Writer / Director Joss Whedon unleashes Earth’s mightiest heroes in an all-new hair-raising adventure. J.P. has take on “The Avengers: Age Of Ultron.”
AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Marvel Studios
Rated PG-13
Running Time: 141 min.
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Stellan Skarsgård with James Spader and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury
Writer/Director: Joss Whedon
Producer: Kevin Feige
Studio Synopsis:
Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.
Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk and Chris Evans as Captain America. Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, Stellan Skarsgård as Erik Selvig and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision.
Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a., Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963.
J.P’s Take:
As with his first “Avengers” outing, “Age of Ultron” is densely packed with spunky humor, eye whopping effects and pervasive comic book clashes. Here Whedon dives further into the heroes’ afflicted past as well.
“Ultron” opens with some pretty impressive action sequences, of which I’ve not seen in any of Marvel’s entities thus far. With video game like movement, the audience is placed smack-dab in the heat of battle with the heroes. Each scene is kinetically choreographed and transition seamlessly from fight to fight. Those moments in themselves are exhilarating to watch.
I’ve had the pleasure of viewing this screening in IMAX 3D, which is surprisingly bright and clear. The attraction with this sequel is the introduction to a new formidable foe. The super gang faces a Frankenstein’s monster of sorts, the nihilistic sentient machine named Ultron (voice by James Spader). Initially created as a response to the growing evil around the globe, the Ultron initiative was meant to serve as reinforcements for the Avengers.
Instead, Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) play mad scientists and give him a conscience. Since Stark has become obsessed with saving the world, his inflated ego doesn’t allow him to see the flaws in his plan. This has Captain America (Chris Evans) on edge, and he has doubts about Tony’s handling of the project. Caps instincts prove correct once again, when Jarvis (voice by Paul Bettany), Stark’s computer, is assimilated by Ultron. He then proceeds to build himself a body from the spare parts found in Tony’s lab. This spells trouble for the band of heroes, as Ultron believes he is the savior of the human race. He becomes hell bent on destroying humans to bring about the next evolutionary step. Before the carnage begins however, viewers will be tickled by moments of down time spent between the avengers. We giggled at moments where they get together for a party. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) pulls the ole lift the hammer trick; of course, none of his follow super humans are worthy to lift it.
A romance kindles between the jolly green Hulk — a.k.a Bruce Banner — and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) — a.k.a Natashia Romanoff . And who knew Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) — a.k.a Clint Barton — has a wife and kids with a farmhouse. These moments are a nice chance of pace in the midst of chaos. Beyond this point, of course, trouble rears its ugly head, and the Avengers are called to duty. Whedon pours on the action pretty thick during long stints of warring between Ultron’s endless robotic army. I could only take so much of the characters being pummeled or cities being demolished. At that point, I tuned out of the monotony. That’s not to say I wasn’t jumping for joy at the victorious turn out here. I was thrilled. The audience roared at the emergence of a new ally Vision (also played by Paul Bettany). It was a moment we’ve all eagerly anticipated after the release of the trailers and poster art. Two additional characters to pay close attention to would be the Maximoff twins. Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) — a.k.a Scarlet Witch — and Pietro (Aaron Taylor Johnson) — a.k.a Quick Silver — are transplanted from “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and are connecting characters to future “Avengers” and “X-Men” films. Ultron also serves as a bridge gap for several up and coming Marvel connected movies also.
Not to spoil the rest of the film, hardcore fans will pick up on other links for the next films. The infinity stones come into play, as well as locations and other minor characters you may not latch onto at first. Marvel doesn’t let you off the hook just yet either, just remember to stay in your seat for more insight. By the time it was all over, I was elated and anxiously awaiting the next chapter.