Film Review: Avengers: Age of Ultron (Joss Whedon, 2015) in IMAX 3D ★★★★

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Following a mission to clear a HYDRA base, the Avengers find a new technology that convinces Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) to build artificial intelligence in the hopes of protecting the world after the Avengers retire. Playing God, Stark creates a mind which can defeat even the specialist team, Ultron (James Spader), who decides that the only way to save the planet is to wipe out the human race.

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The crime-fighting super elites are back in a darker, even more epic sequel which makes it's predecessor look like a film student's final major production. Directed again by Joss Whedon, the Avengers combines Whedon's wit and humour with bad-ass, visually stunning scenes which will leave you in awe. 

The Avengers: Age of Ultron sees the original cast we all know and love with a few added familiar extras and cameos. The picture opens to guns blazing, hammers hammering and hulk smashing in a jaw-dropping IMAX spectacular. In true Marvel style, we are treated to stunning slow motion action, explosions and, naturally, witty banter from our heroes over the J.A.R.V.I.S-intercom. But when the team discover a new form of technology hidden in the base, Stark's fears for humanity post-avengers, grow in to the form of Ultron - artificial intelligence that could prove more powerful then all of the Avengers combined and thus leaving them to take on some new recruits. The cracks soon begin to show when Ultron, along with the Twins, try to turn the Avengers against one another.

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Created out of fear and uncertainty from Stark, Ultron (voiced by James Spader) is Frankenstein's monster and this idea that 'playing God will have disastrous consequences' which seems to be circulating Hollywood at the moment. Ultron sees James Spader make his first movie role since his small cameo in Lincoln (Spielberg, 2012) back in 2012. Now prominently a TV actor, Spader proves he was certainly the perfect choice for the role with his voice that near-on purrs and chills the bones. Paul Bettany also lends his voice to the film as J.A.R.V.I.S., as previously seen throughout the Marvel franchise. **Spoiler Alert** To see him then come to life as Vision, however, left a lot to be desired as his role within the Avengers was skimmed over and almost made entirely insignificant. For the true Marvel fans this would have been sure to give a little twinge though, I'm sure.

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This can also be said for The Twins - Scarlet Witch (aka Wanda Maximoff played by Elizabeth Olson) and Quicksilver (aka Pietro Maximoff played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who also happen to be same the twin children of Magneto from X-Men (getting complicated now, right?). Seen together, rather forgettably, as man and wife in Godzilla (Gareth Edwards, 2014), the pair lack the accents and the chemistry on-screen this time as brother and sister. Though this has nothing to do with Olsen - she provides an acceptable and sometimes brilliant performance. It falls entirely on Taylor-Johnson who, as always, lacks charisma or depth and seems to have been cast purely for the attraction of young girl viewers. Whilst their powers are impressive and aid the narrative itself, it is Scarlet Witch who puts the fear in to Stark, I would have liked to have seen that chemistry. I was, however, pleased to see how Marvel took on the representation of the twins (who are originally seen in the X-Men franchise) cleverly linking them in with the narrative executed in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, 2014). And whilst you do not need to have prior knowledge of the comics or films, the experience is made all the more enjoyable if you your research.

"He's fast and she's weird" (Source)

Much like all superhero genres, there is of course a huge amount of spectacle but, in true Joss Whedon style, there is just the right amount of heart and humour to keep the narrative on-track and engaging. Of course, being in IMAX, audiences can not help but be immersed in the action but at no point does it leave you desensitised by the hoopla. It can argued that there is not a particularly strong plot point but Marvel fans do not want a complex narrative, as true Marvel fans we take comfort in knowing that good will triumph over evil in due course and we are simply there to enjoy the ride. We are kept on our toes, however, by some excellent cameos and one of the possibly greatest Marvel villains yet in the form of Ultron.

"You and Banner better not be playing hide the zucchini" (Source)

Avengers: Age of Ultron is by far one of the coolest, action-packed and damn right sexy films you'll see this year. Another triumph for Whedon, this film should be taken as it is intended, a light-hearted and all round bad-ass piece of cinema. It features everything you would expect from a Marvel narrative and then some. Visually stunning - a huge milestone in cinematic special effects and a loveable, entertaining cast with just the right amount of heart to make it a home-run. Avengers: Age of Ultron gets a Sophie star rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Do not wait until the very end credits, we see the end credit clip just before this time! And rest assured, the Avengers will return and I won't be getting bored it of anytime soon.

Have you seen Avengers yet? What did you make of it? As always, I love hearing your comments below. Have a great bank holiday weekend everyone! What are you up to?

Until next time movie lovers,