Hi everybody! Welcome to MC Tuesday, where we watch a movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Today’s film is 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. The gang is together again folks. I did not remember how much I like this movie. It is like visiting an old friend. By the way, it’s written and directed by my hero Joss freaking Whedon. He did the first Avengers movie. Let’s get into it! *I just looked at my notes and they are all over the place. Yikes!*
Banner loves Natasha
I think I want to get the moments I like the least out of the way. The “romance” between Black Widow (Scarlett Johannson) and “sad panda” face Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) is extremely corny. That little hand stroke that she does to get Banner to de-hulk cracks me up. Thier whole conversation about being sterile is another moment I can do without. I do not feel any real chemistry. It feels forced. What are you trying to sell me, movie? Forbidden passion? A commonality that breeds romance? What?
Fangirl for Ultron!
Now that we have gotten that mess out of the way, let’s talk villain. Let me begin by saying I love James Spader. He always sounds sinister, like he tortures evil-doers in his basement in real-life. He is suitable as the misguided Ultron. Ultron is a product of resident “bro” Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) gigantic ego. You have an awesome A.I. in Jarvis, but you need to have better A.I. You claim it’s a way to eradicate the need for the Avengers. Okay, dude…okay. At any rate, Ultron delivers excellent lines throughout the movie. One thing that sticks with me is when he tells Iron Man (I think), “I think you confuse peace with quiet”. That’s real gangster Ultron.
The moments
What I love about Joss Whedon’s work is that he creates moments that stick with you. For instance, in the first episode of Firefly when Mal kicks the bad guy into the propellers of Serenity (his ship). That moment is so epic, it made me a life-long fan of the series. Ultron is no different. That first battle sequence through the trees is awesome. Not to mention near the end when the Avengers are fighting to protect the bomb. My personal favorite is the scene when they are all at Stark’s party trying to pick up Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) hammer. At that moment, you forget they are world-saving heroes and are just a bunch of competitive friends hanging out.
Tying it together
What Ultron accomplishes so effortlessly is tying in elements from future Marvel movies into this one. Unlike the Banner/Widow relationship, it does not feel forced. They mention Wakanda and vibranium, preparing us for Black Panther. Even the terrible Ulysses Kaue (Andy Serkis) pops up. They infinity stones make an appearance, and Thanos is in the stinger, setting up Infinity War.
Honorable Mentions
I do not want to dwell on some things but I think they are worth mentioning. Ultron introduces us to the twins Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor Johnson) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olson). Enough about that. There’s quite a bit of Hawkeye in this movie. He is set up as the “heart” of the team. We go to his house and meet his family. It is all very heart-warming. Jarvis (Paul Bettany) is made flesh and is rocking a stone in his forehead. Correct me if I’m wrong but I think it is the knowledge stone.
Wrapping it up
Well, there you have it! Age of Ultron is a fun movie and I’m glad to watch it again. Next week is (sigh) Ant-Man. After that, it is all awesome movies. Until then, I will see you on anime Thursday.
Couch Cruisin' 