'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAEAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAb/xAAgEAABAwQCAwAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEABESIQUGMWFx/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwT/xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwEhQf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AjeqSVyZgG2DkKTLbaNklLEbqVyHeiW3n7VJO65xrc2QAsriLhIm/dKUipomZh//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
When Avengers: Age of Ultron debuted in theaters, hype reached fever pitch in the summer of 2015. As a sequel to the iconic Avengers (2012) film, the sequel also brought back the full cast – Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye – while adding new characters Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, and Vision.
However, even with the film doing well at the box office, it became critically divisive and was argued not to have the same level of emotional depth and impact as its predecessor.
Part of the hate came from the introduction of ideas that many considered poorly executed. These included Quicksilver’s brief and lackluster introduction, the controversial Black Widow and Hulk romance, and the absence of Hank Pym, who originally conceived Ultron.
Some audience members were also critical of the film’s tone and convoluted story. However, following a decade of additional world-building in the MCU, Age of Ultron is finally starting to receive the nuanced recognition it deserves.
Moments that shaped the MCU
Looking back at some of the scenes from Age of Ultron sparks immediate recognition of the impact the movie had on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Avengers' funny attempt to lift Thor's hammer and the log-splitting argument between Stark and Rogers showcase character-defining moments. These quieter scenes set the stage for the more explosive ideological split in the Civil War.
Along with the Hulk vs. Hulkbuster fight in Johannesburg and the final fight in Sokovia, Age of Ultron also serves up visually impressive action. But its big contribution is still to come. What’s most shocking is how much foreboding and world-building Age of Ultron does. It introduced the Mind Stone, brought Vision to life, hinted at Scarlet Witch, and gave glimpses of future Avengers Falcon and War Machine.
Initially seen as a jumbled effort now seems like a well-thought-out movie that fittingly slots into the broader narrative of the MCU.
Time, perspective, and legacy
Age of Ultron has garnered more attention by now for being a turning point rather than blundering the franchise. It’s been a whole decade since its release, and now it is apparent how themes revolving around artificial intelligence and the consequences of excessive force have been evolving in infinitum.
Considered core ideas of MCU films, Franchises such as WandaVision, Avengers: Infinity War, and even Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness have incorporated them.
Trending
Though it was debatable if it would ever steal the spotlight as the most appreciated Marvel movie, Avengers: Age of Ultron has received more praise than previously thought possible. Its appreciation, owing to retrospective viewings, marks the shift in perception that some stories become more indelible as time goes by.
In the expansive Marvel universe where everything is intertwined and connected, AOU needs a revisit, and perhaps be regarded as the more important installments of the MCU saga.
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!
Reply
