Avengers: Age of Ultron Review

“I know you’re good people. I know you mean well. But you just didn’t think it through. There is only one path to peace... your extermination.”
Scarlett Johansson as the Black WidowScarlett Johansson as the Black Widow
Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow

Prepare yourself, the Avengers are back – just in time to try and save us from an extinction level event in the shape of Ultron, part computer virus, part terminator-alike exoskeleton, all bad guy…

If you’re looking for incredible superhero action, you’ve certainly come to the right place. It’s pure comic book joy to witness the world’s mightiest heroes – Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and leader Captain America (Chris Evans) – jump straight into it with no need for any origin tales or even scene setting.

First up is an all-out attack on the dastardly Hydra base that sharp-eyed viewers glimpsed in the end credits of the Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The evil Baron Wolfgang von Strucker (Thomas Kretschmann) has been experimenting with Thor’s brother Loki’s Sceptre – and has created two new super beings or “enhanced humans”. Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) can control minds, use telekinesis and can conjure red energy from her hands and her brother Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who has super speed (yes the same character from Xmen universe).

Director Joss Whedon, who returns from the first Avengers film, is right at home as the threat of Ultron comes into play – it’s impressive how the sharp dialogue really brings the CGI robot (voiced by James Spader) to life.

Everything crackles along with adrenalin-fuelled energy – stand out scenes ofPur which there are many include a jaw-dropping fight between a possessed Hulk and Iron Man in his ‘Hulkbuster’ armour, a fun “who can pick up Thor’s hammer” banter scene and the climactic fight that ups the ante even from the first film with all the heroes getting plenty of enemies to fight.

There is just so much on offer here – alongside the crunching action are some more emotional elements such as a touching romance between Hulk and Black Widow, and Hawkeye’s family dynamic. Iron Man still steals the show with his wisecracks and Hulk is incredible to behold in full battle fury. The newcomers to the party are all welcome additions. especially the powerful ‘Vision’ (Paul Bettany) who is superb.

Avengers: Age of Ultron is a masterclass in cinematic enjoyment – essential viewing!

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