It's nearly summer, a time when superheroes like the Avengers arrive in movie theaters world wide to save the planet and the human race This summer season is no exception as director Joss Whedon and his cast of Marvel Comics superheroes, ranging from Iron Man and Captain America to the Green Hulk and Thor, hit the big screen in "Avengers: Age of Ultron."
It's nearly summer, a time when superheroes like the Avengers arrive in movie theaters world wide to save the planet and the human race This summer season is no exception as director Joss Whedon and his cast of Marvel Comics superheroes, ranging from Iron Man and Captain America to the Green Hulk and Thor, hit the big screen in "Avengers: Age of Ultron."
In a recent interview Whedon quipped,"Some days you're like, can't they just talk?" But for die hard comics fans, the more action, the better–and if that is how you feel, this movie will blow you away by the sheer force of the countless battle scenes between Avengers and the swarms of silver robots with superior artificial intelligence led by the sinister Ultron (voiced by James Spader).
In 2012 "The Avengers" earned more than $1 billion at the box office without sacrificing wit for action. This time the emphasis is more on big battles than comedy. However we do learn more about some Avenger's personal lives. For example, there is a glimmer of romantic interest between the Green Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and the Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson), but will it lead to commitment on a larger scale? We also find out that when he is not avenging wrong, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) has a loving wife and family. And as always, Thor (hunky Chris Hemsworth) has his hammer.
As this action-packed film begins, the Avengers have joined forces in some far away Baltic country to bring down a destructive leader. In the ensuing battles an even more destructive force is unleashed, the sinister robot, Ultron who was created by the billionaire inventor, Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man. Unfortunately for everybody but the viewer, Ultron is far from perfect. At this point in time, his ultimate goal is to wipe out mankind and replace humans with silver robots like himself. If Ultron succeeds, we will end forever, just as the dinosaurs did eons earlier.
Now it is up to the Avengers to unite, not squabble as they often do. They must wipe out or at least harness the power of the ultimate Ultron or mankind and all things human will be toast So let the countless battles begin.
Add to the mix, two new characters, Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who can move at supersonic speeds and his twin sister, Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) who can get into your mind and alter your reality by focusing on your darkest fears.
Will humanity survive the age of Ultron? It certainly won't if Ultron (Spader) gets his way.
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Brad Bird, director of "The Incredibles," "Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol" and the fabulous "Ratatouillie," is back as director and co-writer of Disney's newest sci-fi adventure "Tomorrowland." The film stars George Clooney as Frank, a former boy-genius who has become cynical and disillusioned, and Britt Robertson as Casey, a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity. Together they embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as "Tomorrowland." What they must do there changes the world and them forever. The film also stars Hugh Laurie, formerly TV’s Dr. House.
There is plenty more in store if you see the film at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood where they present "The Magic of Imagination," a live magic show featuring illusionist Greg Wilson prior to the film. Witness the impossible made possible. There is also a display called "A Great, Big Beautiful Tomorrow!" that will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how the filmmakers created the world of "Tomorrowland" including costumes, props and concept drawings. Plus, see a display from Walt Disney Imagineering showing Disneyland attractions featured in the movie. Tickets are on sale now by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 or visit www.elcapitantickets.com. The show runs from May 22 through June 17 at El Capitan.
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As of May 7 Universal's "Fifty Shades of Grey" proved it could go green, grossing $500 million at the box office worldwide. But making money doesn't mean making art. Grey's luxurious, modern pad and playroom for BDSM dominance is visually interesting, but the plot is plodding, the soft porn mild, the BDSM tame and the romance lame. In actual fact, you learn more about drawing up a dominant/submissive contract, than about the main characters Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and multimillionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan).
When Anastasia's college roommate gets the flu, Anastasia is talked into doing a brief interview with Grey for the college paper. Anastasia is demure and shy, biting her lip often as she reads off the prepared questions, but when she asks him a question of her own he continues the interview, cancelling other appointments. Could this be the start of something? Well sort of if they can draw up a contract of mutual consent. The film could have been somewhat interesting if anyone's character had been more fully fleshed out. (pun intended.)
Who is this guy anyway, beyond the facade of wealth and seeming assurance? This is touched upon once in a four or five sentence revelation to the sleeping Anastasia. She doesn't hear what he said and after that he doesn't say anything else about his past, a past that has left him bankrupt when it comes to romance and love.
There is nudity, but it is quite discreet and non full-frontal, just busts and backsides. The Blu-ray includes an unrated version with an alternate ending, plus a tease of "Fifty Shades Darker." There are other bonus features, including BDSM information from the film's coach on the subject. Rated R for obvious reasons.
