The first big action movie of the spring/summer is out. The newest Marvel movie–“The Avengers: Age of Ultron”–hit movie theaters and Marvel fans flocked to the theaters in droves.
Previous Marvel movies have had mixed reviews–the first “Avengers” blew everyone away but the excitement dwindled as many weren’t impressed with the two Thor movies. “Age of Ultron” proved its box-office might with an estimated $191.3-million launch in the U.S. and Canada — the second-best domestic opening weekend ever. “Ultron” has had the biggest debut for a sequel (Source LA Times). So, the big question–is “Ultron” worth my money?
Yes, I think so and here’s why.
1. The Team
The Marvel Team is better when they’re together. The only character who seems to shine alone is Iron Man (a.k.a. Tony Stark), played by Robert Downey, Jr. Stark’s charisma and wit allows him to carry a film on its own, but Thor, The Hulk and Captain America (to a certain degree) really need supporting actors around them to shine.
2. New Superheroes
We are introduced to “The Twins” (played by Aaron Taylor Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen). Johnson plays Quicksilver (he can run fast) and Olsen plays Scarlet Witch (she can alter reality). Scarlet Witch is recruited by “the baddies” to mess with the minds of the Avengers, as the bad guys know The Avengers’ greatest asset is that they work as a team. Scarlet Witch is asked to play with their realities so as to tear the team apart. Another superhero is introduced towards the end of the movie–The Vision (played by Paul Bettany). I don’t want to say too much about him for those who haven’t seen the movie, but it’s very exciting to see the well-known British actor join the ranks.
3. New Baddies
With all his money and technology, Tony Stark wants to bring peace to all the world. Sounds like a nice idea but he actually creates a monster named Ultron, who looks like a beefed up Iron Man. Ultron then raises an army and their goal is, of course, the destruction of the world. Ultron is sadistic and creepy and a perfect bad guy, which leads me to number 4….
4. James Spader
James Spader is the voice of Ultron and it is magnificent. One movie critic commented on why Spader’s voice hadn’t been used as a villain voice before. You’ll wonder the same thing after seeing “Ultron.” His snarky, dark, sometimes eerily lighthearted voice is simply perfection in the role of Ultron.
5. Joss Whedon: Writer/Director
When Joss Whedon is behind a film, you know it. He has a certain style that is apparent from the very first scene. For those who don’t much about Whedon’s career, Whedon makes smart directorial moves, he has a witty tone about all of his projects and he’s a bit nerdy (which is perfect for Marvel movies). He’s not afraid to poke fun of himself or the genre he is directing, which allows the characters to seem a little more human with quick one-liners. We’ve seen this in the Iron Man movies–Robert Downey, Jr always has something funny to say, but Whedon gives everyone on The Avengers Team a good joke here and there, keeping the film light.
All in all, “Ultron” is an action-packed, fast, fun movie that should be seen on a big screen. Like many of the critics, I was disappointed with the Thor movies and the Hulk movies, but Marvel has me back in its grasp with “Ultron.” With the introduction of new characters and storylines, you know there’s something big brewing down the line.
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