Avengers: Age of Ultron: Movie Review

And so it begins. The summer blockbuster movie cycle starts off with a very loud bang this weekend with the release of Marvel's anticipated sequel, Avengers: Age of Ultron.

The entire team of comic book superheroes returns, offering audiences an entertaining popcorn movie experience. However, caution is advised. Director Joss Whedon's follow-up to his smash hit, The Avengers, is violent and contains offensive language.

THE MOVIE IN A MINUTE

Concerned for the long-term security of the planet, Tony Stark decides to resurrect an old peacekeeping program to protect mankind from future threats. But, his experiment backfires, causing strife amongst the Avengers and leading to a very real threat to the world's existence. To save the world from complete annihilation, the divided superhero team must find a way to work together to stop a terrifying artificial intelligence called Ultron.

THE GOOD AND BAD IN AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

The entire Avengers team reassembles for this sequel, with Robert Downey, Jr. reprising his role as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Chris Evans as Captain America, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Mark Ruffalo as Hulk. A few new comic book characters played by James Spader, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Elizabeth Olsen join the familiar cast. All do well in their roles, solidifying, once again, their characters' chemistry as this elite team of mighty heroes.

So what can you expect from Avengers: Age of Ultron? Well, if you've seen any of the Marvel superhero movies, you'll know you're in store for a loud, action-packed flick with some comedic moments. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action, violence and destruction, and some suggestive comments, Age of Ultron is pretty much on point questionable-content wise with the other Marvel superhero movies.

What parents should know is that its intense nature and offensive language, including sexual innuendo, make it unsuitable for children. At one point, a man's arm is cut off. Though blood and gore aren't prevalent in Age of Ultron, the violence is still front and center. One scene was even reminiscent of the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York, with the flattening of an under-construction high rise that showers the people and streets below with ash. Also, Olsen's character, Scarlet Witch, uses mind-manipulating power she acquired through Hydra experiments to sway those who oppose her.

Whedon's script lays out a good storyline with witty dialogue (a strength this sequel continues from the original). However, like many sequels, Age of Ultron attempts to tackle a bit too much, plot and character wise. There's a lot going on. Whedon does well to keep it all flowing, but it does, at times, feel overwhelming. It's a bolder movie that examines the impact of experimenting with artificial intelligence even for the purpose of obtaining "peace in our time". Interestingly, there are faith references in the film, including a moment when Ultron quotes the Bible (albeit to bolster his own vendetta).

IN THE END

All things considered, Avengers: Age of Ultron turned out to be a pretty good sequel. However, caution is advised.

NOTE: It is confirmed that there is no additional clip after the full credits, as is the custom for Marvel movies. However, there is an important clip right after the initial credits that fans will want to see.