100 Days of Marvel: Road to Infinity War - Day 31: Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron

Avengers: Age of Ultron, may not be the best Marvel movie (and to some, it is) but I think it is much better than the first Avengers. Somehow, it has much more, and not just action, but much more everything. Characters, development, action, wit, humor. It takes everything that make the first spectacular and builds upon it for a damn near perfect movie.

The opening scene of this movie is so amazing. Hulk was smashing. Iron Man was blasting. Captain America did cool things with a motor bike and a shield. Black Widow and Hawkeye were there. But most importantly, "language." It is cool to watch this after Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., season 2 episode 19. I have yet to watch 20-22, but where we leave off in that show we are discussing "Theta Protocol," which to my understanding is basically the Avengers Initiative reborn. So, it makes sense we kick off this film with the Avengers obtaining Loki's scepter.

This movie also has some of the best writing in a Marvel movie. I think it is certainly has the sharpest wit. Amazing one liners and conversations. Really great banter (typed while watching, some may be a tad bit off):

• "You didn't see that coming?" and the way they repeated it throughout the film, ultimately with Quicksilver's death.
• "No Surrender!...I'm going to surrender."
• "That was a good talk, " " No it wasn't."
• "You want to protect the world, but you don't want it to change. How is humanity expected to grow if it is not allowed to evolve?"
• "How were you guys planning on beating that?" Asked Tony. "Together," remarked Captain America. I remembered why I hated Captain America, because shut up Captain America.
• Though, it meant something when Stark repeats it during the climax. Here, it is earned.
• "Everyone creates the thing they dread."
• "On this rock, I will build my church."
• "Aww, junior. You're going to break your old man's heart." "If I have to"
• "Pretending to live without a war," Ultron to Captain America.
• "I'm glad you asked that because I wanted to take the time to explain my evil plan."
• Then, Ultron proceeds to blast Iron Man in his chest, as you do. Ultron is one sassy mother..shut yo mouth. I'm just talking about Shaft... mmhmm.
• What dialect? "Whatcanada"
• This is even more funny now, having seen Black Panther. 

Speaking of Black Panther, Klaus is in this. He has a minor role, as such is his role in Black Panther, but he does have a role. Klaus is a villain I would have loved to see more of. There is a great charisma about him, and I would have liked to see him in some scenes with the Avengers, Coulson, or anyone really. He was a really underused character.

Tony Stark's vision is really good, and ties this film in to why I am doing these blog posts each day of the 100 days leading up to it: Avengers: Infinity War! After rewatching this, and calming down from the Black Panther hype, my body is getting ready for Infinity War and I SO HYPE.

I forgot to mention this in my most recent Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. blog post, as well as in Daredevil, but there is something to be said of heroic secrecy. I hate how Coulson is rebuilding S.H.I.E.L.D. He does a really crap job at leading a secret spy organization by telling everyone about it. He all but hands out business cards to strangers. In Daredevil, Fisk kept his name hidden, and he was successful. S.H.I.E.L.D. is throwing their name out there. As soon as Fisk's name starts to be revealed, he becomes weakened by his "Stepping into the spotlight." This does not bode well for Wakanda.

The Hammer scene is why I live for this movie. Not only is it a great scene, but it lowers the tone just before our main villain, Ultron, makes his appearance. And boy, what an appearance for one of the better villains. He is no Loki. He is no Killmonger. But one cannot deny that his presence is not only meaningful to the film, but increases the value. Ultron is the smartest villain they have fought so far. Smarter than Loki, smarter than the "Mandarin," and many other villains. He is literally a villain of intelligence, which makes him arguably scarier than most ones we have faced in earlier shows and movies.

It's amazing watching these movies back and seeing how certain characters have been there, but didn't make a big impression. Agent Hill continues to surprise me when she is there.

Peggy Carter is in this. This simply makes me happy, and sad. It makes me happy-sad, but not in a nostalgic way. At least she and Cap have the "opportunity" to have their final dance.

Hulk vs Hulk Buster is incredible. So fun to watch. Keeps the action intense, escalates the tension.

The movie slows to a halt when we go to Hawkeye's house. This was like the farm season in "The Walking Dead," or in the "Ninja Turtles" when they lose Master Splinter and they have to go to their farm house. Farm house scenes and seasons are typically bad and slow. This one is no exception.

Thor gets the "Gandalf," treatment. "Oh, y'all not doing nothing right now (farm scene). Let me ride ahead and wizard." This is when he goes off and plays in the lake. I know that in the deleted scenes they talk about why this scene existed..but naw, fam. It is dumb.

Lastly, near the end of the film, Stark has the best line ever. One that makes the movie rated R, in my opinion.

"You and Banner better not be playing hide the zucchini"

Oh MY, Mr. Stark. Oh. F**king my.