Still Awesome

Rating: 8/10 (23 April 2015)

The Avengers: Age of Ultron is meant to take this Marvel Universe into a whole new level. It introduces a villain that could lead these heroes into dark situations by giving them one of their ultimate tests. The movie lives up to that tone; it's not as humorous as its predecessor, and that is definitely not a bad thing since we want this material to step up into a grittier and much challenging approach, but the real problem is its plotting. There's so much build up to juggle, starting from its own plot to the upcoming installments of this franchise. It's still fun if you can tolerate its stalling foreshadowing, but to those who seek for compelling narrative, it somehow disappoints. Still, there's so much action and large scale worth checking out in this summer blockbuster.
The movie introduces new characters and new locations, telling us that this is definitely bigger than the first movie. When it proceeds to the actual plot, there is some intrigue to what the titular main villain is capable of. And so, there is more mayhem happening on screen, but they essentially exists for the story, of course. Though, after those nearly unending amount of heavy action, the movie suddenly settles to explore what else is going on in this universe. This middle act somehow intrudes its main plot, aside of some few drama, the movie is pretty much preparing to what will happen next. It's feels long, even if it's actually not. At these moments, it doesn't feel like it's supposed to develop enough of the actual storyline. Many of the subplots in those minutes seems to belong to another set of movies that are yet to exist. Sure, we discover more information from its characters, but most of the time, it's a filler of cliffhangers.
What really troubles here is how it aims to be a setup of numerous events, like the phase 3 of Marvel Studios and the climax. The movie would have been nicer if it explores more of Ultron's abilities and not just making plans, controlling drones and preaching monologues (the film kind of only teases and mostly verbalizes that he can hijack through networks worldwide.) Or build up a different theme for the Avengers team instead of them trying to hate each other again like in the first one. But if we're not talking about its story, then the movie works magnificently in its action. To those who are in for some bigger, louder and more destructive than ever set pieces, then this sequel must be a marvelous feast. The Hulk vs. Stark's Hulkbuster Armor scene is such a glorious sequence of just seeing things getting hit and destroyed, more well constructed and thrilling than a mediocre blockbuster would do. The rest of the action is a tremendous blend of pretty spectacles, sudden suspense, sudden comedy and impressive choreography. As popcorn cinema goes, this is perfect for a superhero movie experience.
Aside of the action, nothing spices these movies up more than its actors. The cast does their thing; with Robert Downey Jr. trying to add more depth to Tony Stark than just bringing more memorable punchlines, Chris Evans stays cool as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth sticking with his charisma as Thor. There's an interesting turn between Black Widow and The Hulk, which Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo buying into their characters' chemistry. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen are additions that can be worth rooting for, with their characters' mysterious nature and well, accents. And finally, what everyone is so stoked about is James Spader as the main villain, Ultron. Spader verbally brings more menace to the character, understanding the angst and potential threat behind this robot. There is levity exists in this character as well, and he nicely balanced it with Ultron's darkside.
The Avengers: Age of Ultron is a little too burdened by the future. As an exclusive narrative, the movie seems lacking, sure the action is too awesome to contain, but when it comes to the storytelling, it feels like it isn't going anywhere further until the climax. But even for a film that is reserved enough from showing a much complex or much adventurous plot, it's still a grand experience, thanks to its undeniably exciting action, some interesting character-work, and other clever elements. But then, we want these movies to offer beyond that standards; as in a story that could move forward way far behind the first Avengers movie. Well apparently, it does, but the effort of going through that result just doesn't seem enough. It's more innovation, then save it for later. Then again, there's nothing wrong if you still want to spend two hours seeing our favorite heroes clash together, even in a senseless way. Because blockbusters are supposed to be fun and this movie still lives up to that promise.