Just got back.
I understand the tomatometer score, but it's still damn great. My only issues were the 'weightless' feeling in some of the fight scenes and editing/pacing, but the latter would easily be remedied by an extended cut.
As far as personal enjoyment goes, I'd put it at an 8/10, but it may change as I let it all sink in.
Overall, it has everything you would want from the first Avengers. The team chemistry, the dialogue, the witty banter (which wasn't as over the top as I was led to believe). This time EVERYONE gets a shot at the center stage, especially Hawkeye and even the new additions. I loved that, making sure everyone gets their fair share was definitely a highlight.
The plot itself was simple, but by no means bad. TWS was on a whole other level here, but I think the common criticism about the editing and transitions really hold it down. I saw how apparent it was in the middle of the movie where things start to build up, characters just sort of "arrive" and barely explain or show what they're doing and how it's relevant. Again, this was something I feel only impacted the middle of the film where it is most crucial to keep everyone on the same page. The beginning and ending were great.
Nothing to say about the fight scenes. They were incredible. CGI was noticeable, but not horrible by any means.
Ultron! Two minor complaints. First, Ultron is more talked about than shown, especially in the middle of the film. I was really hoping for him to be physically shown as the global threat he is rather than being mentioned constantly in worried whispers by the main cast. Second, he needs to be on screen more in general. Spader blew this one out of the park and into my pants, and every scene with him was an absolute delight. His introduction is fantastic, and I even sheepishly caught myself wondering how the Avengers could actually win later on.
All in all, it was great, but I can see where some people would take criticism. There is a LOT going on in this movie, but the film really rewards those who are invested in the universe with great subtle and non-subtle callbacks to the previous films in Phase 2 (and the Avengers!). It would have been even more amazing had we not known Civil War or other Phase 3 movies were already in the works, but alas.
Went to a double feature of both Avengers. Age of Ultron took some time to get going for me but once it clicked, I loved it. The added characterization for many of the characters went a long way.
What's DBOX? I saw the movie at the regular theater but the screen was surprisingly tiny. I'm looking forward to watch it in cXc (which I heard is just surround sound). I was going for the cXc+3D combo but can't find a good showing.
loved it, it felt like a BIG crossover event. super comic booky, with a real dynamic action throughout. movie is jam packed and the MCU benefits from it, with some great added characterization, callbacks and foreshadowing.
visually it was much more distinct than the first avengers, funnier too.
Really liked it, more or less as much as the first Avengers. I'd agree that the first movie has higher highs while this is more consistently good.
Fight scenes were great, CGI was thankfully much better looking than it appeared in some of the clips. Too many cuts that hampered the smooth flowing choreography I loved about the first movie, but overall not too bad.
I had no problem with the pacing, and while some things could have been better explained or set up, they're far from deal breakers.
Hawkeye, Widow, Banner, and Vision were the standouts but I loved the whole cast and got what I wanted all along: more of the team dynamic, more banter, more in-fighting.
I think the complaints about Ultron being too jokey, the movie having too many quips, or there being too much set-up for future movies are all overblown. Ultron is actually a much more interesting character than a lot of reviews give him credit for; he's not all stoic killer bot or a joke character, he's a very odd mix of childish rage and curiosity. There's a lot to chew on with this movie and Ultron's characterization is one I'll be thinking about for a while. Loved the
last dialogue between him and Vision in the woods.
And if nothing else, Whedon sure as shit killed the "looks like TV" crowd.
Looking forward to seeing this again, maybe next weekend.
Saw it in the new LASER IMAX at the Smithsonian. Next gen tech, the 3D was ultra bright and crisp. The movie was alright. Below TWS and Guardians for sure.
Just saw it, wasn't bad, first one is better. Vision though. Hopping on Marvel Heroes right now to play him because he's just amazing.
The crowd in my theater was awful though. No hype, no cheers. It was a double feature and they went nuts at that Avengers 1 jokes, but none of the Ultron jokes lol.
Honestly when they didn't cheer for Star Wars I knew it was a dead audience. What a let down, I wish I had gone to the packed mall instead.
Loved it. Better than the first movie, but below Winter Soldier & Guardians. Definitely high tier, but I'll need to watch it a 2nd time to gather more of my critiques.
This was pretty awesome. I'm actually not sure where all the prerelease complaints are coming from, except that the action was hard to follow sometimes cause it was shot so darkly.
loved it, it felt like a BIG crossover event. super comic booky, with a real dynamic action throughout. movie is jam packed and the MCU benefits from it, with some great added characterization, callbacks and foreshadowing.
visually it was much more distinct than the first avengers, funnier too.
I have to say, the party scene was surprisingly one of my favorite parts of the movie. Just a lot of fun, tons of nice character lines and interplay, much bigger than the clips let on, and Whedon moves through the whole thing very nicely.
Better than the first. OMG JOKES AND QUIPS. Kind of like it's a comic book! CRAZY. Loved, loved, loved it.
My biggest complaint just comes from having knowledge that there was stuff cut out prior to seeing it, because it made me notice where things would have been a bit more smoothed out given extra time. Nothing that really detracted from the experience for me though. Our IMAX here in Champaign, IL (a real IMAX, not a LieMAX) was sold out for both the 7 and 10pm showings. Movie is going to make serious bank, but we all knew this.
Edit: Also, I know I said better than the first, but can't we just be happy that we aren't in the dark days of comic book movies anymore and that we get, at minimum, really good action packed comic book movies now? I mean, I grew up in the 80s & 90s, so the stuff we convinced ourselves was good then when it came to comic book movies, whew buddy...
I have to say, the party scene was surprisingly one of my favorite parts of the movie. Just a lot of fun, tons of nice character lines and interplay, much bigger than the clips let on, and Whedon moves through the whole thing very nicely.
I loved the party scene so much. So many little cameos, character marks, etc etc etc. So good. I honestly like the quiet scenes that AoU brought to the table more than the initial one.
I love seeing movies with a raucous crowd. The one I was in today was solid, not too crazy. The one I'm in tomorrow will probably be more respectful/hype.
And then the one I go to Tuesday (the ghetto theater) will be just absolute insanity, and I can't wait.
I get a strong feeling that you not liking the movie has already been well established. Maybe it's best to not try and browbeat someone for liking it, no?
I love seeing movies with a raucous crowd. The one I was in today was solid, not too crazy. The one I'm in tomorrow will probably be more respectful/hype.
And then the one I go to Tuesday (the ghetto theater) will be just absolute insanity, and I can't wait.
I get a strong feeling that you not liking the movie has already been well established. Maybe it's best to not try and browbeat someone for liking it, no?
Because they like the movie, and literally just got back from seeing it, where their memories are fresh and their opinion of it will likely be the highest.
Marvel movies are popular. The flaws with it are totally valid (I can say that about AoU easily, and I got back like an hour ago), but it's more irritating to see someone be directly challenged for liking a movie. It's not necessary. If you disagree, that's fine, but present it better.
I'm in the camp of Spader was fantastic but a poor villain. I actually liked his screen-time more then any other character in the movie but ultimately, I felt his most threatening moment was his introduction, which is pretty telling.
I'm in the camp of Spader was fantastic but a poor villain. I actually liked his screen-time more then any other character in the movie but ultimately, I felt his most threatening moment was his introduction, which is pretty telling.
I had tons of fun with the movie, it's like a comic book come to life and that's all I need from Marvel.
Loved how Whedon balanced most of the cast. Also loved this portrayal of Ultron.
