There was an idea once called the Avengers Initiative. The idea was to bring together a group of remarkable superhero films to see if they could become something more. To see if they could coexist when we needed them to fight the battles and deliver an unprecedented viewing spectacle that no single hero film ever could, and they did. It barely feels like 3 years have passed since that glorious moment in 2012, when geeks, freaks, day-walkers, mainstreamers, and basically everyone else assembled as one to bask in the victory of Marvel’s great gamble. Its legacy has literally proved inescapable as every 6 months, Marvel launches another star into its expanding cinematic universe (with some help from the smalls screen too). A model that more and more franchises are trying to cash in on from comic rivals DC to monster movies, Transformers, and beyond. So it’s with no shortage of irony that the multi-film setup/Universe continuity requirements are the big villain that nearly derails this long awaited Avengers sequel. For all the fun, thrilling, and frequently jaw-dropping piece of pleasure Age of Ultron is, you can’t help wish that those involved would let it spend more time just being its own film rather than launching every other.
A raid on a HYDRA base sees the Avengers team finally recapturing Loki’s lost sceptre from the battle of New York. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr – Sherlock Holmes, The Judge) uses power in holds to create an artificial intelligence peacekeeping program known as Ultron (James Spader – Stargate, The Blacklist), who sets out to save the world the only way he understands....by destroying The Avengers and bringing on the extinction of humanity in the process.
Now first off, lower the shield and power down the repulsers over the above hint of negativity. Make no mistake Age of Ultron is a great film and delivers everything you will have wanted from an Avengers sequel. Right from the opening assault on Baron Von Strucker’s facility, the exquisite blend of action and character banter induced comedy shows no loss of energy, and if anything, it has picked up speed. Throughout the film, we see characters ever creatively combining in combat to give the feel of a more seasoned team unit. You’ve probably seen the early “line up” shot a few dozen times in the trailers, but that takes nothing away from a how awesome a moment it is. Yet for all the action delights it’s still the character interactions and cast chemistry that create all the best moments. There’s no better example than the much-hyped Hulkbuster fight. For all the ultra cool visual effects, it’s Tony Stark’s narration based quipping inside the suit that really makes the scene. Ever the character storyteller, Joss Whedon shows clear determination not to sacrifice story for spectacle. Despite the ever expanding cast, even the lesser characters feel relevant and involved with meaningful storylines for all the main heroes, some of which may well surprise. Hawkeye, in particular, gets a much better outing without spending half the film brainwashed. It cements role in the team well; it even gifts him the film’s best line as he tells it like it is to Scarlett Witch. The Maximoff twins (he’s fast and she’s weird) make good roster editions both as allies and opponents. The Witch’s mind messing dream sequences also offer some good darker character material. Age of Ultron does tick the obligatory “darker sequel” box, but still remembers its core value is fun by keeping both sides of the emotional force in balance.
Age of Ultron really does deliver everyone you wanted and more.... and more is sadly the problem; there’s just too much going on. Many sections of the film feel overly-rushed as it desperately tries to juggle all its different character and plot elements. The biggest hindrances are the setup material for half of the upcoming phrase three titles. Seeing The Avengers become aware of the Infinity Stones makes sense for the coming Infinity Wars escalation but additional foundation laying for Civil War, Thor Ragnarok and even Black Panther just distracts too much from the central Avengers story while you’re busy taking mental notes of everything. The globetrotting scale could also do with losing a couple stops to better enjoy the remainder. Like its villainous foe, the Avengers find themselves a little tangled up in their own strings and were it for the masterful skill of Joss Whedon could really have tripped and even fallen from them. Instead Sunnydale’s finest makes many a character and scene sprout extra arms for adept and even efficient multitasking. While the overall weight may still take him down to one knee, he still holds it all together.
Then there’s Age of Ultron’s trump card: the big tin/vibranium man himself. From James Spader’s first delectably creepy words, he has you in the palm of his shiny hand as he switches Ultron between sadistic and sinister to downright hilarious at a moment’s notice. A bit more development in his genesis might have been preferable, but the results are so effortlessly entertaining so you have to class him as a big win, even finding the odd endearing moment. There’s also an excellent overrunning theme of the world and society reacting to the Avengers. It’s fascinating to see that even after a few years they haven’t won other every country yet, and we even see their collateral damage earning them some Team America credentials (there’d probably be an Avengers F*** Yeah song were it not for the language). But this, above all else, is the key factor: repeat-viewing. While the overstuffed nature may bother you the first time around on subsequent viewings, it all fades away. Once the future film key points are lodged in your brain, you can blisffully keep your mind in the present making for a much more enjoyable viewing experience.
Going through all the cast is more of an essay question so let’s keep it briefer and say that the majority do nothing but impress. Hemsworth (Thor), Evans (Captain America), Downey Jr (Iron Man) and Johansson (Black Widow) are every bit the characters you’ve grown to love. Mark Ruffilo isn’t quite as impressive this Hulk around but does well with his unexpected relationship with Black Widow. Jeremy Renner’s master archer gets utilised so much better this time around; as a result, his performance is far more satisfying and varied. Of the new bunch, Elizabeth Olsen is the standout as Scarlett Witch, really nailing her physical character mannerisms. Paul Bettany in the “flesh” is a long awaited Vision to behold and does not disappoint. Thomas Kretschmann’s Von Strucker does though by coming across a bit too dorky but Andy Serkis is a scene steeling delight as arms dealer (and prominent Black panther villain) Ulysses Klaue. Don Cheedle earns his place among the top rankers but Kerry Condon as new AI voice F.R.I.D.A.Y. should see her invitation resented.
Age of Ultron is less the milestone it’s 2012 predecessor was only for too much wanting of a stepping stone but this is still Marvel at the top of their game as undisputed kings of the action blockbuster right now. It may anger or disappoint some, but they’ll still be fighting a losing battle against smiling for much of it. Once again this is a film that can bring so many different people together for mutual delight. Assemble your own heroes of all ages and suit up for one hell of a ride and don’t hesitate to go round again.
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