The Avengers: Age Of Ultron

It doesn’t seem too long ago that we were being treated to the first look of the most ‘Marvelous’ super hero team known to man in, Avengers Assemble. Now with three years passed, Joss Whedon returns to the direc- tor’s chair for Avengers: Age of Ultron, one of the most highly anticipated films out this year.

Envisioning a time when the Avengers can finally live out their days in peace, Tony Stark secretly starts the Ultron pro- gram. Intended as a shield around Earth, the advanced artificial intelligence instead decides it would rather wipe out the entire human race – whoops! Voiced by James Spader, Ultron is undoubtedly the greatest threat that our heroes have faced to date. To make matters worse, he’s teamed up with newcomers Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor- Johnson) and his twin sister Wanda/ Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). Armed with lightning speed and hypnotic magic, they bring a refreshing new dynamic to the equation.

Returning to the battlefield are Captain America, Black Widow, Bruce Banner/ Hulk, Thor, Nick Fury, Hawkeye, War Machine, Maria Hill and Falcon – so, yes quite the crew! While the Avengers try their best to work together, their egos and differing ideologies ensure plenty of joyous personality clashes throughout. While juggling a growing list of characters, we are also offered more glimpses into their pasts; particularly those of Black Widow and Hawkeye, who have yet to receive their own films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – come on Marvel, sort it out. The Avengers definitely feel more vulnerable and human this time round. With the stakes raised, it’s

not clear who will be able to overcome the odds, and if they do,

at what cost.

The tone throughout is undoubtedly sombre and foreboding, making moments of levity that much more entertain- ing. One particular highlight involves the Avengers testosterone fuelled att- empts to move Thor’s hammer to prove their worthiness. From the opening scene, the action is intense and breathtaking.

Everyone gets a chance to shine, which is impressive considering the mammoth cast. It’s no secret that Tony Stark dons his Hulkbuster suit this time round, leading to a mind blowing confrontation with an enraged ally. Previously known as the voice of Jarvis, Paul Bettany finally gets some face time as Vision – a brilliant character that may even give the Hulk a run for his money as show stealer.

My only criticisms would be that it would be good to see the Avengers battle an equal number of Marvel villains with personalities rather than increasing hordes of robot cannon fodder – a little similar to the X Men franchise. The addition of Quicksilver and Scarlett Witch isa step in the right direction though.

Already the eleventh film in the MCU, Joss Whedon’s latest entry is the best yet. Fast paced, action packed, emotion- ally driven and relentlessly entertaining, Avengers: Age of Ultron is supremely epic. Long may this glorious Age of Marvel continue!

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