As many of you know, 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' was a hotly anticipated movie. From the second Nick Fury uttered the line "Until we need them again" (paraphrasing); we were all eagerly anticipating the release of Joss Whedons follow up to the third highest grossing film in history. While not perfect, as you know, it is still wholly enjoyable and a welcome addition to the MCU.
The Good.
The team interaction is hands down the best part of this movie. Naturally progressing relationships between the group are present. The team making light on the fact that Hawkeye is essentially just there for fun, was a nice touch. Especially considering how wrong they are in that regard. Steve Rogers is the character that I felt had the most progression to his character since last we saw him. In 'Winter Soldier' I found him too serious, same with the first Avengers and Captain America film. But, in this one he seems more relaxed, more inclined to crack wise during the battles and more easy-going than before.
Tony Stark, as well, makes good steps forward. With the first Avengers planting the seeds in his mind that would eventually grow into Ultron's creation. He genuinely feels guilty. And it's only going to be furthered by the events of civil war.
Ultron's personality as a whole I thought worked well. He was funny, and surprisingly endearing at times. He seemed to genuinely consider Wanda, and Pietro friends, and is heartbroken when they abandon him. I liked that touch.
The Action.
Its great. What else can be said. It's flawless. Some people said that it was trying too hard at times, and I totally disagree. It's why people flock to these films, the action, and it is on par. Though not as edge of your seat thrilling as 'The Winter Soldier' it still manages to be incredible Fun.
The Bad.
Back to Ultron. I didn't buy him as a villain. And it's the same problem that I had with Loki in the first one. Ultron never does anything to warrant such haste. He is all talk, until the last act, when he makes a city fly. I was never thinking "this guy is bad news they need to get rid of him now." If he had done something catastrophic during his first few scenes or maybe levelled a city before the climax, then he would have been way more threatening.
The wierd romance between Bruce and Natasha, was also odd. Not that I didn't buy into it completely, I think the chemistry was there, but it needed to have been started in the first Avengers film, and then built upon in the sequel.
Thors character is is ultimately the same as he was in 'The Dark World'. He had very little development except for his wierd vision quest, that looked kind of shoehorned in order to set up 'Thor: Ragnarok'.
The Awesome.
Vision. Vision is awesome and not just because he is played with aces by Paul Bettany, but because he is interesting. He flat out says he does not want to kill Ultron, but because Ultron threatens life, he will help the Avengers. He is a great character that I cannot wait to see more of in 'Civil War' and obviously in 'Infinity War'.
Hawkeye is also a standout. He was oddly one of my favorite parts of the whole movie. From his apparent uselessness, to the revelation that he has a farm and a family only deepen his character. And his apparent retirement at the end was worth it.
In The End.
When the dust settles 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' is a top tier Marvel Studios film. What bogs it down from 'Winter Soldier' heights are the weak villains, odd love story and uneven development. But on the converse it is lifted by amazing action, good team dynamic, Vision, and Hawkeye.
4.5 Out of 5
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