As a huge, I mean HUGE, fan of the entire Marvel Universe slate of films, especially the first Avengers film, I was nervous to see Age of Ultron. Would the cast be as well represented? Would the story top the first one? Would it be as funny?

Well as I sat there and was only 15 minutes into the Age of Ultron, I immediately knew that the answers to all of those questions was a big YES!

From the opening frames, the action is as good as anything I have seen in any of the Marvel movies. The story continued the set up from Captain America the Winter Soldier and it was great to see Thor, The Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Iron Man and Captain America, picking up in the heat of a battle like they had never had a rest from the invasion of New York in the first film.

The Story & the Action

What we know is that HYDRA is working on some secret plans to take over the governments of the world and conducting experiments in AI technology. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) figures out what is happening and takes it upon himself to create a “being” that will make the world safe enough so that the Avengers are no longer needed. With some help from super computer J.A.R.V.I.S. and Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), they start building their ultimate fantasy: A compassionate robot that will act on behalf of humanity.

Of course, things go wrong and we end up getting the villain in this film, a wonderfully created ULTRON, voiced by James Spader. ULTRON immediately resents all humans especially Tony Stark and the Avengers. He believes, like a plague, that all humans need to be wiped from the face of the earth. Without giving away his plan, I will say that I was impressed with the explanation and execution that reminded me a little of Superman Returns, but still had a fresh twist and amazing visuals for the finale. It is definitely not the same old big blowout battle we have become accustomed to in most superhero films. The action is relentless, the visual effects take it to a new level, and ULTRON is funny and menacing at the same time.

There is a one scene in particular that is still playing on a loop in my head, and it involves a confused Hulk, and the Tony Stark created “Hulkbuster” suit that levels a city, and is the best thing I have seen in any Marvel movie so far.

The Characters 

All of the actors in the film, show amazing chemistry and Director Joss Whedon once again showcases all of the main characters equally. The great thing in this film, is that we also get to know, in detail, some new characters and existing characters get some great background added to the canon, including an unexpected romance, and we learn some interesting details about Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner).

I was excited to see two new characters in particular. Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch add some cool new dimensions to the team and the Avengers universe expands in a way that we get some important answers and some new directions that the characters will head in future installments. There is also one new Avenger added to the mix, that comic book fans will go nuts for. I can’t say who it is, but HE alone is worth the price of admission!

You Gotta See This Movie, But Can Kids?

This film exceeds expectations in every way. Whether you are a casual fan, or a die hard Marvel nerd, this movie has something for everyone. If you have little ones younger than eight, there are a few “cover their eyes moments,” but the movie is less intense and not even close to the level of violence that we saw in Captain America the Winter Soldier. We took all three of our boys (ages 5, 7 and 10). They loved it, but we did reach over to cover their eyes in a few parts, especially during the hallucination scenes caused by the Scarlet Witch.

This Marvel nerd dad is saying to run to the theater and see this movie. Be prepared to be blown away for 2 + hours and know going in that you will laugh many times at the amazing dialogue that makes you care for this group of imaginary superheroes like they are your oldest and most familiar group of unrealistically attractive friends!