Avengers: Infinity War

10 years for the carnage to be unleashed.

A couple of posts ago (three actually) I said how tired I was of seeing great ideas being tossed into the garbage bin like a cheap forgotten McDonald's burger. Obviously, I was referring to the overnight success of Comic Book films these days. In addition, I was disappointed with what Rian "Dick" Johnson had done with The Last Jedi, and yet here you have me writing about another superhero film...

Avengers: Infinity War as a standalone film, would obviously fail in so many levels, that I'd put right next to the many other films I think are just fucking cash grabs. However, seeing this film marks the 10th anniversary of what humbly started in 2008 with Iron Man, and went on for another 9 years that will surely go on for another decade. 

Avengers forever!

I don't think so.

Plot wise we get a very simple story: Thanos, the powerful space overlord has built an "Infinity Gauntlet" (the actual name of the classic comic book, you posers) that allows him to wage the powerful weight of the six infinity stones. Predictably, friends and foes from all corners of the universe have decided it is time to do something before it's too late for the whole universal existence. 

The movie benefits a lot from its prequels, where most of the characters' personalities were introduced and developed vastly enough to make us care for each of them. Nevertheless, the film does take its time to tell us who Thanos really is, and what he is actually looking for once he gets all the six precious stones. For a CGI guy, I can say he's OK but not the best villain seen in years as many are calling him all over the internet. The fact that he wants to destroy everything because he's a bad guy, seems dated, childish and plane stupid. 

Infinity War does require you to have seen some or most of the MCU in order to fully enjoy its moments, which are many. I'd say you'd have to watch the Captain America trilogy, Thor 2 & 3, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.1, the first Avengers film and Doctor Strange and then, you'll be all set for an entertaining ride. 

Girl power!

Unusual team of heroes.

Directed by the Russo brothers, who also directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier & Captain America: Civil War, the film is a celebration of ten years of entertainment and overall fun. While the film does struggle with some tonal shifts during the first act, its brilliant action scenes and clever dialogue more than make up for these shortcomings. The film's ending will be overwhelming to some and most likely will divide fans over how it is executed. The directors do a superb job developing Thanos' personality outside of simply wanting universal domination. His motivations feel somewhat morally ambiguous and at times even make him seem sympathetic. Despite the film's darker tone, there are still some hilarious scenes of banter among the heroes, particularly between Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and Steven Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). 

I was so ready to tear this down - 19th MCU film, too many stars, bloated CGI, first of a two parter, and so on and so on...

Yet, this is so much fun. Pure popcorn...now in the dictionary under "popcorn film" is just the poster for this film. Somehow, the Russo Brothers have juggled all the parts to give everyone some time in the sun. They are helped immensely by two things: the premise is so pure Mcguffin that you just watch Thanos look for Infinity Stones which gives a primal momentum and that the film's stars/characters are looking to move on - that means, actual stakes for once as people could really die and not just comic book dying either.

Never upset an X-Men!

So, it's that bad again Cap,. right?

The DC people must be kicking themselves. The lightness and comedic touches are brilliant. You are laughing out loud, comedy level, but at totally organic character humor. It means you are so entertained throughout its rather long running time.

The other big surprise is Thanos himself. Normally, I hate CGI characters but somehow they have made Thanos and Josh Brolin work enough to give the character an actual arc. This is one of the better MCU villains and I never thought I would write that. In addition, and considering the massive amount of characters this film has, I was surprised to see the Russo brothers were careful enough to give key characters, enough on screen time, to show them doing their thing. Moreover, some characters were even upgraded to the legendary status they have in their respective comic books. For example, and this is not a spoiler, so rest easy, Doctor Strange shows us why he is the real master of mystic arts, and not someone to mess off with. Also, the Mighty Thor (yeah, one of my favorite superheroes of all time) recovers is God-like status, so he's not fucking around when you see him take the lead. I guess, this comes directly as a result of the wonderful Thor Ragnarok movie. In addition, Captain America and his bad-ass team have one of the coolest introduction scenes in the film. 

Not on our watch!

Space Ego V/S Tech Ego.

On the other hand, the female characters feel like they're on a "side quest" rather than part of the big fight. A disappointment considering how many fans these characters have. There's not a single scene (save for one but, nope, not spoiling it here) where they feel truly relevant. Also, I couldn't believe the scene where Black Widow returns to the screen is actually by walking towards a background showing her perfect rounded ass (I mean, isn't that sexist for today's standards?). Same thing happens with Scarlet Witch's breasts here and there.  In addition, the excessive amount of "fan service" feels a bit too much at times. Another minor issue I had, was the fact that some characters personalities were changed in order to fit into the bigger picture when there was no need in doing so. Moreover, the exhausting use of CGI goes entirely against the "painful and dramatic" motif the film has been drawing us into from start to finish. Do computers cry?.

Also, the climax feels a bit too much on the side of the old exploitation tricks 70's films relied on to keep their fans entertained. If you're a comic book reader, you know that nothing is sacred, and that nothing is impossible so, the cliffhanger was a big meh, because you know what will inevitably happen in the sequel. Cheap trick Marvel!, cheap trick.

I could use a hand.

The new Guardians of the Galaxy?

And last but not least, a couple of big downers the film had:
 

How powerful are Thanos abilites? because in one scene he fucking beats the crap out of one of the most powerful MCU characters and later he's punching and kicking far weaker characters that don't seem to be that hurt and disabled after the fight.

And one example of stupidity: When the antagonist is almost beaten, the most stupid thing takes place in order to serve an onion thick plot, and well, now I fucking hate that character.

If I was to rate the film I'd say an 8/10 if watched as it should be: a part of a bigger film collection, and a 5/10 as a standalone film due to the lack of a great many things and a gigantic CGI overuse and video-game like sequences. If I had to rate purely for fun, I'd say the film is a bold 10/10 and probably the film of 2018.  

The film in a single sentence? "Genocide is a good thing".

Here's the movie trailer collection:

Trailer #2:

Trailer #1:

And the red carpet show:

Ghost in the Shell

What makes us real?

Ghost in the Shell is probably one of the most beloved Anime properties in recent history. the 1995 OVA based upon the astonishing Masamune Shirow Manga blew everyone's VCR minds sky high! The music, the animation quality (with gigantic attention to detail) the presence of Shoji Kawamori in mechanical designs and the depresssing future themes granted GITS a place in history. 

Today, 22 years later comes the live action remake that everyone's been talking about for all the wrong reasons? To each his own, of course. However, as we always advice, watch the movies yourself. Don't let yourself be biased by missinformed people, naysayers, trolls, fanboys and wholesome pieces of shit from the crappy world of social networks. Shit, how I miss the 90's! it was so much easier and positive back in the day! 

So, Ghost in the Shell may or may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm pretty sure that it isn't nowhere nearly as bad as they want you to believe. Starred by Scarlett Johansson (sci-fi superstar!, look at her CV!)  as The Major (not a single minute called by her original name Motoko Kusagani) an enhanced cybernetic being devoted to stop the world's most dangerous criminals. Co-starred by film legends Takeshi Kitano (as Aramaki) & Juliette Binoche (as doctor Ouelet), the GITS film adaptation is actually very different from the original OVA.  The first big change is the fact that Motoko Kusanagi is no longer one of the many enhanced cyborg organisms living in the GITS universe. This time, she's the very fist enhanced being so that clearly calls for some bigger changes in the script that is cleverly, yet predictably adapted by Jamie Moss, William Wheeler & Ehren Kruger under the correct direction of Rupert Sanders. If you've watched the original GITS you know this big change will somehow diminish the complexity of the philosophy within the film. The second change is the fact that the Puppet Master (the original bad guy in the Anime) is no longer depicted as a hacker criminal, AKA project 2501 with the ability to travel across the cybernetic network and do as he pleases with immense power. Nope! the new bad guy is called Kuze (played by Kurt Cobain wannabe Michael Pitt) which instantly means we won't be seeing the naked girl being hit by a truck while the Puppet Master takes complete possesion of her cyborg body in order to establish a connection with Motoko. 

The future.

Cyborg Geisha.

Differences aside, GITS is still a very good movie. Viewers expecting an array of original ideas, don't waste your time!, everything's been done before!. The idea of a cyberpunk futiristic world has been explored by the entertainment industry for eons! Blade Runner, Six Million Dollar Man, Megazone 23, Terminator, Robocop, The Matrix, shall I continue? The thing is, the future of mankind is so interesting as an entertainment context, that I'm sure many films and other artistic forms will keep on exploring the possibilities of a humanity lost in a technological world (aren't we already there?) so bugging about it, won't change the world dudes.

Plotwise with the above mentioned changes, the story is more focused on Major's uniqueness and the world is presented through the eyes of an enhanced woman who's questioning what makes us human and ultimately, what makes us to feel alive.  The antagonist as the word quickly suggests, it's the exact opposite of Johansson's: AI desperately looking to be alive. 

The Major.

it's kicking ass time!

The speciall effects are really good, although not that surprising in this day and age, the invisible armor Major wears in the iconic water battle, looks superb! In addition, her skin tight suit makes it look like Scarlett Johansson was naked all the time! (and that is a good thing for us admirer of the starlet) Boy! look at those curves! (I know I sound like a macho pig, but do excuse me) Some visual sequences look like they were taken from the original 1995 animation, and that is always a welcomed gesture by fans. The opening sequence (although it lacks the original superb theme) is a carbon copy of the OVA. We see Scarlett Johansson being built into the Major frame by frame. Other action scenes were also made to look almost the same as the source material. Again, we can't thank enough director Sanders for that.

The score isn't as thrilling as the original OVA score was, it just plays like your standard derivative superhero/sici-fi soundtrack. Nevertheless, you don't really notice it that much because this film has a e s t h e t i c s written all over! The visual spectacle we're offered is a delight to our eyes. Did I mention Johansson looks like she's naked all the time? Oops!

I'm gonna getcha!

Lookalikes.

Gory violence has been completely erased from existance. Obviously, this is a Hollywood technique they use to widen their audience, thus making more money out of the film and its byproducts. The original OVA had a lot of graphic violence which was essential to the understanding of how cold this future world was. Nevertheless, the film script didn't include those subplots and/or made substantial changes to them to save them from censorship. Unfortunately, those changes make GITS a far predictable film, unlike its original counterpart where there was still a sense of oven fresh ideas.

and what about the whitewashing and shit?

Seriously? do you still see the world according to color, race & gender? If yes, then GITS is clearly a film you shouldn't watch, specially the 1995 OVA where the quintessential question is what makes us human? feelings? sex? gender? offspring? self awareness? Nonetheless, we will not discuss the matter here because we couldn't care less about it. We're all human beings!, persons! which is way more than being LGBT, Latino or Asian! The day we start accepting people as equals is the day war ends. Let's see if we make it to see that day. 

Scarlett Johansson has proven to be one of the most prolific sci-fi actress in the last two decades. She's portrayed comic book characters (Ghost World, Black Widow in the MCU, The Spirit) Science fiction characters (The Island, Lucy, Under the Skin) I think she was the right choice to portray the Major. if you compare her acting side by side with the animé, you'll see she delivers a respectful homage to the original. Besides, she's got the looks.

Major, you're human.

You're not real!

Overall, Ghost in the Shell is a daring experiment at touching something sacred and turning into a brand new western live action film. Like most films, the viewer is to decide whether it is a masterpiece or disposable junk. I for one, think it's a good movie, a fair attempt at paying homage to a wonderful 1995 set of memories I found myself countless times watching with a long gone friend on my VCR during the 90's. Truth be told, this film will never outdo the original, yet I don't think this was the original intention behind the making of this movie, just turn off your internet for a while, sit back, and enjoy this film.

Here's the movie trailer:

Captain America: Civil War

The best of 2016.

I said this before: out of every MCU films, the Captain America ones are the best of them all. His debut film, (Captain America: The First Avenger, not reviewed here for unknown reasons) planted the seed and with Captain America: The Winter Soldier my belief was clear, Marvel Studios hired the best team to honor the image of one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. Producers, writers and other personnel worked as hard as a rock and the actors & actresses that portrayed such iconic characters have done it masterfully time after time.

Captain America: Civil War, AKA, Captain America 3 proves with ease that they're not just looking for your money with a greedy drive. Instead, they get your money with care, with a developing story and characters that are written so well, they can grow each time we see them on screen. As I'm writing this entry, I've only watched Civil War once but, rest assured I'll watch it several more times (like I did with Episode VII, Deadpool and yes, Batman V Superman too) Behind a simple plot about concerned governments of the over empowered Avengers, lies the complexity of a group of characters that share the same ultimate aim but with different shades of gray. 

Fascism V/S Freedom.

There can only be one.

OK, but is this film about the super cool Civil War comic book?  

Seriously? I mean, really? at this point, it's clear that the MCU it's its own thing. Nonetheless, each MCU film borrowed a few things here and there from beloved comic book story arcs every fan boy treasures happily in their man cave (or bedroom, or whatever) 

Civil War picks up right after the events of Age of Ultron (hence, the Sokovia accords proposal book the U.N. are so eager to have the Avengers sign) If you've been following the MCU You already know the side effects of superhero battles, and I'm not just talking casualties and destruction, I'm also talking inner tension among the Avengers. Since, this movie is called Civil War, the only comic book related thing you'll find here is the fact that governments want superheroes to be under control of the U.N. which, in a way, resembles what happened in the comic book story arc (The Superhero Registration Act) Of course, not every superhero that made it to the comic book (brilliantly written by Mark Millar and penciled by Steve McNiven in 2006) made it to the movie for the reason explained in the paragraph above. In addition, some battle sequences were directly brought to life from the pages of the comic book. 

Tension between the leads (Captain America & Iron Man) had already been established since the first Avengers movie and boy they burst here!  Captain America stands for "we have freedom to decide when and how to proceed" while Iron Man stands for "we have to answer to somebody, it's best if we peacefully agree" Lines which could be translated as freedom V/S corporate pseudo fascist politics, at least that's the way I see it (you're free to think whatever you want, so you decide) Nevertheless, just like in the comic book, Tony Stark has a craving for being a control freak he can't simply quit just because. He wants to be the hero in control of the rest of the team, and let's be honest, Robert Downey Jr's performance here is fucking fantastic, he makes you either fucking hate him with your guts, or fucking love him with your heart. On the other hand, Captain America is the living breathing ultimate incarnation of self control, meaning he knows to do what's right, and that he trusts others will follow the example. 

Fascist control freak team.

Freedom fighters.

In Civil War, Tony Stark's portrayal is an accurate mix of several story arcs where he disguises as someone doing what's right for everyone while the truth is he's doing what's best for him, which is taking control of other superheroes, while posing as a respected citizen if you get my point. To me, he's a dick, a fucking dick sucking some gigantic ass. He's got sever issues! he's violent, armed, over powered and perhaps the only hero that should be behind bars according to the Sokovia act ideals (you know he's caused more damage than any other hero in the MCU by doing what's wrong (meaning, by getting away with whatever the fuck he wants to not listening to anyone but himself) 

The Winter Soldier, is charged of bombing the U.N. convention center, so Tony Stark decides he has to stop Captain America and his team just because he's "protecting a criminal" And well, that could be a plot hole. How come Tony Stark, a super smart ass with all the technology in the world, cannot find the obvious real perpetrator behind this facade? 

Anyways, two teams form, and battle for what they believe is right but, from very different points of view, which ultimately, reveal the truth nobody want's to see: The Avengers were forced to become a team, and never really liked each other (Specially, rich fuck Stark v/s Steve Rogers)  after more revealing moments happen, it's clear the Avengers will forever change, and working together again won't seem easy, so for the Infinity Wars movies, we'll see a completely different team. 

Anger & martial arts do not get along.

Narcissist  superhero wannabe.

Tony Stark's team members are quite predictable as to how did they choose to sign the Sokovia act, instead of following the rougher road with the Captain. 

Let's check this brief description, so that you can see my point:

• War Machine: A soldier with no brains that follows order and never stops to think if doing what's right is any different from doing what's legal.
• Black Panther: He was fooled into thinking The Winter Soldier killed his father.
• Vision: He's Tony Stark's creation, so...
• Black Widow: She has a double agenda, she will never submit to shitty registration acts. 
• Spider-Man: He's a poor student and Stark buys him off with a scholarship and a new suit.

Now, let's take a look at Steve Rogers' team:

• Falcon: He knows the difference between what's right and wrong.
• The Winter Soldier: His recovering memory, allows him to see he was once on the good guys side. He wants to be on that side again.  
• Scarlet Witch: She knows the only fear she can control is hers, so freedom is her side.
• Hawk Eye: He's always done what's right. Why would he change that now?
• Ant-Man: He's befriended Falcon since their first encounter. A friend of my friend is my friend too!

Hey! I was in the movie too!

Fuck you! I'm who fans want to see!

Now, moving into the most hyped Civil War moment: Spider-Man's debut in the MCU! How was it? how was it?! Well, this is the first time ever, where we're actually seeing a more comic-book accurate Spider-Man. Tobey Maguire's wasn't that bad and the other emo guy, was just teenage shit. Tom Holland just nails the part with a natural talent, so I'm sure like me, you can't wait for his solo movie to debut ASAP. All his lines are mostly hilarious just like they're in the comic book. Also, the battle sequences are simply fantastic (yes, mostly CGI, but well done)  As for Black Panther's debut I'd say he has a modest role on Civil War. Nevertheless, I'm sure that is because his also set to star his own solo movie, but the basics are there, you know, where do you come from, who you are, why you do what you do and so on. Moreover, his battle scenes are very good, you can see he's skilled and holds a powerful armored suit hard to break. 

Another fantastic addition is the presence of Ant-Man. Specially, the battle scheme he & Hawk Eye have designed to attack team rich fuck, and let's not talk about his fantastic Giant-Man moment!

As for the presumed deaths in the movie, sure, there are deaths but not of any of the characters you'd expect, so, no, Captain America doesn't die here despite having Crossbones in the bad dudes list.However, there is a funeral scene (hinted in trailers, TV Spots and leaked photos) but it's about something else entirely.

 

Super powered beauty.

You've got a friend?

Overall, Captain America: Civil War is a fantastic movie, a masterpiece, as good as Captain America: The Winter Soldier or even better! For naysayers, the rumor Tony Stark spends too much on screen time, while Steve Rogers is merely there, they're fucking feeding internet trolls! This is a Captain America movie! and it could have easily replaced the god awful and derivative Age of Ultron. For those thinking yeah but is it better than Batman V Superman? man! stop the crap! different movies, different comic book firms BUT same fans! let's enjoy these movies for what they are meant to do: entertain! if you want division, choose religion and crooked politics instead! 

Now, I know many comic book fans will address the movie as "not truly based upon the original Civil War story arc" Guys! I love comics, and I love movies too! there's no need to go scholar with a movie as good as this one. 

What about the after credits scene? Well, there isn't much going on with it, see it yourself. I for one, found it to be meh! 

What else can I say? Captain America: Civil War is another triumph for Marvel Studios, Disney, and for us the fans who, like Cyndi Lauper would put it, "fans just wanna have fun" and that's exactly what you're getting by watching this new entry in the succesfuly growing healthy, Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Iron-Man cocksuckers, this movie is all about the Cap! As a matter of fact, I think you should all thank him for being such a good human being or else... 

Here's the movie trailer collection:

The original first trailer:

The second trailer:

And the third and final trailer:

Bonus! The TV Spot that features the Amazing Spider-Man!!

Avengers: Age Of Ultron

We're back with new toys for you to buy.

Every decade in film history has had its hype. the 70's delivered the exploitation/sexploitation craze. The 80's delivered a massive amount of B movies in the most varied genres. The 90's had alternative films featuring drug use and abuse. The 2000's seem to have been split in two halves. One were there were many awful films, and another half where films based upon Comic Books took the lead.  Honestly, we've grown tiresome of reviewing superhero flicks. However, our Comic Book love remains untouched and as strong as ever. 

Previously we engaged ourselves in the fulfilling mission of reviewing as many Marvel Cinematic Universe films we could, so that you could get a wider picture of what's to come in the future of such universe. The long wait ends today, with the film that sets the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 3.

Avengers 2, AKA Avengers Age Of Ultron is the long awaited sequel of Marvel's Avengers, perhaps the greatest success Marvel Studios have had until today. Does the sequel outdo the prequel? let's find out!

Shall we help idiot Stark stop his AI invention?

We're growing tired of your bullshit Stark.

Partially based upon some comic book story arcs (mostly Age Of Ultron & Avengers Now) the sequel is essentially about Tony Stark's latest idea (something that could greatly improve Iron Man 3's poor reputation) which is none but to mass produce his previous remotely controlled Mark 42 armor as to set up a whole army of Iron Drones (known as the Iron Legion) in order to be everywhere in a matter of a few minutes. Such technology is based upon the what we saw in Iron Man 3, only this time it works. With S.H.I.E.L.D. gone for good (see Captain America: The Winter Soldier) Stark sets up as the CEO and #1 investor of the Avengers initiative. Next to him, Captain America takes the field commander position (Stark hates the man) and Hulk, Black Widow & Hawk Eye follow directions.

The addition of Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver, which may seem a bit odd from a certain comic book point of view, although brief, works wonders. Specially Scarlet Witch which plays an important part in the climax of the film. Now, if you are expecting a background story for each "miracle" (mutant is forbidden since it's copyrighted by 20th Century Fox and here they're known as "the enhanced") you'll be disappointed. Nevertheless, we're clear that they are a product of Hydra experimentation (The Winter Soldier again) As for Vision, the other newcomer, he's modeled after J.A.R.V.I.S. and this, was spoiled a long time ago in Iron Man 3. Don't remember? Well, next to the big bunny Stark bought Pepper Pots there is a Christmas sock hanging that reads J.A.R.V.I.S. Now, the colors in the sock are green, red & yellow, which are The Vision's suit colors, clever, eh?

Black Widow is in love with two very different men.

Hello legs!

and what about Ultron? Well, Ultron is pure reprogrammed Chitauri AI and his body clearly resembles that of a T-800 from the Terminator franchise (I wish it had more comic book likeness but whatever). Also, his goal is borrowed from Skynet's program: exterminate humanity because they're violent and destructive by nature. Nevertheless, Ultron is as menacing as fuck (there are a couple of over the top moments but what the hell) He's built an army of Iron Man spare parts and he's reinforced them with Vibranium (the material he's made of. Such material is developed in Africa, suggesting a possible Black Panther reference) The Avengers are clearly outnumbered and out gunned against this new menace but, heroes will be heroes.

Just like the prequel, humor is also a key element in the sequel, an item that I consider a Joss Whedon signature move. Every joke helps us understand that the film and its characters are not to be taken seriously. Hopefully, Avengers: Infinity Wars will keep some of that humor without Whedon directing.

Screw your lame intro, get me to the review now!!
 

Avengers Age Of Ultron is everything you could expect from Marvel Studios: A thrilling non-stop action ride that depicts superheroes as we like them: Being the hero, saving the day on broad daylight and having no psychopath like inner issues. The film is clearly not made for non comic book fans or comic book films fans. This time we're briefly or quickly introduced to characters that require you to have an extra tad of knowledge of the Marvel Universe or at least to be familiar with some of its more important/known characters. Besides, the original (film) Avengers we now have more characters to look for: Scarlett Witch & Quicksilver (both only referred to as as the enhanced, the twins or the Maximoff during the movie) The Vision (who remains unnamed during the film although "the vision" is teased a couple of times) In addition we have the presence of returning characters such as War Machine, Maria Hill, Nick Fury & The Falcon.

I need to use the bathroom.

I auditioned for Terminator 5 but they said I was too cute.

Avengers Age Of Ultron may not make room for the upcoming marvel films, not at least in a wider sense. References to Captain America: Civil War are zero to none during the film, although there are certain tension moments among the Avengers members, those scenes are not in direct relation with what happens in Civil War (the comic book) Then we have the Avengers Infinity Wars connection, is it there? Well, in a way it is. Thor has a dream where he sees the future and the unexpected appearance of more infinity stones and that's it.
 
The movie opens with an immediate action sequence, with our heroes teamed up again and engaging in some very rubbery-looking action heroics. This stuff is fun, and if it doesn’t mean much it at least gives audiences this specific kind of action sequence that we haven’t really seen in a superhero movie before. People tend to think Superman is campy but I'd say campiness is where you find it. It is during this heroic battle that we are introduced to the mutant couple of Quicksilver (Aaron Johnson) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen from the Olsen twins that are to die for now).

So you're saying your AI has gone nuts?

Hulk Smash!

Later on there is a party scene where our heroes interact with characters from previous Marvel Studios films. This party is supposed to be a farewell party as the Avengers have finally stopped the last remaining traces of Hydra. However, during the mission they find out the true power that's behind Baron Von Strucker's intentions: For reasons unknown, he's got his hands onto Loki's scepter and his ultimate plan is to use the energy within the scepter as to create a new generation of state of the art weaponry. In addition, he's got one of the dinosaur like Chitauri vessels in his hideout. Once the Avengers recover the missing piece, Stark & Banner ask J.A.R.V.I.S. to analyze the energy contained inside the scepter and what they discover is unparalleled: there is a superior artificial intelligence contained within, which leads Stark to rethink his dream of the Ultron program (an army led by AI that would put an end to the Avengers and would contain any menace without the need for human supervision) Unfortunately, they can't figure out a way and ask J.A.R.V.I.S. to try as hard as it can before Thor takes it back to Asgard.

For some reason, Ultron already exists inside Loki's Scepter so as soon as Stark & Banner return to the party he sort of "self activates" once he becomes self aware he hacks into JARVIS and borrows the Iron Legion bodies as to begin his plan which is literally based on Stark's quote "peace for everyone". From here on, the Avengers have to get back in business and face a very difficult time, thanks to the technological juggernaut that Ultron is. 

I'm only here so you can buy the toy!

Yes, I want you to buy my action figure too.

Avengers Age Of Ultron clearly is an adequate sequel to a film that changed the way the industry and non comic book fans see superheroes. With a challenge that seems larger than life Marvel Studios and his talented selection of film makers, producers, writers and actors have achieved the impossible: To create a sequel as good as the prequel or even better than the prequel depending on how you see it. What seemed to be the curse of the film industry (sequels) has now been once again changed thanks to a dedicated team of professionals. Nevertheless, like every human made product, the film does have its flaws, and despite the fact you already know we love comic books here, I think it's fair to point a few of the flaws this magnificent sequel has:

First, the CGI which by now should be of no surprise to anyone, has minor flaws but in moments where it shouldn't fail: Iron Man's armor looks too artificial in several scenes where he's standing or not flying & fighting lots of ultrons. Also, Vision is the one who took the fatal blow. His body (unless is a close up shot) looks way beyond fake. I mean even video games got that right many years ago. Secondly, why would you add a new character in the story just to have him killed by the end of the film? I mean, it's like he/she/it wasn't part of the story at all!! Thirdly, Ultron's menace is really big, or isn't that big? His presence neither holds connection to the past of the Marvel Cinematic Universe nor does have any relationship with the future of it. If you were expecting the foundations for Avengers Infinity Wars boy you're damn wrong. Fourthly, the loose ends:

Massacre: Avengers style.

The Vision is here!

1. The main characters do not seem to have any memories from their standalone films with the only exception being Captain America (who quotes some of his past solo adventures)
2.  What is the purpose of establishing a universe of characters when they only recall what's happened in the previous Avengers film? You get the overall impression of "what does this film has to do with settling a shared universe?"
3. Do the after credit scenes matter most than an entire film? If things go on like this, I'm beginning to believe they do, and if that's the case that's one of dumbest ideas ever! "Hey, I'm making a new Marvel Studios film that holds no connection to our cinematic universe but the after credits scene is a killer, I guarantee that" This crap happened before with Guardians Of The Galaxy. 
4. How Ultron came to be? why was it inside Loki's scepter all along?
5. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is dangerously approaching the cliche zone where formulaic behavior turns a master piece into a dime a dozen movie. For example, the conflict among the Avengers was already used as an important element for plot development.
6. Whatever happened to the Iron Patriot armor?
7. The New Avengers team, seriously?

Avengers, assemble!

Together.

Overall, an adventure film that delivers 110% of pure super heroic action almost non-stop. Nevertheless, this film may not be for everyone because it adds new characters and other comic book related elements that will only be understood and therefore enjoyed by connoisseurs of the genre. My recommendation if this is your first Avengers film is to watch Captain America: The Winter Soldier & Iron Man 3 beforehand as to set mood for Age Of Ultron. Of course you can also watch the first Avengers film if you're interested in the after credits scene.

Kids will love the film, lots of action and even a recurring joke about "watching your language". Also the deeply explored human side of one of the Avengers, adds a more realistic take on the characters inside a massive universe of super powers. The whole "we do this together" motive also adds up. This time the Avengers are sure that only through team work they will save humanity from an idea apparently stolen from Superman Returns ...Ultron. The 3D scenes are also spectacular, so please watch in proper 3D to melt your brains out. 

Here's the movie trailer:

 

And here's the fake after credits scene that features Spider Man and had fans around the globe going crazy: