What can we say about Avengers: Age of Ultron? In a world filled with the ever growing popularity of super-heroes it seems that this genre depicted in the film industry stands the test of time. With this day and age, it is hard to keep the story-lines from leaking out via the internet.
So what do we do with Avengers: Age of Ultron in order to keep that same magic given to us from the first film. In this case, it does feel appropriate to bombard Age of Ultron with more character development, back stories, and added dialogue to express the emotionality and flawed personalities of the heroes we cheer for. I’d be lying if I said that I liked Age of Ultron better than The Avengers, but the truth is that this film is more of a precursor for greater things to come within the Marvel Universe rather than it being a superior film to the original. Even so, this does not necessarily mean that Age of Ultron is the shadow of its predecessor.
As I have stated, what evolves this sequel is the in depth human aspect of the characters that leaves us with an emotional attachment to these super beings along with the villains as well.
Starting with James Spader’s Ultron, we see a tortured soul that was brought into existence trying to justify its cruel acts for the “betterment” of the world. This is classic Villain on Spaders part who depicts Ultron from a perspective where he thinks he is the hero, and adding on a subtle soft voice rather than a typical tyrannical snarl, makes the character even more bone chilling than the comic adaptation ever showcases.
Chris Evans although repeats his yearning to adapt as a man out of time, it is comforting that Captain America at this point seems to come to some form of closure in excepting his role as a soldier who must negate that family oriented goal with the white picket fence. On the flip side, Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye initially had that loner image in the first film, but proved that not all “misfit” like heroes have to be denied a family. It was warming to know that at the end of the day, hardened warriors do actually have a family to go home to without them being killed off in the manner of Frank Castle’s Punisher. I must admit, with Hawkeye often being made fun of as being the most “mundane” of the group, his charisma has taken its affect with viewers. This brings me to Scarlett Johansson’ Black Widow, who gives us a Natasha Romanoff that visits her past with a dark element that has us ask, “hasn’t she suffered enough?” Shifting over to Chris Hemsworth’ Thor, who could have used more action sequences, at least has Odinson mature from a barbaric goof-ball to a more leader like hero with morals and responsibilities. While on the subject of action sequences, I find it interesting that while the first movie seemed to put Iron Man in the helm of action, the scenario has Captain America to be the one with a plethora of move sets as compared to the first movie. This time, the characterization of Tony Stark, and Bruce Banner give us men of intelligence who deal with the obsession of “fixing” the world in the manner of mad scientists. Yes, Tony Stark is as egocentric as ever, while Bruce Banner is a world weary man who no longer seeks scientific resolution, but forms of solace to cope with his mean green burden. What makes them different is that as a viewer we have to ask, “would we want to be Iron man or The Hulk in this case? Both characters are challenged with a decision to formulate a plan that could help this world while living with the risks of their repercussions that clearly shows how “imperfect” the human nature can really be no matter how hard we try to fulfill our hidden potentials.
Please do not assume that Age of Ultron is without action and suspense. Paul Bettany gives us The Vision that we yearn for, and in my opinion the shots bringing us back War Machine, the Falcon, and Maria Hill had me crave more screen time for the underestimated heroes we often think of as “side-kicks.” Adding on the twin siblings of Quicksilver and Scarlet-Witch examined a different approach to their comic book counterparts. Although not the exact version from their X-Men roots, I do respect the course of nature the characters take in the nature of Josh Whedon’ work. After all, what’s wrong with a little creative control once in a while. Although some may see Nick Fury showing up again as a cliche, lets be honest that Sam Jackson represents the conduit in keeping the Avengers as a unit always leaving a place in our hearts.
Ultimately, in the end Age of Ultron gives us the blockbuster of fight scenes will all crave and desire along with the evolution of these characters personalities. Yet in all honesty, I must indicate that this movie felt more of like a “wrap up” to open doors for an expended heroic universe rather than onward arch to The Avengers. Yet, that may not be such a bad thing. I welcome a world of added additions…..
By: Adam Vega
