Avengers: Age of Ultron

In this PG-13 sequel to The Avengers (2012), Marvel’s misfits are back to save the world—or at least keep it entertained for a few hours with 3-D action scenes and one-liners. The film starts with a bang as the Avengers attack a mountain fort owned by Hydra’s henchmen in Eastern Europe.

When the dust clears, Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) finds a scepter containing a Mind Stone with magical properties. Soon, Stark convinces Dr. Banner/the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) to help him harness the Mind Stone and create a new form of artificial intelligence. Stark’s goal is to design a robotic system so powerful that the Avengers will be able to go on permanent vacation.

Somehow, though, (surprise!) things go awry in the mechanic’s shop. Even as Steve/Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Natasha/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and the rest of the gang celebrate their recent victory, Stark’s new robot, Ultron (James Spader), makes his appearance—and the party is definitely over.

Ultron’s aim is the destruction of the human race, and besides all the brawn of his robotic army, one of Ultron’s minions—the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen)—is playing mind games with our superheroes. The Avengers will have to overcome their fears, reign in their over-the-top personalities, and work together as a team if they hope to triumph.

This movie doesn’t have the heart of the original Avengers film. Still, director Joss Whedon manages to keep the sprawling story moving ahead, and its CGI spectacle doesn’t disappoint. A romantic subplot between Black Widow and the Hulk adds emotional depth, though both Iron Man and Captain America are regrettably less developed.

Crude and offensive language as well as intense violence make this a movie parents may want their children to skip. Viewers who go may find it a lot like Stark’s robot—intelligent, full of clever quips and engaging action, but certainly not all he dreamed it would be.

Listen to Emily Whitten discuss Avengers: Age of Ultron on The World and Everything in It.