Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) Movie Review

Synopsis:

To help combat future threats, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) created Ultron (voiced by James Spader). Ultron, though, breaks free of this programming, becoming a sentient weapon of destruction. With this, the Avengers must reassemble and end Ultron’s schemes.

Review:

As a whole, Joss Whedon's The Avengers was a major success. He made his return as the director for its sequel, Avengers: Age of Ultron.

With it are some of the quality aspects that Marvel fans have come to expect.

As with The Avengers (2012), this film provides several fun action sequences. It also has some good individual character moments.

Age of Ultron stumbles in areas such as its main antagonist and plot structure.

This is despite its serviceable approach to handling its characters and action scenes.

Initial impressions of Ultron as an antagonist are good. What makes Ultron stand out when listening to him is the voice.

Voiced by James Spader, this helps to add a form of personality to his character.

As the movie progresses, though, he becomes more predictable. Ultron's weakness is his motivation.

While the groundwork for them is there, the film does not consider them important later on.

As stated, the plot structure is another element that needs further refinement.

In an attempt to set up future movies in this universe, Age of Ultron deals with many different plotlines.

Each of these occurs within the main storyline, with some having major screen time.

This impacts pacing, detracting from the individual story. Instead, the film would rather focus on setting up future events.

Notable positives here are consistent performances and fast-paced action.

In a similar case to The Avengers (2012), each one works well together. As a result, the film produces some innovative sequences.

As a character, Hawkeye is a decent improvement in this sequel. This makes him stand out more in this film.

Action scenes for certain Avengers are also enhanced in this film.

Black Widow and Hawkeye remain underutilized in this department. Captain America, though, demonstrates improvement.

Iron Man and Hulk also showcase their abilities well. Thor, though, is far less consistent with how the film displays his power levels.

Age of Ultron introduces Pietro (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen). These are two new additions to the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe).

As a whole, the characters themselves could have done with improved writing. Despite this, their powers stand out from a visual effects perspective.

Also joining the cast is Paul Bettany as the android Vision.

For those unfamiliar, Bettany voiced Tony Stark’s AI, J.A.R.V.I.S., from previous MCU films.

Whilst his role as Vision is brief, Bettany does offer a unique performance. His character also displays some creative abilities as well.

Conclusion:

Avengers: Age of Ultron is an above-average follow-up to Whedon’s first film.

This is despite its issues with plot structure, pacing, and Ultron's motivations.

If the movie had focused more on its central themes and story, it would have felt less jumbled.

All points considered, Avengers: Age of Ultron is a sequel worth visiting for major MCU fans.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7/10

Story - 6.5/10

Action - 7/10

CGI and visuals - 7/10

Soundtrack - 6/10

Overall score: 6.7 out of 10