The sequel to the biggest super-hero movie of all time is here! With all the principles of the first adventure returning (Joss Whedon in-particular), Age of Ultron arrives with high expectations - and it doesn't disappoint!
Beginning with an assault on a HYDRA base, Age of Ultron sees our heroes cleaning up the SHIELD/HYDRA debacle after the events of The Winter Soldier. Tony Stark is determined to prevent any possible threat which may lie ahead - particularly after having the proverbial carpet pulled from under him and the rest of the Avengers.
Not content with building a number of Iron Man suits, Stark has since been tinkering with drones (of a kind), in an effort to keep the world safe - covering more ground than the Avengers ever could. Starks next step is to give the drones independent thought - in effect creating artificial intelligence. With Dr Banner on side, Stark goes about putting his plans into action - absolving the task of the Avengers forever.
Not all goes as planned however, with Starks experiment birthing the villainous Ultron. With the history of man at his disposable (thank you internet), Ultron comes to the realisation that should humans be saved, they will not be safe from themselves - thusly we should all be wiped from the face of the planet!
So begins a plan by Ultron (free to travel from Starks drones to HYDRAs drones, improving upon them incrementally) to rid man from this Earth.
Meanwhile two orphans, who have grown to hate Stark (as a result of his former weaponry dealings) seek Ultron out. Pietro and Wanda Maximoff are twins who have been experimented on by Baron Von Strucker (of HYDRA fame). They have the power of speed and the power of psychic manipulation respectively.
Ultron uses the twins powers to great effect, disorientating our team of heroes. One of the highlights of the movie sees our team independently second-guessing themselves, immersed in vivid dreams and nightmares. More so than the opening "splash-page" of the HYDRA assault, these sequences bring some classic Marvel imagery to life - not least is the decimation of the Avengers, as seen through Starks eyes.
Despite some chilling imagery and a serious threat to avenge, Age of Ultron is a lot of fun! One could argue that the film is funnier than most comedies of late! Of course with Joss Whedon at the helm (and chief writer to boot) this is hardly surprising. DC are gonna be hard-pressed to trump Marvel with their seemingly dark/serious approach.
The humour in the Marvel Universe is absolutely essential - making every tale of good triumphing over evil a distinguishable one (see also: thoroughly entertaining)! All the boxes have been ticked in this new adventure, but the humour will be the primary ingredient remembered!
Another notable ingredient this time is the sheer expansiveness of the Marvel-verse. Since Iron Man in 2008 the Marvel universe has been growing larger with each subsequent adventure. Age of Ultron never pauses for scintillating breath - truly delivering on an ever increasing cross-pollination of characters. Along with the Avengers, we have appearances from Falcon and War Machine, the aforementioned twins (Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch) and the creation of a further hero. A welcome addition to the Marvel-verse, sporting the dulcet tones of Paul Bettany (formerly Starks super computer, Jarvis).
With events in full swing, Age of Ultron also offers some tantalising hints at what's to come. Despite his willingness to do good, Stark treads on quite a few toes in this adventure, giving credence to the upcoming Civil War tale - cracks in the team are indeed visible! Trouble is a foot in Asgard for Thor and the power of the Infinity Stones are further realised - the Infinity War is coming yo!!
Marvel have done it yet again with Age of Ultron. Joss Whedon, his cast and crew have surpassed themselves, delivering a thrilling yarn with spectacle-a-plenty. Each character is given their chance to shine. No one is left-out or forgotten - a team effort indeed!
4/5
Poster image courtesy: http://www.hypable.com
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