Film: Avengers: Age of Ultron

Avengers: Age of Ultron is in a bit of an odd position. While yes it is the sequel to 2012’s Avengers it is also the 11th instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We’ve known these characters for seven years now, with films planned through to 2018. With all these films (along with the X-men, Fantastic Four and DC movies) you’d be forgiven for feeling superhero fatigue. Yet Avengers: Age of Ultron is such a delight that I’m still looking forward to the next phase of movies. 

While the first film was a fun romp, this film goes the traditional sequel route of being a darker affair while also taking the opportunity to get to the heart of these characters. Iron Man, driven by his fear of death brought about by the invasion in the first film, decides to create a robotic team of Avengers to protect the world in their stead. The prototype, Ultron, pulls a HAL and theorises that the only way to create peace on Earth is to annihilate the human race. The Avengers unite to stop Ultron, who has recruited the dangerous twins Wanda and Pietro (or as you may know them Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver). 

The film’s opening quickly reacquaints viewers with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, through a assault on a HYDRA base. The team take out HYDRA goons left, right and centre using their own specific skill sets before jumping into action as a team. Straight away you remember why you love watching these heroes kick butt. 

Age of Ultron isn’t afraid to present a different side to heroics however. The big Hulk vs. Hulkbuster which has been teased in all the trailers, doesn’t disappoint as Iron Man works tirelessly to attempt to control his teammate. Hulk has been manipulated by Wanda, taking the character beyond even the angriest we’ve seen Hulk before, this is a version of him which is just pure rage. The Hulkbuster armour looks phenomenal, and the decision to have it be accompanied by a mobile support unit named Veronica is a smart move. When Hulk rips off part of the armour, Veronica provides Tony with a replacement. 

The first film did a great job of separating the different versions of Hulk, the monster who attacks his friends on the helicarrier versus the hero who helps defend New York. This film takes that even further, with Hulk’s destruction of much of Johannesburg causing him to be labelled a menace. Iron Man also wins few fans for his failure to prevent further destruction, his arrival actually causing even more. 

The rest of the team are a bit busy fighting off Ultron drones to help out in this conflict, with things getting even more complicated when Wanda manipulates their minds as well. The Avengers experience different illusions that explore their deepest fears and desires. Captain America sees himself in the past with Peggy Carter, finally able to have the dance they never got to share. Black Widow relieves her training to be an assassin, previously only alluded to, and the horrible procedure which successful candidates undergo. Thor experiences a vision of Valhalla, the Norse afterlife, and receives a chilling message about the infinity stones - which are slowly coming into play across the MCU. 

This all comes to a head as the team regroup at a safe house, giving them a chance to discuss their problems, something rarely seen in a superhero film. While Iron Man’s creation of a psychotic machine is undeniably wrong, his motives are in no way out of character. When he explains to Cap that his ambition was to allow the Avengers to rest, it’s believable. 

Every member of the Avengers feels essential in Age of Ultron, something fans criticised about the first film, especially with regards to Hawkeye. This is addressed directly with the question being raised over whether a guy with bow and arrows really fits into the team. It’s an interesting story arc for Barton, acknowledging that the character still needs to prove his place as an Avenger to the viewers as much as himself, after spending much of the first film under Loki’s control. I believe Jeremy Renner does a great job endearing us to Hawkeye, particularly through his “if you walk out that door, you’re an Avenger” speech in the film’s climax.

One of the best scenes of the film comes from the discussion between Bruce (Hulk) and Natasha (Black Widow), as they discuss whether they could ever have a normal life together. Scarlett Johansson really makes you feel for Natasha as she explains how she sees herself as a monster, as bad if not worse than the Hulk. The romance between the two was an unexpected move, particularly as I thought Winter Soldier was hinting at a relationship between her and Cap. However it is a welcome one and the two have a believable connection, mostly helped along by the chemistry between Ruffalo and Johansson.

James Spader is phenomenal as the eponymous Ultron, truly capturing the complete insanity of the character, while also at times making you feel for him. A smart decision was to make Ultron’s wit a mirror of Stark’s, reminding you that Stark was his creator and probably where he learned to be so sardonic. There is something very human to the portrayal of Ultron that almost make it hard to forget he’s a machine at times.

Other newcomers Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, as twins Wanda and Pietro respectively, are also great additions to the cast. They both have their reasons for hating Tony Stark, their parents were killed in a bombing which used Stark-brand weapons, and they are willing allies to Ultron rather than simply minions. Olsen is the best of the pairing, giving Wanda a slightly twisted personality while still maintaining a moral centre, the twins are initially unaware Ultron wishes to make humankind extinct. There are also glimpses of the great power and rage Wanda possesses, as she is able to tear her way through her enemies in quick measure. This may hint at the role she is to play down the line, which has me both intrigued and terrified.

Of course this being a Joss Whedon film, there is no shortage of gags and one-liners. There are moments when this almost feels a little overdone, in certain scenes every other line is a joke, but on the whole it works. My opinion is that a comic book movie should never try to be too serious. Robert Downey Jr. once again gets much of the best dialogue, but every member of the cast gets there fair share of great gags throughout the film. 

A slightly tragic air does hang over this film, as Whedon has announced this will be the last Marvel film he is involved with, in any capacity. While I am sad to see the director go, this is certainly a fine film to go out on. It’s amazing how it is able to craft it’s own story while also hinting at and setting up the next stage of Marvel films. I will be interested to see where many of the characters go after this film, in particular Thor’s journey should make for a vastly different Thor 3 than I was expecting. Some very interesting plot threads are also left for Captain America: Civil War. After this film I am sat waiting for phase 3 of the MCU to kick off, superhero fatigue be damned.