by Cookie N Screen
It’s really hard to write a review when your face has melted off from awesome. As I type into my computer, manoeuvring passed my jaw that still dangles from my mouth, it’s clear that only one movie could be making me feel this way; Age of Ultron.
The pulsating mind of Joss Whedon has yet again exceeded expectations and has delivered a mammoth blow - like Thor’s hammer on the chin of a waylaid robot. It’s interesting to say exceeded expectations because, quite frankly, leaving the screening as a quivering mess of a human, it’s hard to recant what kind of pressure I haphazardly placed on the shoulders of the ragtag team of heroes. So before we continue, before any type of entrance you’ll make to the latest from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is important to curl up whatever expectations you have into a tiny ball and throw them far away as possible.
They are completely unneeded for this.
It’s really hard to write a review when your face has melted off from awesome. As I type into my computer, manoeuvring passed my jaw that still dangles from my mouth, it’s clear that only one movie could be making me feel this way; Age of Ultron.
The pulsating mind of Joss Whedon has yet again exceeded expectations and has delivered a mammoth blow - like Thor’s hammer on the chin of a waylaid robot. It’s interesting to say exceeded expectations because, quite frankly, leaving the screening as a quivering mess of a human, it’s hard to recant what kind of pressure I haphazardly placed on the shoulders of the ragtag team of heroes. So before we continue, before any type of entrance you’ll make to the latest from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is important to curl up whatever expectations you have into a tiny ball and throw them far away as possible.
They are completely unneeded for this.
Avengers: Age of Ultron is a lift off from Assemble, Winter Soldier, Iron Man 3 and Dark World. The solo exploits of all those involved have led them down an icy road to track down Loki’s missing spectre and the power its been hiding. As they band together to retrieve it they return to New York for celebrations that unfortunately go awry when Tony’s plans unleash a petulant robot, the titular Ultron, whose intent of bending the world out of shape. Alongside him are two twins, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff, whose enhanced capabilities and anti-Avenger mind-set makes them worthy opponents to Earth’s mightiest heroes. Can they assemble once more to save the world?
Age of Ultron is a testament to Whedon’s sharp writing and skill. As director and writer, he wields his surety of the Marvel Universe with a mega-tonne blow that is both droll, intelligent and utterly engaging. Though, in parts, the story lags with dry uneven moments, Whedon defiantly makes sure that they still loop and link into major scenes later on with the movie. At times, it seems as mad and insane as it can get but surprisingly, it all locks in together. Not just on this single cinematic outing, but it threads most stories from MCU in a seamless yet developed way. Whedon is a mastermind who knows which strings to pull to drag the audiences down uneven paths only to lead them to a thudding, exhilarating finale; all with such ease and intellect that you can practically see the smirk from behind the camera.
Age of Ultron is a testament to Whedon’s sharp writing and skill. As director and writer, he wields his surety of the Marvel Universe with a mega-tonne blow that is both droll, intelligent and utterly engaging. Though, in parts, the story lags with dry uneven moments, Whedon defiantly makes sure that they still loop and link into major scenes later on with the movie. At times, it seems as mad and insane as it can get but surprisingly, it all locks in together. Not just on this single cinematic outing, but it threads most stories from MCU in a seamless yet developed way. Whedon is a mastermind who knows which strings to pull to drag the audiences down uneven paths only to lead them to a thudding, exhilarating finale; all with such ease and intellect that you can practically see the smirk from behind the camera.
What’s marvellous here is the choice to focus on secondary Avengers’ characters whilst still fleshing out the egos and troubles of the steadfast roles such as Captain America and Iron Man. It’s safe to say that this is the film where Clint Barton (aka Hawkeye) leaps off the page and flies into his own, with a richer backstory and character development that levels his stance in the group to equal status. Similarly, though begging for their own solo outings, Bruce and Natasha are given tender scenes that touch upon the pain in their past and how it feeds into the now. Yet this never overflows from “fan favourites.” There is still enough of all of them to feast upon, including some on point and well-executed comedy, the twisting sides of each spirited hero and how their differences conflict and contort their views.
In addition, James Spader’s unique sounds pulsates the evil and force behind Ultron making him an unforgettable villain. Whilst not the deafening terror we'd all had hoped, his demented purpose is still coolly received in snippy lines and ferocious determination. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Mary Elizabeth Olsen gel well into their be-witching roles as Pietro and Wanda respectively that their introduction does not seem forced or contrived but heavily and enthusiastically welcomed.
In addition, James Spader’s unique sounds pulsates the evil and force behind Ultron making him an unforgettable villain. Whilst not the deafening terror we'd all had hoped, his demented purpose is still coolly received in snippy lines and ferocious determination. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Mary Elizabeth Olsen gel well into their be-witching roles as Pietro and Wanda respectively that their introduction does not seem forced or contrived but heavily and enthusiastically welcomed.
It would be amiss to not mention the slick fast paced action that facilitate excitement and unrelenting glee. The combination of mythical beings, enhanced powers and metallic men all transform into these throbbing beasts of battle sequences. When they perforate the drama and tension, they punch the atmosphere with joyous war, bat-shit craziness and smooth intricate moments that each come thick and fast. Both a testament to the FX team behid of the camera and the stuntmen in front, the choreography and outcome is exhilarating as well as powerful.
Age of Ultron is an end and a beginning all at once: A perfect middle - if you like - to a series of cinematic outings that are going to equally blow our minds. Without giving too much away, Whedon’s ability to weave different storylines and run different colours of conclusion and rebirth into the biggest and boldest film is in many ways genius. A fierce confident film, Age of Ultron is a defining moment for Marvel and the characters within that are all guided by some sort of mad scientist who’ll leave the franchise on a winning high.
“You did not see that coming?”
No. No. We did not. And, frankly, the experience is definitely better off that way.
Age of Ultron is out in cinemas now!
Age of Ultron is an end and a beginning all at once: A perfect middle - if you like - to a series of cinematic outings that are going to equally blow our minds. Without giving too much away, Whedon’s ability to weave different storylines and run different colours of conclusion and rebirth into the biggest and boldest film is in many ways genius. A fierce confident film, Age of Ultron is a defining moment for Marvel and the characters within that are all guided by some sort of mad scientist who’ll leave the franchise on a winning high.
“You did not see that coming?”
No. No. We did not. And, frankly, the experience is definitely better off that way.
Age of Ultron is out in cinemas now!
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