The Avengers are still trucking, but I think they hit a small bump in the road.

Rating: 8/10 (1 May 2015)

First time reviewer posting at almost 2 AM after seeing the late first night showing of Avengers: Age Of Ultron. I've found things to enjoy in every Marvel movie to date, even though each was not without defects (save possibly the first Avengers film).
I have to admit, I'm a fan of Marvel and the Cinematic Universe it has created. I like action, comedy, drama, romance, and Age Of Ultron stuffs in all four. The good was that all of our favorite Avengers are back, including cameos from characters in other films. There are new characters. However, it did seem a bit rushed, even with a 2 and a half hour run time, just because there was so much that they tried to fit in. Perhaps too much.
I will say that with a movie like this, you expect an overabundance of action (which there was), and comedy that doesn't overkill previous character jabbing (of which it walked a thin line). I enjoyed this movie for what it was by itself, and what it serves as another step on the road to Infinity War. I wouldn't rate any movie a 10 (although the first Avengers might have been). That is why I rate this so high. It didn't exceed my expectations, but it almost met them. Almost.
I have to say that I appreciated it more knowing that it was a piece of a bigger puzzle than I would have if it was a film by itself. Like I previously stated, the only film worth comparing it to was the first Avengers film. Despite everything familiar and cohesive and adding touches of newness and broadening of scope, it falls short. Or else it would have been the second film that I would possibly rated a perfect 10. I have enjoyed the ride so far, am looking forward to the rest of the MCU, but sadly, I may not look back at this film as much as the rest.