Fix Avengers: Age of Ultron

Dan's been wanting to take on the MCU for a while now, and seized the opportunity to work with his friend, colleague, author, podcaster, and all around great guy Joshua Howell on Avengers: Age of Ultron. The most derided Avengers movie to date, it seemed the perfect place to start because it definitely needs some fixing. Check Joshua out at https://www.fierceliterature.com/and see his podcast Brilliant But Lazy here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJWJstJO8QQ00:00 - Intro02:56 - Movie Recap05:48 - What Joshua Loves07:42 - What Dan Loves12:33 - Joshua's Fix(es)22:27 - Dan's Fix Released in 2015, Avengers: Age of Ultron is the second Avengers installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), directed by the acclaimed Joss Whedon. Robert Downey Jr. once again shines as Tony Stark, bringing charisma and complexity to the role. Stark's creation of Ultron stems from his desire to protect the world, but his actions have unintended consequences. Downey Jr. portrays Stark's internal conflict, balancing his confidence with underlying guilt and fear. Chris Evans delivers a strong performance as Steve Rogers, embodying the moral center of the Avengers. Rogers's unwavering sense of duty and justice contrasts with Stark’s more pragmatic approach, leading to tension between the two. Evans captures Rogers’s resilience and leadership, showcasing his ability to inspire his teammates even in the face of overwhelming odds. Chris Hemsworth returns as Thor, bringing both humor and gravitas to the character. Thor's journey in "Age of Ultron" involves uncovering the mystery behind the Infinity Stones and grappling with his role in the larger cosmic conflict. Hemsworth’s portrayal balances Thor’s godly arrogance with a growing sense of responsibility. Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of Bruce Banner continues to be a standout in the MCU. Banner’s struggle with his dual identity as the Hulk is a central theme in "Age of Ultron." Ruffalo brings a nuanced performance, capturing Banner’s intellect and vulnerability. The Hulkbuster fight showcases Ruffalo’s ability to convey the raw power and uncontrollable rage of the Hulk, while his interactions with Black Widow add a layer of emotional complexity.Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow is given more depth in "Age of Ultron." Her relationship with Banner provides a new dimension to her character, revealing her desire for redemption and connection. Johansson portrays Natasha’s strength and resilience, while also exposing her vulnerability and regret. Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton, or Hawkeye, is given significant development in "Age of Ultron." The reveal of his wife (played by Linda Cardellini) and home life adds depth to his character, highlighting his humanity and motivations. Renner’s performance brings warmth and relatability to Barton, emphasizing his role as the heart of the team. His interactions with the other Avengers, particularly during the farm scenes, provide a grounded perspective amidst the superhuman drama.James Spader’s voice performance as Ultron is a highlight of the film. Spader brings a chilling yet charismatic presence to the AI antagonist, infusing Ultron with a mix of intelligence, sarcasm, and menace. His portrayal emphasizes Ultron’s warped sense of purpose and his disdain for humanity. Elizabeth Olsen introduces Wanda Maximoff, also known as Scarlet Witch, with a powerful performance. Olsen captures Wanda’s journey from a vengeful adversary to a conflicted ally. Her portrayal conveys Wanda’s emotional depth and immense power, adding a new dimension to the Avengers’ roster. The scenes where she manipulates the Avengers’ minds are particularly effective, showcasing Olsen’s ability to portray both vulnerability and intensity.Paul Bettany, previously the voice of JARVIS, steps into the role of Vision, bringing a serene and philosophical presence to the character. Vision’s creation is a pivotal moment in the film, and Bettany