I’ll start with a confession: I’m really not that into comic books. Although I have long-since come to accept that I am a fully-formed nerd, I was a late-comer to the comic book party. Growing up, it was only Batman (and, to a lesser extent, Spiderman) that drew my attention to the glamorous clamour of the world of superheroes.
This might explain why I have found it so hard to enjoy both “Avengers” films. In this post-Dark-Knight world, many people are seeking a little more light in their superhero flicks – and, if that’s what you seek, that’s what “Avengers: Age of Ultron” provides.
Look, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is, at times, very, very funny and, for plenty of people amongst us, that carries it through. The exchanges between Thor, Iron Man and Captain America, especially, are a treat for us all, but they also dilute the seriousness of the action unfolding around them. I can’t get into a frame of mind where I can accept that Tony Stark is cracking witty one-liners at the same time as the world is, quite literally, about to explode.
What’s more, in both “Avengers” films, there has been a distinct lack of evil in both of the primary villains, with far too much empathy shown from characters apparently hell-bent on destroying/ruling humanity. As great a character as Loki is, he was a puppet in the first film – and he lost all of his evil credibility when Hulk was able to pick him up and smash him around like a ragdoll.
Similarly, here, Ultron believes he is doing worthy work in attempting to exterminate the Avengers and the world around them. Misguided, yes, but, as a computer programme/machine, he cannot be classified as evil. What I like to see in a villain is unpredictability, but you simply don’t get that with Loki and Ultron, as their plans are laid bare for all to see.
Given a choice between the most recent Batman villains (the complicated, distorted qualities of the Joker and the mysterious, haunted personality of Bane) or Loki and Ultron, I would choose to watch the former pair over and over again. Perhaps it is their human realism that engages me, but, simply put, they are more convincing (and more entertaining) at being bad guys.
Of course, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is not without its many merits. As expected, it looks fabulous – and it will be hard to better this version of a raging, tormented Hulk/Bruce Banner, whom Mark Ruffalo portrays so well.
And, not to labour the point, the film’s comic timing (excuse the pun) is exquisite, exemplified in Thor’s Chris Hemsworth, who brings a refreshing enthusiasm to the role. Moreover, in giving the lesser-known pair of Hawkeye and Black Widow more time to share their stories, those characters become much more developed than they were in the first instalment.
Simply put: “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is good, but give me bruised, brooding Batman any day. Bring on 2016.
The 500 Word Write-Up 