or: we create the things that destroy us
Well it has been quite a long time! Sorry about that folks. I got sick. Like REALLY sick, and keeping up with the blog has been the least of my worries. Some small updates:
1) I’m heading to LDStoryMakers 2015 this weekend! Even if you are not an aspiring writer, Saturday 4th will be quite possibly be the biggest book signing/selling event in Utah. Info below:
2) Are you signed up for my mailing list? I’m going to try to release the May edition soon, with cool stuff I’ve written for different things. Sign up here!
The Review:
Plot 4/5
Tony: “What’s the Vibranium for?”
Ultron: “I’m glad you asked that, because I wanted to take this time to explain my evil plan…” [attacks Tony]
I’m glad we get to start off with what I think is arguably the weakest component of this great movie. However I only put it down one point, because, as a self admitted Avenger’s fanboy, I was there for the ride.
So the plot might be a little convoluted. But then, in this case, the plot is simply a vehicle to move the amazing cast of characters from one stunning locale to another. Is that inherently a weakness? Well I am not going to say it is a strength. But I will say that it seems to be a calculated move by Joss Whedon with the behemoth of a movie he had to lead. It’s a popcorn movie that’s meant to be more of an experience then an Academy Award winning movie for thought provoking plot.
Though, let’s be honest, I am looking forward for this movie to come out on Blu-Ray and ramp my view count to approaching the triple digits, like I did with the first Avengers. Plot holes, what? For the Fanboys and Fangirls, however, it does start a few plot strings that are sure to pay off in the future.
Character 5/5
Tony Stark: If I lift it, do I get to rule Asgard?
Thor: Yes, of course.
Tony Stark: I will be fair, but firmly cruel.
Thor: No, I’m sure.
Let’s be clear here about a few things: the purpose of the Avenger titled movies is to do what was previously thought un-do-able: Amass a huge cast of A list actors playing superheroes, and put them all in one movie and give them a chance to shine.
This was a big and valid fear of the original Avengers movie, assuming that screen time would be dictated by pay check instead of relevance of the character to the Avengers. And the original Avengers movie actually did a good job of focusing on the characters in their relative importance in the Avenger’s universe. I mean, yes, RDJ’s Tony Stark get’s some amazing screen time just because of his charisma, but it seems to be more the on screen charisma of Tony Stark that get’s the spotlight, and not Robert Downey Jr. But, I mean, at this point, can we even tell them apart?
“The city is flying and we’re fighting an army of robots. And I have a bow and arrow. Nothing makes sense.” – HawkeyeWatch Joss Whedon put the cast of of Avengers through some amazing meet cutes, characteristic scenes, and just funny character moments. Also, since for all intents and purposes, Avengers: Age of Ultron is a vehicle movie to introduce plots and sub plots for movies yet to come/not yet finalized, there is a lot of soft “character building” and “character arcs” that are intentionally left open ended to be picked up at a later time. Still love seeing these characters be in the same universe together and just play and have, what seems, like a genuinely fun time. Amazing jokes incoming.
The Avengers are the new Fellowship of the Ring: Amazingly cool, fun, attractive, and talented group of actors who are in the enviable position of living part of their awesome group dynamics off screen.
Setting 5/5
“Ultron can’t see the difference between saving the world and destroying it. Where do you think he gets that from?” – Scarlet Witch of Tony Stark
Usually I don’t get that rustled by setting, but Avenger’s did a great job of moving through some awesome locales (um, Wakanda, anyone) and finally bringing us to some emotionally resonant locations.
I won’t spoil the really amazing and touching location personal to one of the Avengers, so let’s skip over that. However, the climax of the movie does an amazing thing with setting as well. A climax should involve an internal and external conflict, and the setting should not also be story appropriate, but be personally resonant to (in this case, one or more of) the main character(s).
The climax brings the characters back to the beginning of the story (sorry, is this spoilery? You should go watch the movie right now) but have them take a look at their own personal motivations. When we first see the Avengers in the first city, they are a well oiled and (over) confident team, but when they return to the same city at the end of the movie, they are now a recently broken and barely holding it together group of failed heroes fighting to understand, well, what they are fighting for. Beautiful.
Conclusion
A roller coaster ride of characteristic moments, fangirl and fanboy inside jokes and nodes, and awe inspiring movies, Avengers: Age of Ultron is a exciting from beginning to end, with the action and explosions still taking the backseat to amazing writing and characters. 5/5
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
When Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program called Ultron, things go horribly wrong and it’s up to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.
Director: Joss Whedon