Avengers: Age of Ultron (10/2/2015)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action, violence and destruction, and for some suggestive comments.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson and the voice of James Spader

Directed by Joss Whedon (Avengers)

If you enjoyed the first Avengers film, you’ll love this one too.

When Tony Stark jumpstarts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as they battle to save the planet from destruction at the hands of the villainous Ultron.

TODD’S WORD: Joss Whedon returns as writer/director, leading this perfect cast to another box office smash.

JONATHAN’S WORD: This film was a real treat. Whedon’s sci-fi genius is the perfect match for this series. The film not only has the right director, but an amazing cast to match.

TODD’S WORD: It’s rare to have “all the right ingredients,” but yes; Avengers 2 has all the right ingredients. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson, are all back and just like in the first film there is plenty of action and humor.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I went to see it with my wife and daughter. We all loved it. My wife isn’t a huge action fan, but the character development and the humor kept her.

TODD’S WORD: I loved the humor in the film. You have to laugh at the running gag about Captain America’s old-fashioned ways. In one scene Iron Man curses and Cap responds with a simple rebuke of, “Language.” Well that’s all the team needs to relentlessly poke fun at the Super Solider. In another scene all of the other male members of the team attempt to lift Thor’s Hammer…but none are “worthy.”

JONATHAN’S WORD: That was hilarious.

TODD’S WORD: It’s good-natured fun that causes the audience to laugh as well as see the team in a more authentic and believable way.

JONATHAN’S WORD: My family is a big fan of these super hero flicks. The Avengers films are such a bonus because you have all of them put together in one film. So much bang for your buck (your increasingly more expensive theatre buck).

TODD’S WORD: Another way they allow us to get to know each of the heroes better is by revealing more of their back story and personality. We see Black Widow and the Hulk exploring a romantic relationship. We learn some very interesting things about Hawkeye and were introduced to several new characters. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen appear as Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch. Because Disney doesn’t own the film rights to the X-Men, the twins’ origin story has been changed. But they handled it nicely and they were a welcomed addition. And of course Vision is in this one…no spoilers here, just know that he is awesome. There is also more conflict amongst the team…which is of course the groundwork for the upcoming Captain America: Civil War film.

JONATHAN’S WORD: And I don’t know any of these comic backstory elements, but enjoyed getting to know these new characters just the same. So plenty of fun for nerds like Todd and the rest of us.

TODD’S WORD: Thanks… I think.

JONATHAN’S WORD: And don’t forget the villain.

TODD’S WORD: As great as the heroes are, we all know that every good hero movie needs a good (or really bad) villain. Well, James Spader voicing the villain Ultron is incredible creepy throughout this film. He really is the perfect villain.

JONATHAN’S WORD: He is good. People are getting to know him again from TV’s Blacklist. He really added to this film.

TODD’S WORD: I found it intriguing the several times when scripture or biblical concepts are mentioned. (“Ask Noah”, “I AM”, “The church is in the exact center of the city. The elders [of the city] determined everybody should be equally close to God.” He labels that logic “the geometry of belief.” Later he misappropriates’ Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:18, saying, “Upon this rock I will build my church.”

JONATHAN’S WORD: I would keep an eye out for movie clip discussions.

TODD’S WORD: Then there are the special effects. I went to see the film with some friends in IMAX 3D and I loved it. Sure there are unrelenting scenes of explosions and destruction, but that’s what I paid to see. I also loved the attention to detail. Stark’s toys just keep getting better and better.

JONATHAN’S WORD: Agreed. The film provides something for everyone.

TODD’S WORD: Avengers: Age of Ultron is exactly what you expect it to be; another wildly entertaining episode in the ongoing adventures of Earth’s mightiest heroes. I loved every minute of the 2 hour and 21 minute film…it is “Worth Buying.”

JONATHAN’S WORD: I’ll be buying it.

NOTE: Make sure you stay for the post credit scene and keep an eye out for another Stan Lee cameo.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity in the film and even the language is mild for a PG-13 film. The S-word is used once and a few other mild profanities.

The action sequences are really intense and Ultron is a little too scary for younger viewers. But this is a great movie for teens, tweens and adults.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What was Ultron’s plan to destroy The Avengers?


2. How did he try to divide them?


3. Why is divide and conquer such an effective strategy?

Read the following Bible passages:

Philippians 2:2
Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Colossians 3:14
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Romans 12:4-5
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.



4. Why was unity so important for Earth’s mightiest heroes?


5. Why is it important for us as Christians?


6. What can you do to maintain unity?