More of the same, which is why it works.

Rating: 9/10 (5 May 2015)

8.5/10 – Reviewed by Matthew French
Making a sequel to a movie that was, not only the third highest grossing of all time, but an ensemble of other movies successful in their own right, is a challenge akin to piggy backing your Nepalese sherpa up Everest the week after conquering Kilimanjaro.
Thankfully director, and Galactic lord of geeks, Joss Whedon has delivered in a big way. No, it's not a perfect movie, and yes, you can absolutely pick fault with it. But, if you are looking for more of the same that you got from The Avengers: epic, sweeping action scenes and snappy, witty dialogue you will walk out of the theatre more than satisfied.
The same things that worked for Whedon's original big screen triumph are back again with some significant improvements. The action sequences are incredible. From the opening scene where our mighty heroes are storming a Hydra base to reclaim Loki's sceptre (and one of the all important infinity stones) the big bangs and bright colours are enough to trigger a thousand epileptic fits.
The dialogue is even better than what we've become used to in Marvel films. This movie is significantly funnier than most comedies I have seen in recent years. It is worth the price of admission for the party scene in Stark Tower alone. Seriously, that scene is five minutes of chuckle, after laugh, after giggle, after titter.
The good guys are great with the cast all in scintillating form. Robert Downey Jris, as usual, at his snappy charming best as Iron Man. His highlight reel is significantly more than just the much anticipated 'Hulk Buster suit' fight scene, although that is exquisite enough to ensure this movie becomes an instant classic on its own.
Chris Hemsworth is in just about career best form. Which is great if you're a hard core Thor fan boy, like me. In an unexpected turn of events the golden locked Asgardian is responsible for possibly more LOL's than any of his comedically astute team mates.
Hulk and Captain America are as entertaining as always, Hawkeye is leagues from the 'boring Avenger' he was previously known as, and the Maximoff twins (better known as Quiksilver and Scarlett Witch) are an excellent addition. Without doubt, though, the award for best newcomer goes to 'The Vision' played by the always amazing Paul Bettany. I won't go into detail regarding Vision's awesomeness but rest assured he almost steals the show.
The only let down is the under developed villain. The menacing, yet witty creation of Tony Stark comes into being so fast and with so little explanation that it's hard to comprehend his motives or purpose. The movie would perhaps be more aptly named 'Avengers: weekend of Ultron'.
Still, this is of little consequence. We all know that an Avengers movie is like an all-star Football team. We don't care who the opposition is, we care only that our team kicks some serious butt.
The Marvel cinematic universe has kicked another goal here. Odin knows how the hell I'm going to be able to wait for Avengers: Infinity War.
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