lifestyle SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015 Movies Film review Avengers: Age of Ultron Marvel’s powerhouse makes a glorious return Chris Evans (left) as Captain America/Steve Rogers and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. This photo provided by Disney/Marvel shows, Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man/Tony Stark in the film, ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron.’ — AP photos By Aakash Bakaya the audience and even though I wanted Ultron to have a little more screen time - it makes up with a great sprinkle of charac- rom the outside, it always seemed like a mammoth task ter development of the Avengers themselves. Black Widow for writer and director Joss Whedon to pull off another (Scarlet Johansson) and Bruce Banner AKA ‘The Hulk’ are ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ Fhit with a sequel to the biggest superhero movie since doing their best to develop a romantic relationship but their ‘The Dark Knight’. But not only does he surpass the original - pasts and the fact that Banner turns into a big green raging he creates one of the best action movies of the decade. monster when he gets angry is getting in the way of a normal Describing this genre of film as ‘superhero movies’ is life, which sharply contrasts with Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) massive at box office increasingly becoming a convoluted statement. There are just who has kept his normal family life a secret from his super- too many superheroes and comic book icons you can put on hero buddies. His small side story is touching and puts into isney and Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Age of Ultron” ahead of the launch weekend for Disney-Marvel’s “Iron the big screen before they get redundant - before you’ve perspective how he as a normal guy with only a bow and is heading for box office history with an $84.5 mil- Man 3,” currently the second-highest number with $174.1 been there and punched that. But what makes ‘Age of Ultron’ arrow can contribute to team of demigods. Again in lesser Dlion opening day in US-the second biggest domes- million in May, 2013. so immensely entertaining is that not only does it poke fun at hands this would have boiled down to awkward, boring diver- tic launch ever- and enough to match the $207.4 million The international total has hit $340 million after launch- the overtop action and setups that are the backbone of these sions, but Whedon pulls off these scenes with confidence and opening weekend record for 2012’s “The Avengers.” Friday’s ing in 55% of the overseas markets last weekend. The tent- films - it also fully embraces them. The story line feels pulled humanity that improves not only Hawkeye as a character in first-day number for “Age of Ultron” trails only the $91 mil- pole took in $53 million on Friday, down just 17% and out from the pages of a comic book, condensed to an accept- this film, but in the others that preceded it. lion opening-day record set in July 2011 by Warner Bros.’ remains the top title in every market. South Korea is the able (if not a tad overlong) 2.5 hours and polished to pristine Yet like many Marvel movies, the film is burdened by its “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.” But it is 4.5% highest market so far at $43 million, followed by the UK at blockbuster quality. ‘franchise status’. It must call back the previous films and fore- ahead of the $80.8 million opening day of “Avengers” three $39 million, Russia with $23 million, France with $20 mil- The plot is simple and pulses at blistering pace. The film shadow the next dozen coming out in the next few years. The years ago. lion, Australia with $18 million, Germany with $16 million starts off with our titular group of heroes taking down a Hydra new characters Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are interesting if “Ultron” is looking at a range of $200 million to $210 and Mexico with $14 million. The Mexican number has outpost (a terrorist organization which has been a part of not underused with the latter definitely getting more story million for its opening weekend-even with the sports dis- come in just two days. — Reuters numerous Marvel films till date) to retrieve Loki’s stolen time in the sequels. One is fast while the other has mind alter- tractions of the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight, scepter. Once the scepter is retrieved, Tony Stark uses its vast ing powers and she uses them get into the Avengers’ heads the Kentucky Derby and the NBA playoffs. If “Ultron” computing power to create an artificial intelligence ‘peace- every chance she gets. These ‘mind visions’ are a great plot doesn’t break “The Avengers” record, it will still finish far keeping program’ in order to prevent the events of the first device for back story in the case of Captain America and film ever happening again. Tony should have watched the Widow, but only seems to foreshadow future plots for Thor Terminator films to realize that all these AI programs ever with no resolution in the movie you are watching now. This is This photo provided want to do is to purify the world by wiping out humanity, and great if you’re a Marvel fan but as a cohesive whole - it brings by Disney/Marvel unsurprisingly that’s exactly what happens. the film down a notch. shows, James The program called ‘Ultron’ manifests itself and wrecks hav- Minor story shortfalls aside, you are unlikely to see a more Spader as Ultron oc on the Avengers and a couple of Asian and European cities entertaining and action-packed movie this summer. Even if Prime, in a scene as well. But what would have been a clichÈ, formulaic villain in you haven’t seen a Marvel film or opened a comic book in from the film, lesser hands is turned into a menacing and imposing figure your life - the joys of watching the Hulk vs Ironman’s ‘Avengers: Age of that is easily the best villain in the Marvel cinematic universe. ‘Hulkbuster’ suit is worth the entry admission alone. There Ultron.’ — AP James Spader does a brilliant job voicing and motion captur- might be too much to keep track of and some bits of the story ing Ultron and is little wonder that Whedon saw only Spader might make you ask ‘Who was that? What does he do?’ for the part. His calm, eerie voice sucks you in and makes even Nevertheless, it is a wild ride that embodies the Hollywood the rare moments of stiff dialogue shine. He disappears for a blockbuster ideal and even this is the harbinger of an over- while around the third act but his presence is felt throughout dose of superhero movies - it won’t matter ‘cause ‘Age of the movie. Ultron’ is just too damn fun. It’s great to be talking about a Marvel movie villain before the heroes solely because this is exactly what their films des- perately needed. Their heroes are charismatic and easily con- sumable - even Thor, a Norse god, manages to connect with Josh Trank no longer directing upcoming ‘Star Wars’ spinoff osh Trank will no longer direct the “Star Wars” spin- ing a personal decision to move forward on a different off for Disney and Lucasfilm. The studio made the path. I’ve put a tremendous amount of thought into Jannouncement with Trank on Friday. “It was a priv- this, and I know deep down in my heart that I want to ilege to collaborate with Josh,” Lucasfilm said in a pursue some original creative opportunities. That said, statement. “We are grateful for the energy and love of the ‘Star Wars’ universe has always been one of my ‘Star Wars’ that he brought to the process, and we wish biggest influences, and I couldn’t be more excited to him all the best.” Sources close to the situation tell witness its future alongside my millions of fellow ‘Star Variety that Trank and screenwriter Simon Kinberg Wars’ fans. I want to thank my friends Kathleen weren’t thrilled with the idea of working together Kennedy, Kiri Hart, Simon Kinberg, and everyone at again. The duo apparently clashed while filming 20th Lucasfilm and Disney for the amazing opportunity to Century Fox’s “Fantastic Four” reboot, which opens lat- have been a part of this. May the Force be with you all.” er this summer, and Kinberg wanted another director. As for Trank’s next move, a rep for 20th Century Also a writer of Fox’s “X-Men” films, Kinberg is a Fox told Variety that no director or writer has been major force in Disney’s “Star Wars” universe. He recent- set for the “Fantastic Four” sequel. Starring Miles ly served as a creative consultant on JJ Abrams’ “Star Teller, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell and Michael B Jordan, Wars: The Force Awakens,” which bows in December, the new “Fantastic Four” will be released Aug 7. A and continues to help shape the cherished fantasy spokesman for Trank could not be reached for com- series. Trank’s exit on Friday wasn’t a total shock. Less ment. — Reuters than two weeks ago, the “Chronicle” director was a no- show to Disney’s Star Wars Celebration at the last minute, prompting internet speculation that some- thing was afoot. The 30 year-old quickly apologized on Twitter, telling fans that he was sick with the flu. Lawyer Gloria Allred (center) speaks during a press conference with actress Lili Bernard (left) and writer Sammie “Hey all.