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The Avengers: Age of Ultron – Film Review

In the marvel comics sequel dedicated to the larger-than-life superhero team, one of the members, Tony ‘Iron Man’ Stark (Robert Downey Jr) discovers a sceptre that cradles perhaps the (greatest) accomplishments in all existence; artificial intelligence. But this being is somewhat dormant.

Having already developed an earlier artificial intelligence, Jarvis, Stark is confident that awakening Ultron (voiced by James Spader) will provide a saviour more adept as guardian of our world. Ultron’s ability is far more wondrous and adapted for protection and combat.
Late at night, without the knowledge of the rest of the team, Stark and Bruce ‘Hulk” Banner (Mark Ruffalo) awaken the supposed beauty. The mission is to use Ultron as the Earth’s shield; a strong force against any danger that may threaten humankind.
That evening things turn to chaos. A rude awakening befalls the superheroes after a cheery office party. The team discovers that what Stark has animated is something whose intentions go far beyond bringing hope to the human race. Instead of wanting to save the human race, Ultron’s mission is to purify the Earth of its weak and pathetic inhabitants and to create a more intelligent race that can adapt and evolve more graciously, leaving room for only those who survive. With the help of two more villains with a cause, Wanda ‘Scarlet Witch’ Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Pietro ‘Quicksilver’ Maximoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), Ultron is also determined to put an end to the Avengers, by fire and by force.
With an attack team possibly stronger than our heroes, how can the Avengers really save us once again after awakening the cause of our demise?
Well, I will not answer that, since I do recommend you watch the movie. But what I will say is that the comic book lover and the avid movie viewer may have varied feelings walking out at the end of this film. However, I do not think either one will come out feeling sour about watching it. There is a lot about the movie that allows the superhero story that we love to maintain all of its enjoyability.
I do recommend that you watch this not expecting the producers to have gone 110% with the stunts and the 3D special effects. The movie is about superheroes and I thought the stunts would keep me at the edge of my seat just as much as those in Fast and Furious 7 did. However, the cinematography is well composed – the producers do a good job at blurring out a known time frame and merging the artificial world and the world as we know it. It is something that is common in ‘end-of-the-age’ type superhero movies but still comforting, nonetheless.
Throughout the movie, the team members’ ability to discern between their worst fears and drawbacks, and what their mission requires of them as a unit, is put to the ultimate test. Apart from their battles within, we are also given a view of how that affects their wars and interactions with each other. Although only scratching the surface, the movie provides space for us to learn more about the characters from the inside out. The writing also brought another aspect of charm to the superheroes that demonstrates how effortless their higher way of existence is. That we have superheroes who dedicate their days to saving our lives while they still have time to make us laugh with witty one-liners; I would not have it any other way. The Avengers is a good story, but I think the fact that it is based on the Marvel graphic novels is what will ameliorate viewers before judging the film too harshly. It maintains the nostalgia of reading a comic book story and translates it almost directly to screen. Coupled with believable writing and of course, a top-notch cast, it is an enjoyable movie to watch a couple of times, alone or with friends.

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