Jun 18, 2016
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Wow, what a movie. In both the expectations and the results. The expectations? The original movie entitled The Avengers broke box office records due to its originality, anticipation and marketing. So, naturally, Age of Ultron was expected to be just as good. Director Joss Whedon however stated that his aim for the film wasn't to try to trump the original, but go deeper into the complexity of the characters and the storyline. This is present with glimpses at the private life and origins of lesser known superheroes such as Hawkeye and Black Widow who haven't yet gained the opportunity at a solo film, while exploring the mental conflict and processes of the other Avengers.
This is a good move by Whedon as it demonstrates that blockbuster and superhero films can have deeper meaning while also exploring Marvel's ever-expanding superhero arsenal. But what if you haven't seen any previous Marvel films and you're looking for a one-off good time at the cinema? Yes. There are references to past AND future films, but if you ignore them and concentrate on the storyline, this should be a great film for any age.
This film has a LOT of characters, which is both awesome and maybe a little crowded at times. But in terms of Marvel movies; the more the merrier! Included in the cast is Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Samuel L. Jackson (as Veteran Nick Fury), and newcomers Paul Bettany (Vision), Elizabeth Olson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (twins Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver). That's a pretty impressive line-up in any movie. None of the performances will be Oscar-winning, but they rarely are in superhero films. However, the chemistry of Renner's character acting as a mentor to Olsen's character is fantastic to watch and brilliantly executed.
Whedon has appropriated other stories such as Frankenstein and The Bible in the storyline while conveying underlying themes of the dangers of technology and a recurring theme throughout marvel films of compromising morals in battle. Genres incorporate action, adventure, comedy (which Marvel has adopted as their signature), family, with hints of drama and romance. This is a very well-rounded film and the action sequences, music and cinematography have to be commended.
Before I get into the bad bits, I want to talk about Ultron. He was brilliant. Finally a villain with emotional depth that isn't just one dimensional like many villains come before. He posed a credible threat with a master plan, was scary, intimidating, sad, and even funny in exactly the right moments. Here's to more villains like him.
Although this review has seemed positive, make no mistake, this film isn't perfect. The special effects are lacking in quality in some parts. Some of the humour, although amusing, was too childish and awkwardly out of place. And, of course, for regular moviegoers, the movie falls short of the standard set by the original and some scenes dominated by dialogue may be boring for them. This is in addition to the obvious plot loopholes.
To Conclude, Age of Ultron was a satisfying and well-executed film which was mainly used by Marvel Studios to set up future films in the 3rd phase of their extended cinematic universe such as Captain America: Civil War, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, Black Panther, and the two part finale to the Avengers Trilogy; Infinity War. For Marvel fans everywhere, this film only lifted the excitement and anticipation for the continuation of Kevin Feige's universe, and for others, it proved to be an epic blockbuster. I'm expecting big things from you Feige, Good luck.
Verified