Avengers: Age of Ultron review

About a week ago I had the excellent experience of watching “Ex Machina,” a film focused on the myriad of issues surrounding the development of artificial intelligence.  In the review I wrote on that film I mentioned our continuing problem with A.I. and how that struggle is well-documented in our film culture.  I also mentioned that “Avengers: Age of Ultron” would soon be added to that ever growing list.  However, I was in for a surprise for while I was familiar with the story of Ultron, the A.I. designed to help the Avengers save the world by acting as a peacekeeping automaton that goes rogue and instead tries to wipe out all life, I had forgotten about another A.I. storyline that develops concurrently, the story of Vision.  While Ultron represents our standard fears of A.I. coming to wipe us all out, Vision is a vastly different entity and their simultaneous presence, AND their almost twin birth, is a huge strength of this film.
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“Avengers: Age of Ultron” feels like an organic continuation of this team’s tale.  This time out there is no spectacle of seeing all these heroes coming together and figuring out how to play nice to attract and keep an audience, and after the wholesale extraterrestrial destruction of New York City this film will have to either deliver something greater or different to capture and entice the audience.  I truly believe that it did.  It did not try to out do the previous film and I applaud that, I don’t think each film needs to up-the-ante.  Instead, what we get is a story about a team that has learned how to function better, is still dealing with the aftermath of the collapse of S.H.I.E.L.D., and now comes up against something new that knows them inside and out.
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One element that stood out was how every scene seemed to be integral to the film overall.  Without spoiling anything, a great example is a scene where the Avengers and close friends are gathered and just playing around in the Avenger’s Tower.  Initially, the “Thor’s hammer scene” just feels like a fun, playful scene that allows us to enjoy the jokey side of the heroes before chaos and jeopardy ensues.  As we learn much later though this scene sets up something crucial, therefore reinforcing crucial information.  Almost every scene works like this, even the ones I felt were jammed with too much information to set up further Marvel Cinematic Universe properties like “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Captain America: Civil War.”
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is both a wonderful and frustrating concept.  As a fan of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” this past episode let directly to “Avengers: Age of Ultron’s” opening scene.  It is always a joy to see Lady Sif show up on that show.  “Daredevil” was jawdroppingly amazing and I burned through it in two days.  However, the MCU can be frustrating if you cannot run out on opening weekend and watch S.H.I.E.L.D. get destroyed in “Captain America: Winter Soldier” before tuning into next week’s “Agent’s of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Another frustrating aspect is when characters felt shoehorned into “Age of Ultron,” like Ulysses Claw who seemed like more of a set-up for his future appearance in “Black Panther” than his stated purpose in this film, I do like the interconnectedness of the MCU.  By contrast I am a fan of “The Arrow” and “The Flash” and I believe that DC is missing a huge opportunity by keeping their TV and film universes disconnected.  While it will be easier to just follow the shows and not feel pressure to jump out every opening weekend, it is jarring to read about Flash castings when a perfect Flash is already on my TV every week.
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“Age of Ultron” introduces three new characters even as they keep the roster full with ever-growing list.  Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch have been highly publicized and are visually stunning.  The most elusive and philosophically interesting though is Vision, played by the voice of Jarvis, Paul Bettany (“A Knight’s Tale”).  While James Spader’s (“Crash,” 1996) Ultron easily steals the show it is Vision that piques the most interest in the pursuit of A.I. discussion.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW, IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FILM YOU MAY NOT WISH TO READ FURTHER.
In the comics and cartoons it is Hank Pym, aka Ant Man, that creates Ultron.  However, Ant Man has yet to be introduced in the MCU so it is Stark and Banner who create Ultron with some extra help.  Basically, born from the same seed is Vision.  One is vicious, filled with rage and genocide.  The other is possessed with introspection and a sense to uphold life.  There are some notable other differences to make note of, but not here, not now.  The key to address is that two notable A.I. are created with vastly different outcomes and presented in the same story.  I highly enjoyed watching Vision and I cannot wait to see more of this character.  Paul Bettany imbued this character with great live and made it a believable character in an ever growing roster of outlandish characters.  What I liked most about Ultron is that despite his great intelligence, his huge adaptability, and obvious strength he is highly flawed.  I mean here is a omnipresent A.I. capable of almost anything, obvious the one thing he is seeking is problematic and constantly addressed in the film, but as a back up he chooses a hugely theatrical and overly complex plot.  This is because he is a like his father, a hugely egotistical and flawed entity.  He doesn’t just want to achieve his goal, he wants to make a massive statement while doing it, one only has to pay attention to his poetic recitations to make sense of it all. 
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Overall, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” succeeds in continuing the saga of these characters.  It has some flaws, at times if feels like some characters are just shoved into the story to expand or connect the MCU.  It is bold though, it takes time with characters allowing great scenes between Black Widow and Banner/Hulk or letting us see much more about who Hawkeye is and how crucial he is to the team.  Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are flawlessly integrated into an already burgeoning cast of characters.  About the only other issue I have with the film is the isolation of the climax.  Again, without divulging too much I want to explain myself.  It does make sense, the location, but as it was so isolated in the grand scheme of things seeing where Marvel has been building in “Agent’s of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and headed toward in “Captain America: Civil War” I truly believe the isolation will hurt.  I believe this because what doesn’t happen in our backyard, doesn’t concern us after a week.  We see this happen in our country repeatedly and unless it is something extremely novel then it has little longevity.  Given what has happened over the MCU what occurs at the end of “Age of Ultron” may not capture Western attention for long.  So, when the politicians are arguing for Superhero Registration in the next “Captain America” film many cinematic Americans might not even know the Ultron event occurred.  Is “Avengers: Age of Ultron” as exciting as “The Avengers”?  No, it isn’t, but I feel like it is a more mature film that addresses what comes next for the team and it’s vastly disparate components.  I liked it a lot, and I’ve grown to like even more the longer I’ve thought about it.
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Last note: There is NO Post-Credit sequence.  There is a Mid-Credit sequence, but nothing after the credits finish rolling.  It looks like Joss Whedon wasn’t pulling our legs after all.  Bummer, just after Marvel Studios has finally gotten us all fully trained.    

Marvel’s Agent Carter Sn1 Ep4 “The Blitzkrieg Button”

In “Time and Tide” Agent Peggy Carter and Jarvis seized the cache of Stark’s stolen tech from Leviathan. Now all this tech is in the possession of the SSR who has no idea what any of it does and is bumbling around trying to figure it all out. This is the exact recipe for disaster that summons Howard Stark out of hiding back into the fray. Hidden amongst his recovered tech is the Blitzkrieg Button and he needs Peggy to retrieve it before the SSR accidentally activates it causing untold devastation.

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The SSR, on the other hand, is digging in their heels now that one of their own has been killed in a brutal assassination. They are further assured of Stark’s guilt and are reaching even farther out to try and prove it. In this effort the SSR uncover cryptic dark secrets they don’t know what to do with.

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“Time and Tide” is a great episode for secrets and while a few are fully revealed, many are just exposed. Stark, Jarvis, even Peggy all have secrets that run the risk of changing the course of the narrative. Having Stark back in the series is a welcome change, for his playboy ways were missing and he makes up for this absence in one episode. But, Stark is also able to remind us that there are real stakes on the table for him no matter how hard he tries to hide it with his sexual adventures.

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No matter how fun Stark is, or amusing Jarvis can be, Agent Peggy Carter is the star of the show and she is written exceptionally well. In this episode she is allowed to do something that is often seen as a detriment to most women, a weakness, she becomes emotional, with NO penalty. As a matter of fact, her emotional outburst empowers her over Stark allowing her the leverage necessary to hit him with the full weight of the repercussions of his actions. Most times in films and television when a female character is emotional she is weakened, her power is exponentially decreased in relation to the men around her. Not so Peggy Carter, she is a powerhouse who is allowed to also be a human being.

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Halfway in though, and now comes the time for us to acknowledge the white elephant in the room: where is this show going? When I first began reading about “Marvel’s Agent Carter” it was being sold as a show about the creation of SHIELD, I’m not seeing any indications of the formation of the agency yet, no foundation is being set down. Now, on one hand this might be a good thing as it could suggest further seasons. I could delight in further short seasons like this that build toward that goal. If that is the case then I retract my single issue with the show. If not, then my issue remains.

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Without ruining anything for those not yet in the know Agent Carter’s next door neighbor is interesting and I can’t wait for her to develop further. I can imagine where this character will lead us and I am excited, but I’m waiting as this show has already had plenty of Red Herrings. My overall impression of “The Blitzkrieg Button” was that this episode was fun, filled with great comedy, exciting, tense, and moved the story into new territory.

“Marvel’s Agent Carter” Sn1 Ep3 “Time and Tide”

After an amazing two-hour season premiere the mini-series, “Marvel’s Agent Carter” comes back with brash aplomb. Our feisty, intelligent, and capable Peggy Carter continues her dual roles as SSR agent and secret ally of Howard Stark. Not only does she have to find, confront, and thwart the agents of the mysterious Leviathan, but she also has to deal with the misogyny and barely concealed contempt of her co-workers. With a dashing style that never affects her effectiveness she maintains a cool exterior, underneath which burns a fiery passion.

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“Time and Tide” has Peggy settling into her new living quarters, which I cannot help but foreshadow will cause future problems. After Edwin Jarvis (James D’Arcy) is arrested by SSR in connection with the Roxxon implosion, Peggy decides to tackle the stolen Stark tech from a different angle. Instead of running around chasing leads as they pop up, she delves into the breached vault to try and determine the path the stolen tech took. She also uses her resources to decipher the meaning of the mysterious symbol Leet Brannis traced in the dirt as his dying act of redemption.

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I truly respect that the writers and showrunners don’t hamstring our title character. In one pivotal scene she runs into a thug, a strongman, who voices no reservations about “killing a woman.” She shows no fear and even though she is alone she stands her ground. She showcases her skill, resourcefulness, and power. Agent Peggy Carter is quick, highly trained, and doesn’t quit. She is not a “weak woman.” Agent Carter is the icon of the powerful warrior woman, she IS the epitome of a SHIELD agent. She is the forerunner of Agent Melinda May and in this episode reminds us how true this is.

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The chemistry between Jarvis and Carter is perfect, her British cockyness and fortitude combined with his British stuffiness and “stiff-upper-lip’ness” is a perfect mixture. The empathetic Agent Sousa, who is a potential SSR ally of Carter’s, is also well written and complexly nuanced. “Time and Tide” is an emotional and exciting episode, one that upsets the balance by the time credits roll, setting in motion more ripples. This is also an episode of secrets revealed and friendships made. Minor characters get to step into the light more for their chance to shine and they prove that they each earn the right to be a member of the cast.

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“Time and Tide” propels the narrative and plot forward. It continues to develop the main characters and push some minor ones into the limelight. The writing is taut, the tone is a nice mix of humor, excitement, and drama. I like the show and the character of Peggy Carter, so much right now that I’m bit sad it’s a limited run, but that said it that may be a huge strength of the show as well. That may be the factor that allows the show to be so laser focused and condensed. Three episodes into an eight episode run and there hasn’t been a single disappointment. “Time and Tide” continues the high notes established with the two-hour premiere and pushes the series further. Until next week…

Marvel’s Agent Carter Sn1 Ep1 “Pilot,” Ep2 “Bridge and Tunnel”

Marvel Studios has delivered some excellent films and in my opinion one of their most successful achievements was Captain America. Taking a campy, World War II icon and bringing him into our modern world filled with irony and disillusionment in the way that they did was a huge triumph. Part of this success is due in no small part of the casting of Hayley Atwell as the fabulously written Agent Peggy Carter. Now, finally, Marvel gives her her due credit with her own series.

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I believe that the best science-fiction, fantasy, and horror is that which holds up a mirror to our society while offering great entertainment. “Marvel’s Agent Carter” manages to be exceptionally entertaining, Hayley Atwell embodies the role and for all intents and purposes IS Agent Peggy Carter, a complex character who is strong, independent, capable, smart, resourceful, and relatable as human without being positioned as weak. This is both a testament to how well Atwell portrays her, and how well she is written. Too often in films a women is either capable and cold, or human and weak. Black Widow is exceptional, she is a fine tuned killing machine, yet anything regarding human emotion comes across as barely believable. I like that Peggy Carter is allowed to be real, without being penalized for anything like female characters often are.

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The post-WWII setting allows for some serious discussions that are still relevant today, yet can be presented in a “safe” manner. Agent Peggy Carter, in the post-WWII atmosphere is pushed into a support role, as many women were, when the men return from the battlefield. She struggles to find her role as she looks around and realizes that she is more capable than many of those positioned in roles and valued over her. In the second episode she is even openly referred to as a “secretary” to which she brazenly corrects a major CEO, “That’s AGENT Carter.” The diminished role of women in the post-WWII American economy is also thrown in bold focus in the characters of Colleen, who loses her job in the opening moments of the “Pilot” episode, and Angie (Lyndsy Fonseca), the waitress at the diner who invites Peggy to live at her apartments wherein Peggy undergoes a tragically one-sided interview that no man would have to go through. Women are still facing these issues, so while they may seem dated, understand that for equal work the average woman still only earns $0.77 for every dollar, for equal work, earned by a male peer. Watching Agent Carter struggle to find her new identity and place in an America that is devaluing her is both heartrending and inspiring.

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Agent Carter’s plight and story isn’t the only reflective one that shines a light on issues in our world. One of her potential male allies is Agent Sousa (Enver Gjokaj) and like Agent Carter is a veteran of WWII. In 1946, the Oscar winner for Best Picture was the amazing and one of a kind picture “The Best Years of Our Lives.” A film like this, which openly depicted the grievous injuries and the mental/emotional trauma returning soldiers often dealt with, would not be seen again. After “The Best Years of Our Lives” the reality of WWII was covered up in John Wayne type bravado where people bloodlessly and heroically died, yet the survivors fabulously won the day and marched on singing as the credits rolled. This film captured the stark realities of wounded soldiers, ones with lost limbs and fractured psyches. Sousa, like Carter is openly mocked due to his lost limb and perceived less value. Yet, like Agent Carter, Agent Sousa begins to show as the two episodes progress that he has as much value as any other agent in the SSR offices. In our modern world groups like the Wounded Warrior Project have to exist because of the poor way in which our government actually takes care of those who put their lives, bodies, and minds on the line to fight for. Agent Sousa moves across the screen reminding us that our men and women are still here, wounded or not, and should never be cast aside or de-valued.

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I was surprised by the storyline of “Marvel’s Agent Carter.” I sat down to expecting to watch one plot unfold, only to see a different one develop. A maligned Agent Carter takes to the shadows, aided by Jarvis (James D’Arcy) to help recover tech stolen from Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) and prove his innocence for treason. Her peers in the SSR, convinced of Stark’s guilt, set out to prove it and bring him in to face justice. Agent Carter finds her opinions maligned, she is contacted by Stark and helps him out in secrecy. I found that this idea of her mission, operating in secrecy, maintaining a shadow position within a greater government organization, to be more in position with my expectations of what I thought an agency like SHIELD should be in a more realistic story like presented in earlier films like “Iron Man,” “Thor,” and the Hulk films. In those early films the role SHIELD had was more like a shadow agency operating in secrecy below the radar, as opposed to how it became openly known later on driving around in large vehicles with SHIELD emblems prominently placed on all doors and hoods. “Marvel’s Agent Carter” feels true as an origin story to the SHIELD agency, without “just” being another origin story.

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“Marvel’s Agent Carter” has a great old-school feel to it, comparable to the earlier James Bond films like “Dr. No” and “Thunderball.” None of Agent Carter’s gadgets are too techy to feel out of time or place. Like the Howling Commando gadgets used in recent episodes of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” Agent Peggy Carter’s wristwatch, lipstick and VitaRay detector feel right at home, which they should since she ran with the Howling Commandos. But, more than anything, this is the story of Agent Carter rediscovering herself and her role. After losing Captain Steve Rogers in such a tragic manner, losing her position after the end of the war, her status, and all other loss she is a woman searching for meaning. These two episodes are a perfect companion and compliment each other in this message. Jarvis brings great humor and sentiment to the script and while resourceful clearly knows he is out of his league, yet eager to help.

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“Marvel’s Agent of Carter” succeeds because it respects its title character in every way. It presents us with a well-rounded character who is believable and fantastic. The show uses the post-WWII time and place to analyze real issues and takes them as the launching point for great story and conflict. Familiar characters are back and new faces fill the screen with interesting new quirks. Characters, even when being irritating and foolish, act according to their time, place, and situation. There are no excuses given, “well it’s just how it was,” no preaching, but story and great characters who move us through these elements forcing us to confront these issues organically. Most of all the show is fun. Agent Carter is brazen, intelligent, and character that can take care of herself. She uses others prejudices against them to her advantage. She makes mistakes. She is a great role model for anyone and it is time for a real female superhero to grace our screens. I also find it emboldening that the first one, from Marvel or DC, to get her own show is one without super powers.