Avengers: Age of Ultron product reviews

This was a film that I really wanted to enjoy; and while I did enjoy it, I also didn't.

I enjoyed the start of this film, instant action with some great teamwork between the Avengers that gave the impression of a team that has gotten accustomed to working together; able to protect the weaknesses of some characters with the strengths of others. While it certainly seemed to be a bit of a cakewalk, it was still well choreographed.

The relationship between the Hulk and Black Widow is shown through a "Lullaby", which felt rather insincere. It felt more like blatant seduction to try and manipulate the Hulk, which I thought didn't seem cool. But this connection went further during the film and started to show signs of authenticity, much to my pleasure. As I contemplated how much I would enjoy a spin-off film of the Black Widow and Hulk, I began to realise how little character development was occurring with the other characters.

The entire plot of Avengers 2 seemed to be a transition film; while the characters had their own separate films that combined to create the first Avengers film, this sequel seemed to have no real point to it, than to provide the means to change the composition of the team of Avengers. In fact, there seemed to be very little point to it. Despite, there being a lot of mention about public outrage surrounding certain events, there was never really anything that came of it.

Even the initial "villains" that were capable of taking out the Avengers, were never overcome. The main villain never really posed a physical threat. I can't help but feel that this film tried to accomplish too much. With so many plot lines, many of them seemed to come to an end too quickly with little real attention paid to them.

It certainly had its good moments. The villain was unique, and posed a threat that was more than a single physical body (even though they didn't really make the most of it), it had plenty of comedic points, new characters with new powers were introduced and created, and the global threat was definitely an interesting concept.

But it did lack tension, and I thought a little too much emphasis on the comedy, so I didn't enjoy it as much as everyone else did (Especially the loud man seated behind me, who liked to laugh out loud and explain the jokes during the film). It has made me a little dubious about the upcoming Captain America film, as it has a cast that is as large, if not larger than Avenger 2.

Overall, it was a good film. But it wasn't a great film. And I think that is what disappointed me the most.

Often the movies that my husband and I go to together are Marvel action style movies. While they are not my first choice for viewing in the theatre, they do provide us with a date night option that keeps both of us happy. So today, we took the day off work and child free, went on a lunch date with a movie to follow.

We have watched the previous Avenger's movie, but we have also been religiously watching Marvel Agents of Shield so we knew we needed to see the movie soon, as we were going to fall into some cross over/spoilers. As the movie started up, it was right into the action. This is what you have come to expect from the franchise and especially the Avengers - lots of cool fight scene battles. Lots and lots of special effects and new ways for the team to work together to make things go BOOM.

There are lots of reveals throughout the movie, things that helped round the characters for me. They might well have been things that hubby knew - he is the comic book reader in our household. But they were good windows into each character. In some ways it made the battle scenes more intense for me, because I came to care about what happened to each of them. While some of the team seem invincible that is not true of each member. So I did find myself holding my breath at times.

In some scenes though, I did feel like it was more of the same. When you pit equally matched super-powered people or things against each other, the first few hits are exciting. However as you see it go on and on, it becomes less exciting. There was some to and fro between characters/scenes though that helped break that up so it wasn't as tedious as it could have been.

As we left the theatre we were talking about how it might all work in with Marvel Agents of Shield and hubby added a couple of other movies to my watch list, as they seem to be eventually feeding into the story as well. It will be interesting to see where the story goes next.

What I find fascinating about movies is everyone gets something different out of them. My husband loves his Marvel comic books and watches/does everything Marvel. To him Avengers is right up there with god. He gets so much out of a movie because of his history with the heroes where as I love movies for the relationships. As I have gotten older I no longer enjoy the tedious over drawn fight scenes and don't have the patience for all of the over the top action. But, with Avengers I can quite happily sit there and watch. I think mainly due to the continual banter, back chat, teasing, inhouse fighting between the characters. I was laughing away as Tony Stark continued to belittle Captain America for his 'language' remark. I enjoy the competitiveness between them all.

I enjoy a good romance so was quite excited at the prospect of one happening. Also it was entertaining to visit Hawk Eyes personal life. I had just said to my husband literally five minutes beforehand that it is more the Iron Man/Captain America show when we were introduced to Hawk Eye and he became more upfront.

I have practically seen every superhero movie there is and where as I enjoy them but I also find a lot of faults with them also. In Fantastic Four it drove me crazy when Jessica Alba would do her try hard hand actions it was painful to watch - but I really enjoyed it when the Olsen Twins little sister done it she was way more convincing. Her acting also has to be mentioned I thought she really was from Sokovia and was shocked when my husband informed me that she was Ashley and Mary Kates little sister.

One thing about the Marvel movies is I enjoy and look forward to Stan Lee's cameo and always look out for him. He seems so small compared to the rest of the cast but always seems to hold his own. Its brilliant that he has managed to do in every movie time and time again.

For a superhero movie this is not bad. I decided to just sit there and watch and try not to over think things as I sometimes get lost with Iron Man and all his sophisticated technology. I did not enjoy the Captain America movie, but as a character he has definitely grown on me and enjoyed him more in this movie. I watch Shield off and on with my husband so understood a bit what was going on when they were discussing things but I would like to find out more about the Black Widow she sounds like she has a great history. It is rather sad that my six year old was telling me all about her when I was asking questions to my husband. I think I need to start paying more attention.

definitely a movie to watch if you enjoy your Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulky Sulky, Hawk Eye and the Black Widow. Or even if you just love listening to James Spaders voice. Also you just can not fault the special effects as they truely are out of this world.

Short version: The love-child of "Firefly" and pretty much all the other "Marvel" movies... which is not surprising since Joss Whedon is most well-known for his new-age space-western series.

Longer version: Opening with an absolutely INSANE battle scene that was moving so fast, from so many angles, it was pretty much impossible to fully take in, the movie shocks you into paying attention. This set the tone for pretty much every combat scene throughout the movie - "sit back, hold of for dear life, and hope you can figure it all out after the dust settles." A nice little segue at the start - when Hawkeye gets badly injured - pre-emptively closes off some potential plot holes later on and gives a bit of insight.

Speaking of plot holes, the biggest - OK, the only - gripe I have with the plot is the SNAFU regarding the origins of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. While the backstory laid out in this film is plausible, any Marvel buff is going to start grinding their teeth and tugging at hair over how it is SO... VERY... NOT... CANON! An opportunity to open up a great franchise crossover was ignored in favour of keeping the Avengers plotlines self-contained against the rest of the Marvelverse. And there endeth the gripes - apart from that this movie was hands-down the best sequel I have seen in over a decade.

A brief but meaningful appearance by Andy Serkis (lookin' buff there, Gollum!) and of course the compulsory cameo from Stan Lee, provide some light humour, and Rob D Jr's infamous ad-libs provide a lot more. For an action movie, it was refreshing to hear the cinema audience having a good giggle throughout. Best quote... "Uhhh, Sorry." - when you see it, you'll know why. It was also great to see Paul Bettany making an in-person appearance, as more than just the voice of Jarvis.

On the note of "refreshing changes" - seeing a quieter, more personal side to Hawkeye was really out-of-left-field... definite not-so-subtle tones of Whedon coming through there, with a touch of oakiness and a bittersweet aftertaste on the back. In fact, the more I think of it, the more it strikes me that this movie had three actual "main characters" and none of them have had movies of their own thus far - Hawkeye, Ultron and The Vision - though the purple dude with the lousy dress sense and the awesome crystal bindi is the lesser of the three, despite his far, far greater quotient of raw power.

Favourite scene of all: The Hulkfight. "Veronica" is a brilliant addition to the Iron Man family and showcases Banner's design and Stark's engineering skills at their finest. The scene I would most like to see on the cutting room floor: There was one scene, but I can't really mention it without giving a spoiler, but let's just say that Spader was taking liberties with Ultron's 'coming out' speech.

Overall, of all the Marvel movies, this one sits head and shoulders above the rest for me. I don't normally PLAN on a second viewing before the first viewing is even over... but I was this time! It will be interesting to see it on a "regular" big screen, instead of in 3d on the IMAX while sitting in the perfect spot - a combo that really hit the spot.