Walking out of the original Avengers film, it was hard not to feel elated. Finally, here was a blockbuster that didn’t condescend to its audience; that satisfied the geeks and the broader market alike. It was fast, intelligent and very, very funny, not to mention a box office record-setter.
One might think that even geek overlord Joss Whedon would struggle to make lightning strike twice, but with Avengers: Age Of Ultron, he delivers another star-studded blast of high-octane fun that is almost – almost – as entertaining as its predecessor.
The Avengers are at full strength and with the Chitauri Scepter in hand, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is able to kick-start his new global defense program, code-named Ultron – but in doing so, he unleashes a monster hell-bent on the destruction of the Avengers, and whose plans quickly grow larger.
Whedon’s confidence shows a true mastery of form – no-one understands the comic book money shot like him. With bone-shattering choreography and slow motion so slick it makes Zack Snyder look amateur, there’s a true indulgence to the combat sequences. The dynamics of the Avengers as a fighting unit have been expertly captured, particularly in the film’s climactic battle. It’s also a surprisingly accessible film for those unfamiliar with the franchise.
The cast is eminently watchable; the Avengers themselves have clearly grown into their roles and the rhythm of Whedon’s dialogue. The air is thick with one-liners, the ‘secondary’ characters are more rounded, and the overall tone of group conversations is far more jovial. Don’t mistake it for harmony, however. Seeds of dissent are sewn by one of Age Of Ultron’s most exciting character additions, Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen): a telepath with the ability to inflict hallucinations. Her power is used to disorient, but also to explore character backstories without breaking stride; the glimpse into Black Widow’s past is especially compelling. And while Ultron’s motives aren’t original (Disney have always loved their painted villains), James Spader’s malevolent, crooning performanceis an absolute joy.
Where the cracks show is in a few hangovers from the Disney/Marvel archives: the perfunctory ‘damsel in distress’ sequence and some mild ethnic jingoism are strange to behold, if measured.
A growing familiarity with the Whedon formula makes Avengers: Age Of Ultron a less revelatory experience than the first, but it’s much like riding your favourite rollercoaster for the second time – you may know what’s coming, but you’ll still love every second.
4.5/5 stars
Avengers: Age Of Ultron opens in cinemas on Thursday April 23.
