It's not Age of Ultron, it's Age of Reddington!...

Rating: 8/10 (22 April 2015)

As seemingly one of the few who didn't think the first Avengers movie was all that, I didn't have my blinders on when seeing this movie. For those expecting BEST. MARVEL. MOVIE. EVER. - you're bound to be disappointed. All of them have had their flaws, some more prominent than others, what matters is whether the movie overcomes these/the good outweighs the not-so-good. I felt this sequel more or less succeeded in that respect. The Avengers' beginning was slow, but this one starts with a bang that includes *everyone*, seeing the team work as a well-oiled machine, and blows the first film's opening out of the water.
From the outset we're introduced to Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen (last seen playing husband and wife in Godzilla) as brother and sister, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff aka Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. As Maria Hill sums up "he's fast and she's weird" - more specifically, she can harness magic/engage in hypnosis and telekinesis. They prove an interesting addition (with Scarlet Witch coming out on top). Both actors make the most of their screen time. Taylor-Johnson fashions a more well-rounded character than the X-Men version, with depth and humour, while Olsen conveys SO much with simply a look and/or creepy smile. From the first pictures released of her screaming on her knees, I guessed the fate of one twin - and, sure enough, was proved right. Thankfully, the more interesting of the two endures. I hope for more of this intriguing character in the future.
My biggest gripe with The Avengers was Thor getting short shrift and everything being about Tony Snark. Both problems are still present, but more characters also means things are spread out more. This is both good/bad. The film's central conflict can still be attributed to 'All. About. Tony.', but some other characters do get a fair shake. Most notably Hawkeye, with Whedon making things up to him (for his rather lacking role first time around) by getting some solid character moments and introducing us to his family. I especially liked the dynamic between him, Pietro and Wanda, that develops from being enemies to allies. Cap and his shield-fu are in full force, as is his being the butt of a joke running through the movie, but overall he comes out pretty well. He's at least treated as the leader he deserves to be, he's the most human (a compliment) and Cap/Thor is the best team-up of the film (much better than secret info-keeping science bros, Tony and Bruce).
If you didn't get enough of her in Winter Soldier, ScarJo's Natasha (blessedly sporting her Avengers 'do once again and now outfitted in Tron-like get-up) has her backstory further delved into here, plus she and Ruffalo's Banner have a thing going on (which I felt the groundwork was clearly laid out for in the first film) that may upset some 'Clintasha' shippers, but the movies are a different beast to the comics...so deal with it. Hulk is still played mainly for laughs, and his battle with Tony in 'Hulkbuster' armour seemed like a side trip we didn't require/brought things to a halt, I felt (though at least Hulk received a decent pounding - shame Thor wasn't behind it). Speaking of, our poor God of Thunder disappears for long periods of time and it's clear Joss has his own personal issues with Thor/God/godlike characters (he gets a couple digs in). Nevertheless, Hemsworth works his charm and his "Thor speak" provides some of the film's best humour. Also humorous? Our resident big bad murder-bot, Ultron (The Blacklist's James Spader), who is menacing, though not without his morbidly amusing side (only thing absent is Red's signature fedora). When he's not waxing philosophical, he's busy not seeming to die. Ever.
There are cameos by certain characters from the different movies, but of course my favourite was Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter (who just can't be more awesome - though Thor would argue "Jane's better" - which I at least agree with when comparing her to Pepper, who's thankfully absent). After just being a voice for many movies now, Paul Bettany finally gets to play a character in the flesh - namely Vision (looking like Robbie Williams from his 'Rock DJ' music video), who's introduced rather late in the game but still makes an impact. I feel the movie moves at a good steady pace, with various action sequences spread evenly throughout whilst taking moments to slow down and be more character focused (except for Thor, of course!). The action is top notch and direction ensures things are seldom boring (plus no one can slip dirty words/jokes past the censors like Joss can). The end credits, with what appear to be marble sculptures of the Avengers, are pretty awesome too. As long as the movie is, it could well have done with being a bit longer. Extended edition release on DVD, please?
Whedon had a nigh impossible task set before him - to create a sequel that not only lived up to the hype of the first, but surpassed it. While I'm sure there's those who'll nitpick and focus solely on its fault, I feel he's more or less succeeded in making not only a worthy sequel, but a better film than the first (though that's obviously up for debate). On the whole, I enjoyed this one more. The directors of Avengers: Infinity War - Parts 1 & 2 certainly have their work cut out for them.