inconsistent on the whole, but worked quite well as individual scenes and action-heavy situations. There is a bit of the same feeling to find here, in the sequel, but in turn the scenes acts more transitional and a bit more natural, and the villain Ultron, appears to be a lot more dominant and taken matters into his own hands more often, than the passive puppetry Loki did in the first film. So just as Ultron himself so perfectly puts it: "There are no strings on me." Right you are, Sir Ultron!
But it must also be said, that despite the fact that I think it is entirely appropriate to comment on the story in the film – as it always is the fundamental element in every film, however you might choose to look at it – I definitely also understand, that even in the most successful superhero movies, it is primarily the characters who need to blind its audience with distinctive and unique personalities as well as inventive character interactions between them on an amusing dialogue-basis – and they do indeed in this film! What ultimately made the first one succeed as well as it did, was this strangely uneven and nevertheless truly amazing chemistry between the wide-ranging collection of characters, which fills up the screen with that awesome avenging team, which we have come to love. This element is certainly one of the stronger ones here, and when it truly succeeds, it is absolutely fantastic to look at and listen to, and when it doesn’t, it can feel a little too painfully strenuous at times. It definitely works the best when the characters, for once, find some time in their busy schedule of fighting evil forces, to actually portray these characters as the normal human beings they arguably also are, and just let themselves go, while flowing seamlessly along with all the funny incidents. In particular, I refer to what is arguably the best scene in the entire film, actually, where all the characters test their worthiness by trying to lift the incredibly heavy hammer of the almighty, Thor. Despite generally hitting its mark, except a few assembly jokes and “dead on arrival” one-liners down the line, the film almost acts as a parody of itself from time to time, which can throw you off on occasion. Especially because the darker tone they went for doesn’t always mix with the lighter humor…
But of course, it is perfectly understandable that when the team is on a frantic mission – which, by the way, contains the wildest action-expansive-extravaganza as of yet – there is simply not enough time to do any crisscrossing chitchat without unwillingly exposing themselves to even greater dangers than necessary. Therefore, it is at this point in time, where the well-known and typical one-liners get rushed onto this visual all-you-can-eat buffet, full of endless servings of action deliciousness, and pure and simple eye candy ad libitum. This also means that these fast individual sentences either works or they don’t. Fortunately, it is mainly during the opening’s accelerated action sequence – which perhaps stands as the heaviest and most confusing nuisance throughout the entire film – where all the semi-finished and semi-funny one-liners are being blazed onto the screen, preferably at a speed, which is even faster and almost more fuzzy than the manner in which the scenes themselves are handled. Granted, there are definitely a very cool long-take and some interesting angles within these first few minutes, but if you ask me, director Joss Whedon manages to showcase virtually all the evidence needed to prove just how tiring and exhausting modern action movies can be. You add a fair share of slow-motion, which is then thrown into a coalescing and color-crowded computer-generated-chaos, and lastly, thereto added the above-mentioned one-liners, simply to top off the creamy finish with even more cream. As I was sitting there in my seat witnessing this expansive and explosive mess, I truly wanted to get captured by it, but in the end, I felt more like I was being held hostage. Like I was living out a scene from ‘A Clockwork Orange’ my eyes were unwillingly wide-open, to this die-hard/try-hard attempt at a true crowd-pleaser, wherein every trick in the book was used, in the hope that the “wow factor” would blow people out of the theater… I wish…
A very typical technique such as the one above could definitely work to great success, but when the film seems so completely out of control as it does in the beginning, then it all just feels shockingly bad and boring to be a part of – even if empty-headed action-freaks will say it differently. And since the film is constantly looking for an entertainment level, which is so sky-high that it almost struggles to keep up with itself on several occasions, you can clearly see how the director has been looking desperately for more interesting and inventive ways to create mass-destruction. Fortunately, though, the darker tone succeeds in making some of the more dramatic scenes appear stronger and more effective, since they don’t try to downplay it all too much, which is obviously a positive thing. And despite how cliché the story of "Beauty and the Beast" has become over time, it works quite well here, when building a complex relationship between Natasha Romanoff and Bruce Banner. It is certainly a far more dignified attempt, than the forced sentimental scene that gets thrown into the movie within the big climax, which suddenly also assigns some meaning to the two very misplaced elements in the film... But when all this is said and done, I am sure that fans of the first film will love 'Age of Ultron', since it isn’t too far from the style and atmosphere that characterized and graced the first movie.
The Acting
I don’t think it is particularly necessary to spend too much time discussing all the likable recurring acquaintances from our favorite team of heroes. Every actor does a great job with their respective superhero character, but there is no doubt how much Robert Downey Jr. obviously overshadows all the others – both as Iron Man and especially as Tony Stark! A somewhat unappreciated character in my opinion, is the almighty Thor, which, considering how much he stands out from the others, is absolutely fantastic when he babbles away with a good ol’ ancient argot. Occasionally, this type of Norse nonsense seems so far out of place, that it honestly can’t feel more perfect. If there is one person in this entire universe, who can deliver such short and yet so fantastically funny one-liners, it's Chris Hemsworth as Thor. In addition, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner is still the best to play the role so far, while Paul Bettany as Jarvis is allowed to unfold his acting to a greater extent than previously seen… And of course, as I mentioned earlier James Spader is absolutely phenomenal as the predominant power, Ultron!
When it comes to the more negative aspects of acting, the additions of the two X-Men characters seem rather sluggish in its execution. Wearing stupid and laughable jogging suits while speaking with an embarrassing Russian accent, their respective roles in the film seems quite unimportant compared the story the director wants to tell. It honestly seems so forced how they are just crammed in there for the sake of it. One could say, that they are pretty well written into the overall story, but if they come out the other side as a comfortable and important part of the plot is more doubtful. They are mostly put into use when there is something big happening, or when the director needs to cheaply and weakly utilize the characters, only to create some quick emotional investment towards the end – the end result is almost directly embarrassing if you ask me...
The Technical Aspect
If you like to have your superheroism served at full speed on the visual wonders, there is no doubt that 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' certainly brings that to your doorstep with some serious express delivery. Every little trick in the action handbook is applied here, and sometimes it is definitely impressive though maybe a little too overwhelming in a way, but there are definitely some imaginative details to be found here and there. Despite the fact that plenty of people will go absolutely nuts over these statements, I must say that I really don’t understand the condescending comments towards director Michael Bay, in relation to his very confusing and explosive computer-generated action scenes… They are most certainly also to be found here. Well of course, 'Avengers' somehow comes across as more elegant and controlled, and the characters are definitely developed much better too, but the action in 'Transformers' and 'Avengers' can easily be mistaken for one another, in my opinion. Not always, it must be said, but there are certainly some action-heavy sequences that could cross in and out between each universe, without anyone noticing a difference. Even more so it doesn’t help one bit, that the main story in 'Age of Ultron' involves intelligent robots invading the earth. Whether you are fan or foe of Michael Bay, the similarities are striking, no matter how much you try to deny it...
The Soundscape
In a not so surprising manner, there are plenty of goodies to find on the soundscape of 'Age of Ultron', and it is almost the most perfect opportunity to play with practically every conceivable element regarding sound-heavy senselessness. It rumbles and roars when the bass hits seats, it crackles and falls when glass facades are being broken into a thousands pieces, and lastly, everything is topped off with a genuine hero-infused soundtrack, that leaves the whole scenario with that familiar "epic feeling" that is almost a mandatory experience in a movie like this. Again, there is not much originality to find here, but that is exactly what you would expect from a movie like this; it pretty much goes all-in and make every sound system go on a run for its money, until your ears are experiencing something that feels like an inner-earthquake. It is brain-shakingly magnificent and exactly as it should be! Maybe a little rough at times, but it is certainly a great success within its genre.
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SHORT SUMMARY // 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' is a sequel, which in many ways plays the safe cards, but the combination of the darker and more menacing atmosphere, along with a villain who may be neither innovative in character or mindset, but in return is still a perfect execution of an otherwise old cliché. The story seems a bit tighter screwed together than its predecessor, but otherwise the similarities are many, and the parallels evident. That being said, I am sure that fans of the genre and of the first ‘Avengers’ film will be plenty happy with what 'Age of Ultron' has to offer.
FINAL RATING // -
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MovieMeditation presents...
— Movie Review —
Avengers: Age of Ultron
written and directed by Joss Whedon
______________________________________________
Avengers Assemble!
______________________________________________
The one man, who is probably best known as the real-life duplicate of Nick Fury, you know, the true mastermind behind 'The Avengers', has once again been responsible for obtaining and throwing together everyone's favorite superheroes, and let them fight side by side in this second magnificent battle to stop the complete destruction of the world as we know it...
Back in 2012, director Joss Whedon delivered what could practically be perceived as the perfect adrenaline-fueled super-kick to DC’s nuts (see what I almost did there?); especially for people with a penchant for muscle men in uniform and wonder women in clinging latex – or maybe it was simply the superhero recipe cooked to ultimate perfection, which eventually had the audience flying off to theatres around the world - but honestly though, it could be both. In many ways, the first ‘Avengers’ film played out as the ultimate superhero experience to date, not only representing the most sublime blockbuster of that very summer, but also possessed a spirit that attached itself honorably and firmly to the timeless illustrated roots of superhero culture.
In many ways, 'The Avengers' indicated a conclusive curtain call of super-powered proportions, which combined several years of previous individual adaptations, and therefore also acting as the largest and most action-packed chapter in Marvel villainous plan to take out any potential enemy during the huge blockbuster battle of the summer. Therefore, one could easily imagine that a sequel would be a tremendously difficult task to complete to perfection, as the level of the first film was already almighty and universally elevated into something that looked like the absolute breaking point for the genre; “Go until there, not further”, it intelligently implied. Is it in any way possible for the long awaited 'Age of Ultron' to break through the high standards of the first film, or will it just be a giant reproduction of a past success?
______________________________________________
— Movie Review —
Avengers: Age of Ultron
written and directed by Joss Whedon
______________________________________________
Avengers Assemble!
______________________________________________
The one man, who is probably best known as the real-life duplicate of Nick Fury, you know, the true mastermind behind 'The Avengers', has once again been responsible for obtaining and throwing together everyone's favorite superheroes, and let them fight side by side in this second magnificent battle to stop the complete destruction of the world as we know it...
Back in 2012, director Joss Whedon delivered what could practically be perceived as the perfect adrenaline-fueled super-kick to DC’s nuts (see what I almost did there?); especially for people with a penchant for muscle men in uniform and wonder women in clinging latex – or maybe it was simply the superhero recipe cooked to ultimate perfection, which eventually had the audience flying off to theatres around the world - but honestly though, it could be both. In many ways, the first ‘Avengers’ film played out as the ultimate superhero experience to date, not only representing the most sublime blockbuster of that very summer, but also possessed a spirit that attached itself honorably and firmly to the timeless illustrated roots of superhero culture.
In many ways, 'The Avengers' indicated a conclusive curtain call of super-powered proportions, which combined several years of previous individual adaptations, and therefore also acting as the largest and most action-packed chapter in Marvel villainous plan to take out any potential enemy during the huge blockbuster battle of the summer. Therefore, one could easily imagine that a sequel would be a tremendously difficult task to complete to perfection, as the level of the first film was already almighty and universally elevated into something that looked like the absolute breaking point for the genre; “Go until there, not further”, it intelligently implied. Is it in any way possible for the long awaited 'Age of Ultron' to break through the high standards of the first film, or will it just be a giant reproduction of a past success?
______________________________________________
The Story
In 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' we see the otherwise self-conscious and benevolent super genius Tony Stark, truly put the world in danger, when in an attempt to create a revolutionary peace program accidentally let loose an uncontrollable and non-physical force of some kind, which is much bigger and stronger than one can imagine. It is a force driven by a form of artificial intelligence that goes by the name of "The Ultron Project", which makes it possible for this peculiar project to disappear in and out of confidential files and life changing secrets. The problem is that this project didn’t end up in the hands of Tony Stark because of some kind of accidental happening, and Stark has instead awarded the "Ultron" with a destructive power against our dearest super group, which can not only end up as the fatal end for our good-hearted group of super humans, but also the end of all human existence, as we know it ... We have reached a new age, the Age of Ultron.
Despite the phenomenal sense of awesomeness, which the ultramodern supertitle provides you with, it isn’t exactly an entirely new phenomenon to see the constantly evolving technology improve to such an extent, that we are eventually overtaken by its space-age mega-steps – or should you perhaps say impulsive megabits – until we eventually are completely indefensible against a force that can both think, act and move faster than any living and breathing life form. But of course, this doesn’t mean that an idea like this have to be a boring get-together, playing the same strings as always, because ironically, as Ultron himself puts it, he has no strings attached at all. We have previously seen some extremely interesting varied versions of the same old story, but the question is whether the sequel to 'The Avengers' manages to do the same, and actually renew the storyline to the extent of story-wise evolution… In short, the answer is simply no. For the advantage of ‘The Avengers’ in follow-up form, you can, in turn, mention the fact that there are only so many ways to make a film of sky-high epic proportions, which simply have to reflect something as broad and universally destructive as the definitive end of the world. It is understandable that Marvel's answer to the ultimate superhero franchise, will have to come up with an antagonistic force strong enough to be a real threat to all the superheroes on earth. Still, I sort of miss a super villain who is capable of attacking the entire team from more creative angles, and putting the world out of the game in other ways than to create a global mass destruction. I guess you could say that Scarlet Witch gave us a little indication of a mental intruder playing mind games with our super squad, but it never seemed as if the complete potential of this battle strategy was fully exploited.
But all this continuous shortcutting of potentially interesting directions this sequel could have taken, seem to not really come from the lack of talent or focus, but simply the lack of basic control. I feel like Joss Whedon has had his hands tied together during most of the production, and judging from various interviews and comments from the man himself, it doesn’t seem that far from the truth at all. Having an original cut of more than three hours, it shouldn’t be any surprise that cutting down the film to what would eventually be two hours and twenty-two minutes was going to feel jumbled. It was evident that the film needed to be cut down eventually, but when the studio contradicts itself by forcing every Marvel picture, which is part of the crosscutting cinematic universe, to also push several side stories and side characters into the plot, you just know that it is going to be a messy affair. Usually I wouldn’t care much for a quick glimpse of some upcoming entries in the MCU, but what I find to be a major problem is when Marvel doesn’t just want to add to the film, but also take away from it. When deleting a few delusive scenes here and there I won’t batch an eye, but when they choose to cut down on important plot points in the central story, I become rather annoyed. For example when Ultron is first introduced into the film, it happens so quick that you just got to accept the fact that he is suddenly there. First we see him going through the software subconscious of both online information and activities, as well as Stark’s personal assistant, Jarvis, and his programmed line of thoughts, which Ultron eventually messes with to gain ultimate control. But enough of that, after we see him as a mechanic mess walking and talking like someone who wants control but has yet to gain it, it all seems rather natural and straight-forward. But literally a split second after this slow-building introduction, we quick-cut to a shot of Ultron sitting in a church, fully equipped down to every last single metal-made piece of armor. But there is absolutely no explanation of how he got there, why he is there, or how he ended up looking like that. You definitely feel like a good chunk of metallic backbone was missing from Ultron’s backstory, which would further increase our interest for this character, had he been developed properly.
But after all, though you always say that each film is only as good as its villain, it is not all about Ultron and it isn’t him who is single-handedly spinning the film out of control. Of course, there is also the main approach and the overall story, which holds all the smaller pieces together. In reality, 'Age of Ultron' basically consists of a story so incredibly similar to its predecessor, that you don’t really feel there is much new under the sun in this area – except for a metaphorical eclipse, meaning that this sequel certainly possesses a much darker tone than we have previously been exposed to. But looking at the general picture, it still comes down to how our heroes must fight against some kind of inhuman objects, conducted by an antagonist whose power comes from the so-called "Chitauri scepter" (Loki's wand) and ultimately wishes to have the whole human existence to disappear from the surface of the earth... Looking at this statement alone, it is exactly like the first film. So of course, there is definitely room for improvements and innovations in this part of the story, but it doesn’t change the fact that Ultron is a pretty great villain, in my opinion. Maybe not purely as a written character with an impressive and refreshing drive – because he doesn’t quite reach those highs – but when veteran actor, James Spader, brings the character to life, there is no doubt just how intrusive and intimidating he actually appears on the big screen. Furthermore, on yet another positive note, the overall narrative in 'Age of Ultron' feels a bit more coherent than in the first, wherein it seemed mostly like an assembly scenes and superheroes strung together in a single feature film, which made it seem incredibly inconsistent on the whole, but worked quite well as individual scenes and action-heavy situations. There is a bit of the same feeling to find here, in the sequel, but in turn the scenes acts more transitional and a bit more natural, and the villain Ultron, appears to be a lot more dominant and taken matters into his own hands more often, than the passive puppetry Loki did in the first film. So just as Ultron himself so perfectly puts it: "There are no strings on me." Right you are, Sir Ultron!
But it must also be said, that despite the fact that I think it is entirely appropriate to comment on the story in the film – as it always is the fundamental element in every film, however you might choose to look at it – I definitely also understand, that even in the most successful superhero movies, it is primarily the characters who need to blind its audience with distinctive and unique personalities as well as inventive character interactions between them on an amusing dialogue-basis – and they do indeed in this film! What ultimately made the first one succeed as well as it did, was this strangely uneven and nevertheless truly amazing chemistry between the wide-ranging collection of characters, which fills up the screen with that awesome avenging team, which we have come to love. This element is certainly one of the stronger ones here, and when it truly succeeds, it is absolutely fantastic to look at and listen to, and when it doesn’t, it can feel a little too painfully strenuous at times. It definitely works the best when the characters, for once, find some time in their busy schedule of fighting evil forces, to actually portray these characters as the normal human beings they arguably also are, and just let themselves go, while flowing seamlessly along with all the funny incidents. In particular, I refer to what is arguably the best scene in the entire film, actually, where all the characters test their worthiness by trying to lift the incredibly heavy hammer of the almighty, Thor. Despite generally hitting its mark, except a few assembly jokes and “dead on arrival” one-liners down the line, the film almost acts as a parody of itself from time to time, which can throw you off on occasion. Especially because the darker tone they went for doesn’t always mix with the lighter humor…
But of course, it is perfectly understandable that when the team is on a frantic mission – which, by the way, contains the wildest action-expansive-extravaganza as of yet – there is simply not enough time to do any crisscrossing chitchat without unwillingly exposing themselves to even greater dangers than necessary. Therefore, it is at this point in time, where the well-known and typical one-liners get rushed onto this visual all-you-can-eat buffet, full of endless servings of action deliciousness, and pure and simple eye candy ad libitum. This also means that these fast individual sentences either works or they don’t. Fortunately, it is mainly during the opening’s accelerated action sequence – which perhaps stands as the heaviest and most confusing nuisance throughout the entire film – where all the semi-finished and semi-funny one-liners are being blazed onto the screen, preferably at a speed, which is even faster and almost more fuzzy than the manner in which the scenes themselves are handled. Granted, there are definitely a very cool long-take and some interesting angles within these first few minutes, but if you ask me, director Joss Whedon manages to showcase virtually all the evidence needed to prove just how tiring and exhausting modern action movies can be. You add a fair share of slow-motion, which is then thrown into a coalescing and color-crowded computer-generated-chaos, and lastly, thereto added the above-mentioned one-liners, simply to top off the creamy finish with even more cream. As I was sitting there in my seat witnessing this expansive and explosive mess, I truly wanted to get captured by it, but in the end, I felt more like I was being held hostage. Like I was living out a scene from ‘A Clockwork Orange’ my eyes were unwillingly wide-open, to this die-hard/try-hard attempt at a true crowd-pleaser, wherein every trick in the book was used, in the hope that the “wow factor” would blow people out of the theater… I wish…
A very typical technique such as the one above could definitely work to great success, but when the film seems so completely out of control as it does in the beginning, then it all just feels shockingly bad and boring to be a part of – even if empty-headed action-freaks will say it differently. And since the film is constantly looking for an entertainment level, which is so sky-high that it almost struggles to keep up with itself on several occasions, you can clearly see how the director has been looking desperately for more interesting and inventive ways to create mass-destruction. Fortunately, though, the darker tone succeeds in making some of the more dramatic scenes appear stronger and more effective, since they don’t try to downplay it all too much, which is obviously a positive thing. And despite how cliché the story of "Beauty and the Beast" has become over time, it works quite well here, when building a complex relationship between Natasha Romanoff and Bruce Banner. It is certainly a far more dignified attempt, than the forced sentimental scene that gets thrown into the movie within the big climax, which suddenly also assigns some meaning to the two very misplaced elements in the film... But when all this is said and done, I am sure that fans of the first film will love 'Age of Ultron', since it isn’t too far from the style and atmosphere that characterized and graced the first movie.
The Acting
I don’t think it is particularly necessary to spend too much time discussing all the likable recurring acquaintances from our favorite team of heroes. Every actor does a great job with their respective superhero character, but there is no doubt how much Robert Downey Jr. obviously overshadows all the others – both as Iron Man and especially as Tony Stark! A somewhat unappreciated character in my opinion, is the almighty Thor, which, considering how much he stands out from the others, is absolutely fantastic when he babbles away with a good ol’ ancient argot. Occasionally, this type of Norse nonsense seems so far out of place, that it honestly can’t feel more perfect. If there is one person in this entire universe, who can deliver such short and yet so fantastically funny one-liners, it's Chris Hemsworth as Thor. In addition, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner is still the best to play the role so far, while Paul Bettany as Jarvis is allowed to unfold his acting to a greater extent than previously seen… And of course, as I mentioned earlier James Spader is absolutely phenomenal as the predominant power, Ultron!
When it comes to the more negative aspects of acting, the additions of the two X-Men characters seem rather sluggish in its execution. Wearing stupid and laughable jogging suits while speaking with an embarrassing Russian accent, their respective roles in the film seems quite unimportant compared the story the director wants to tell. It honestly seems so forced how they are just crammed in there for the sake of it. One could say, that they are pretty well written into the overall story, but if they come out the other side as a comfortable and important part of the plot is more doubtful. They are mostly put into use when there is something big happening, or when the director needs to cheaply and weakly utilize the characters, only to create some quick emotional investment towards the end – the end result is almost directly embarrassing if you ask me...
The Technical Aspect
If you like to have your superheroism served at full speed on the visual wonders, there is no doubt that 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' certainly brings that to your doorstep with some serious express delivery. Every little trick in the action handbook is applied here, and sometimes it is definitely impressive though maybe a little too overwhelming in a way, but there are definitely some imaginative details to be found here and there. Despite the fact that plenty of people will go absolutely nuts over these statements, I must say that I really don’t understand the condescending comments towards director Michael Bay, in relation to his very confusing and explosive computer-generated action scenes… They are most certainly also to be found here. Well of course, 'Avengers' somehow comes across as more elegant and controlled, and the characters are definitely developed much better too, but the action in 'Transformers' and 'Avengers' can easily be mistaken for one another, in my opinion. Not always, it must be said, but there are certainly some action-heavy sequences that could cross in and out between each universe, without anyone noticing a difference. Even more so it doesn’t help one bit, that the main story in 'Age of Ultron' involves intelligent robots invading the earth. Whether you are fan or foe of Michael Bay, the similarities are striking, no matter how much you try to deny it...
The Soundscape
In a not so surprising manner, there are plenty of goodies to find on the soundscape of 'Age of Ultron', and it is almost the most perfect opportunity to play with practically every conceivable element regarding sound-heavy senselessness. It rumbles and roars when the bass hits seats, it crackles and falls when glass facades are being broken into a thousands pieces, and lastly, everything is topped off with a genuine hero-infused soundtrack, that leaves the whole scenario with that familiar "epic feeling" that is almost a mandatory experience in a movie like this. Again, there is not much originality to find here, but that is exactly what you would expect from a movie like this; it pretty much goes all-in and make every sound system go on a run for its money, until your ears are experiencing something that feels like an inner-earthquake. It is brain-shakingly magnificent and exactly as it should be! Maybe a little rough at times, but it is certainly a great success within its genre.
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SHORT SUMMARY // 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' is a sequel, which in many ways plays the safe cards, but the combination of the darker and more menacing atmosphere, along with a villain who may be neither innovative in character or mindset, but in return is still a perfect execution of an otherwise old cliché. The story seems a bit tighter screwed together than its predecessor, but otherwise the similarities are many, and the parallels evident. That being said, I am sure that fans of the genre and of the first ‘Avengers’ film will be plenty happy with what 'Age of Ultron' has to offer.
FINAL RATING // -
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About 3350 words... And still not enough to beat JayDee's fanboyism... Dammit. 