Help Me Save Marvel

Rating: Null/10 (3 May 2015)

**Spoiler-Free**
Word among those in the know is that Joss Whedon butted heads with Marvel regarding this sequel's storyline. Whedon, a truly gifted writer and director, wanted the same heart and soul as the first Avengers; Marvel wanted to "Michael Bay" the film with over-the-top fight scenes and explosions, as well as overstuff it with new characters and interconnected story lines from other films. (And, yes, "Michael Bay" is a verb for mind-numbing, plot-less, soul-sucking codswallop.) In context, Age of Ultron is actually enjoyable in that Whedon DOES manage to insert some soul into the film – a feat that would have been nearly impossible in less capable hands. With that said, I would give the film a 6.0 or so.
Apparently, Marvel is planning to continue the trend of overstuffed, interconnected story lines. Director Edgar Wright left Ant-Man last year amid similar complaints. This is concerning because based on the sheer number of superhero trailers I saw before Age of Ultron started, Marvel's omnipresence will soon know no bounds – but Marvel fans want quality, not quantity. Please don't confuse us with Transformer enthusiasts. Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain America: Winter Soldier were unexpected gems. Last I checked, their box-office intakes weren't too shabby either. More of that please.