Lackluster sequel

Rating: 7/10 (15 January 2019)

Once again, Earth faces an existential threat and all that stands between us and extinction are 'Earth's Mightiest Heroes'. This time we hapless humans are faced with 'Ultron', the verbose metal-manifestation of Tony Stark's software solution to world-peace gone rogue. Lacking the spark and cleverness of the first Avengers film, this sequel covers much the same ground, as the team squabbles amongst themselves, then come together when they are needed most. The usual superhuman crew (introduced in solo films or the first entry in the franchise) are opposed/joined by a couple of Eastern European meta-humans (complete with Boris and Natasha accents), 'Red Witch' and her brother 'Quicksilver'. Elizabeth Olsen looks great as the telekinetic Red Witch but her abilities are so vaguely powerful that it's hard to imagine why she alone can't solve most of the problems. Also new on the scene is 'Vision' (also vaguely all-powerful), in whom is embedded one of the MacGuffins around which next film in the franchise circles ('the excellent "Infinity Wars", 2018). 'Age of Ultron' is a step down from the first Avengers film: the story is illogical (see goofs section) yet predictable, the script weaker (especially the endless (and sometimes incongruous) "lighthearted" banter between the Ã¼bermensch), and the villain more irritating than menacing. The special effects are pretty good (although the film opens with a gamey-looking battle between the team and Hydra minions), as is the acting (considering the genre). While I got a little tired of Tony Stark's incessant 'droll egotist' shtick, it does play well against Steve Roger's 'greatest generation' decency and Thor's demigod literalness, and Mark Ruffalo is excellent as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, the ultimate in ego/id incompatibility. The pacing of the film is a bit off, especially the prolonged layover in Hawkeye's Norman Rockwellesque farmhouse (and why you would use your family's home as a 'safe house' when at war with a near-omniscient foe is beyond me). All in all: OK as a segue in the 'Infinity Stones' story arc but a bit weak as a standalone feature.