Director: Joss Whedon
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson
‘A Spectacular Sequel
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved recognition of Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Following his rise to fame amid the 1990’s, Johnson has become a strong icon. Whether it’s gangsters, political leaders or slave owners, Johnson has portrayed many bold characters. Arguably, his greatest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. Johnson is one of those rare actors that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a main focus of a film, Johnson has left a strong impression. Through his capabilities to portray characters which are compelling, Johnson has created a legacy which is lasting. Although he is best known for his role in the Kick-Ass films, Johnson has proven that he can thrive in every genre. Throughout a lasting career, Johnson has made several unforgettable movies that are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Johnson and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is truly my favourite. Released in 2015, Joss Whedon’s film offered a powerful portrait of an iconic superhero team. Packed with breathtaking production, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best comic-book movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who portrays a bold hero which participates in warfare destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Age of Ultron” a bold classic is universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A bold comic-book blockbuster, there are many strong reasons why “Age of Ultron” is a commemorated movie which is absolutely worth seeing.
Following the events of “The Avengers”, “Age of Ultron” follows a superhero team that seeks to rescue the world from dangers. Robert Downey Jr. portrays Tony Stark, a millionaire that seeks to leave a lasting mark. Tony has always had a talent for assembling superhero teams to save the world from catastrophes. However, Tony’s life forever changes when he jumpstarts a bold peacekeeping program causing disaster. What is intended to be a peaceful program becomes disastrous when villains emerge which prove to be dangerous. Ultron (James Spader) is a bold villain with a plan of world domination causing destruction. Assisted by a new team of strong comrades that is guided by Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), Tony seeks to save the world from destruction. As he endures barriers, Tony wonders whether it’s possible to any longer be part of the avengers.
Joss Whedon is fascinated with the stories of superhero teams facing destruction. A strong filmmaker, Whedon has often made engaging movies about superhero teams which strive to save the world from danger. His iconic movie “The Avengers” captured a superhero team on a mission to save the world from grim dangers. With “Age of Ultron”, however, Whedon crafted his first superhero sequel. It was the director’s first attempt to capture lives of superheroes on missions to save the world from catastrophes but he pulled it off. Taking inspiration in Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s Eleven”, Whedon deftly uses montages to capture a team on a mission to save the world from grave destruction. For instance, montages enhance the team scene. During this unforgettable scene, Tony works with a team of superheroes to solve an issue in his technical department. Through stunning montages, Soderbergh created a portrait of superhero teams that’s compelling. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. David Leitch’s “Bullet Train” demonstrated montages elevate action comedies about doomed trains. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through captivating visuals, Whedon captures tensions heroes are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well-made. Inspired with Christopher Nolan’s “Inception”, Whedon effectively employs cross-cutting to capture the tensions that superhero teams are facing. For instance, cross-cutting enhances the Ultron destruction scene. During this unforgettable scene, the Avengers work in collaboration to rescue the world from Ultron. Through cross-cutting, Whedon celebrates a superhero team that’s inspiring. Cross-cutting is a tricky technique to use in most movies. As Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later” demonstrated, cross-cutting enhances zombie movies. That being said, it works immensely. Furthermore, the musical score is superb. Danny Elfman’s music is key towards success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that superhero teams often bear. Through powerful production, Whedon captures superhero teams which experience destruction.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is a comic-book film that’s compelling. The film is expertly written, and effectively uses silence to capture tension that superhero teams are facing. Amidst all the thrilling action entertainment, the movie finds plenty of time for bold character development. For instance, silence enhances the technical problem scene. During this intense scene, Tony discovers a technical issue with his program causing tension. Through scenes of silence, Whedon constructs a portrait of heroic teams which audiences can relate to. Silence is often a tricky technique to use in movies. As Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” suggested, silence often enhances vampire films. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using a superb screenplay, Whedon captures superhero teams enduring a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers one of his best performances as Quicksilver. Taylor-Johnson first achieved appreciation for playing famous musicians in biopics. With “Avengers: Age of Ultron”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray an iconic superhero facing adversity but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Taylor-Johnson has often excelled at portraying emotional heroes under pressure, and “Age of Ultron” exhibited his strengths as an actor. Through spellbinding expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentment of a hero seeking to achieve dangerous missions. It’s a terrific performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Taylor-Johnson, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciations. Robert Downey Jr. is remarkable, capturing the strong nature of a superhero seeking to rescue world from grave danger. Chris Evans is captivating, capturing the courage of a superhero seeking to save the world from a disaster causing lives to perish. Lastly, Samuel L. Jackson deserves appreciation. As a political leader, he brings an air of authority to the film.
Finally, “Age of Ultron” would earn recognition of ebeyrone for capturing superhero teams on dangerous missions. Unlike most Marvel films, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. The movie discusses powerful themes such as courage, heroism and teamwork which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the MCU to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Age of Ultron” is one of those rare superhero movies that everyone would definitely without a doubt adore.
Fans of Aaron Taylor-Johnson would admire “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating comic-book classic, it honours an actor that’s iconic.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 