One of the most visually striking elements from the first Avengers movie was the long shot in which the camera showed all the Avengers in one swooping move through the city. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) managed to beat their enemy by turning into a team. They are now back and this second film opens with a similar impressive scene, all in one shot, where all the Avengers are introduced while attacking a Hydra base. This action filled opening shows a lot of promise, but does Age of Ultron succeed in keeping the movie at that level?
The first Avengers movie was one of the most successful Marvel movies and it’s easy to understand why. All superheroes who were introduced in previous movies came together and the result was an extremely entertaining film. Not only did that movie have a lot of humour, but its action was great too. It also gave answers to questions comic book fans have been wondering about for ages, like what would happen if Thor would fight Captain America. It was a very fun watch.
That light tone which was part of the first Avengers movie is missing here. There are moments of humour, but not as much as in the previous film. The movie is darker and the bond between the team members is under pressure. The reason for this is a new enemy, Ultron, who wants to enhance humanity by his own ways. It is up to the Avengers to try to stop him.
With its 141 minute running time, Age of Ultron is a long movie, where the action scenes don’t seem to end. There’s nothing wrong with action, but here that unfortunately hurts the development of all the characters. Black Widow, Bruce Banner and two new characters get some more screen time, but the thing which is most interesting, the group dynamics don’t get enough attention. While you are watching, you sense that more is going on, that there are frustrations, but it is never further explored (except for a short action scene). The result is a movie which mainly goes for spectacle (and delivers on that), but where you can’t get rid of the feeling that this could have been more than what it is.
Whedon’s initial cut of the film was over 3 hours long. He said he was amazed Marvel got it down to 141, which is a minute less than its predecessor. Given what you said, what was left on the cutting room floor is felt. Still can’t wait to see this (already have my tickets for an early morning May 2nd screening). Makes you wonder if they’ll eventually milk a director’s cut of the film. Thanks.
That explains the feeling I had and it indeed seems some important pieces are missing. I do hope there will be a director’s cut.
I wonder if the concept of a 90 minute, efficient superhero movie is impossible? Sure seems that way, 2 and a half hours?? 141 minutes that -doesn’t- add to the group chemistry?
That almost seems impossible! nice efficient review 😉
Yeah, that’s a good question as they all tend to be very long.
Saw this myself last night, Nostra, you should check out my video review and (if it’s up yet) my spoiler review!
I was a bit kinder to AoU than you were, because I really really enjoyed the action in this (What can I say, I’m an explosion whore) but you do make some good points. Cheers!!!
I have checked them both out 🙂
I love action as well, but I guess I got a bit of an overdose and reached the point of diminishing returns 😉
Great review! I’m really looking forward to this, long or not. Even though I’ve already read a ton of spoilers. (and one that I’m probably going to rant about extensively lol)
Thanks Brittani. Looking forward to your review
Wow, looks like this one could be divisive. I just read a review that said the characters are fleshed out really well and given their due, so to hear that the development suffers because of the endless action wasn’t something I was expecting.
Yeah, the reviews are mixed. Read one on The Verge last week, which basically mirrored my thoughts.
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Great review, Nostra! I like what you said about this movie being a bit darker than its predecessor. I wasn’t a fan of Avengers. Found it too light and felt it tried too hard to be funny.
It still has the light moments, but they seem to be scaled down a bit.