AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
Director: Joss Whedon
Cert: 12A 141 mins
In a stunning opening sequence, the Avengers – comprising Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) – work together with finely honed teamwork to defeat their enemies.
However, two new super-powered individuals come into play: Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). The latter messes with the Avengers’ heads, showing them their worst fears and thus driving them apart.
Fed by fear and egotism, Iron Man embarks on a course that results in the creation of the killer robot Ultron (James Spader). Ultron sees himself as almost a god-like figure, becomes obsessed with the idea of evolution and change, and tries to wipe out humanity. Ultron says: ‘Everyone creates the thing they dread.’ It seems a case of Iron Man’s idols backfiring on him, as in Iron Man 3.
The earth’s mightiest heroes (the Avengers) must deal with their various issues and deep-seated differences if they are to re-learn how to work together in unity and save the world once again.
The final new super-powered addition to the cast is Vision (Paul Bettany). Bettany’s performance is excellent, transcending his limited screen time.
The Avengers make great efforts to preserve civilian life amidst the heat of battle. Generally within films this is a less-explored but admirable side to what it means to be heroic. It’s a good example of loving one’s neighbour, and of love triumphing over fear.
Challenges
It almost feels like being in the world of a comic book, both in terms of the sheer fun of it and in terms of empathy with these flawed characters struggling to be heroes in the face of the inner and outer challenges they face. It’s a terrific ensemble superhero film.
While there’s no scene right at the end of the credits, there is one shortly into the credits.
Despite the tensions between the characters, there are scenes of characters forgiving and accepting others despite their past sins, even when those others view themselves as monsters. Could this be a lesson to the church?
