Not as good as the first, but still hugely entertaining.

Rating: 8/10 (24 April 2015)

Expectations couldn't have been higher for this mega-sequel. The first Avengers was absolutely amazing and the steady line of Marvel flicks up to this point, culminating in the glorious Guardians of the Galaxy, has been rock-solid. With so little wiggle room in its margin of error, it's not surprising that Age of Ultron doesn't quite reach the popcorn perfection it aims for. Without the near-unachievable comparisons weighing it down, however, this has everything you could ask for in a two-hour plus blockbuster (take note Transformers).
Packed to the rafters with action, director Joss Whedon and his team concoct a wide array of thrilling and inventive set pieces that are the undeniable drawcard for the movie. The enormous budget gives Whedon the licence to go crazy with his imagination and, with flawless CGI and judicious 3D effects, he leaves nothing in the tank. Opening with a Bond-esque, pre-title snowy assault that boasts a long, uncut shot featuring each Avenger getting their kickass on, Whedon rarely lets the pace slip for the remainder of the movie. Wisely though, he changes the focal characters of each skirmish, meaning we get increased Hawkeye and Black Widow action in addition to newbies Scarlett Witch and Quicksilver.
Speaking of fresh faces – because by now you know exactly what you get from the established players – the new kids on the blocks are a mixed bag. As tormented siblings Scarlett Witch and Quicksilver, Elisabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are excellent, adding a dark and arrogant spark to their havoc reeking. The titular psycho-robot Ultron is conceptually brilliant and voiced with demented glee by James Spader, but is relatively one-note and can't fill the Loki-sized hole in the villainous department. Then there's a character (name withheld to avoid spoiling) introduced in the final act who is so silly and visually ill conceived it is mind-boggling he made the cut at all.
Narratively there are a few stumbling blocks as well, with Whedon's script feeling flimsy and like it's solely in service of propelling the Avengers to their next battle. Although he has absolutely nailed the irreverent humour yet again, sharing the comedy around with all and sundry. Stark is his normal, lovable arsehole (Quicksilver also edging into that domain), and Cap and Thor are the centre of some amusing out-of-time and out-of-place gags, yet the wise-cracking Hawkeye and the ultra-condescending Ultron are unexpected recipients of Whedon's most hilarious dialogue.
It might sit a few places down the Marvel Cinematic Universe totem pole thanks to a subpar plot and a truly awful new character, but Age of Ultron fires on all action and comedy cylinders required to make it a hugely entertaining superhero flick.