The good news is that our favourite Marvel superheroes are back. If you loved the 2012 “The Avengers” chances are you have been eagerly awaiting this one. So is it then worth the wait? YES! But is it better than its predecessor? No way.
The character of Nick Fury (played by Samuel L Jackson) says at one point in the film, “you never know, you hope for the best and then make do with what you get!” This is also how writer–director Joss Whedon seems to have approached the film. Still spinning after the heady success of his previous blockbuster venture, he plays it safe and makes use of all that he gets. So there is lots of action, special effects, a ‘thrill-a-minute’ kind of narrative and our 6 charismatic super-heroes doing what they do best: saving us lesser mortals and this planet we call home.
The opening sequence is not to be missed. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Thor (Chris Harmsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans) , Hulk ( Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow ( Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye ( Jeremy Renner) all together in a mindblowing action sequence stitched into a single shot sets the mood for the next 142 mins. The party pooper comes in the form of Ultron. An artificial Intelligence programme voiced by the inimitable James Spader it seeks the annihilation of the entire human race. Along with Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch we have a formidable enemy camp to pitch our heroes and their superpowers against.
While there isn’t anything spectacularly new in this outing, Whedon does try to give us insights into the soft vulnerable side of our war-ravaged superheroes. Their fears and insecurities (revealed to us thanks to Scarlet Witch’s psychic abilities) are a lot like our own, including the folly of workplace romance (yes cupid is also at work and that should give you one more reason to head to the theatre!). While we do miss Loki and his evil wit from the prequel what we have on our plates does suffice for now. The film ends on a promise of something bigger and better next time around. So till then you make do with what you get and book those tickets now! The Avengers are here and it isn’t a good idea to make them wait. This good ol’ popcorn entertainment warrants 4 out of 5 QUINTS.
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