Watch Kids' Reviews of
AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

Another monumental Marvel movie! The Avengers assemble once again go up against a new corrupt, A.I. Ultron (James Spader). As the troupe pursue their mission, we're given a deeper understanding of our favorite super heroes.

There are not enough words in the world to express how happy I am. As a Marvel fan, this film showcases some of my favorite comic book characters together in one plot line in a bigger and better way. When you are dealing with a sequel, as a filmmaker, you're pretty much trying to top yourself. Thankfully, the filmmakers have out done themselves here. We're given a superior conflict, more characters and action beyond epic proportions.

I love this movie not only because it's a phenomenal Marvel film, but also an outstanding film in general. A movie is supposed to grab the audience and transport them to a universe with characters that not only we look up to but also identify with. Marvel has successfully created this reality. Every time I see a Marvel logo on a movie poster I'm excited to be sent back, once again, into their universe.

Marvel is a genius entertainment company because they establish their characters in previous films. The Avengers are the protagonist. Every character is given their moment in the lime light but, they are not the main focus. They all share the screen and have their own personal conflict, yet they respond as team. That is not to say that there is no character development, there is. Former story lines help save time so that the writers can focus on perfecting the current story. This also leads to much stronger relationships between the characters.

For people who have no history with Marvel films, I suggest that you see some of the previous films that feature the Avengers. The reason is that you may miss a connection with the characters that can be resolved by watching previous films. Although you will enjoy the action and story even without seeing the previous films, the inside jokes and interactions between characters become funnier when you understand the past.

The action in this film is awesome! The word awesome is a very primitive word, but it explains everything. While I love to go to the movies and appreciate storytelling and 3 dimensional characters, there are times when I just want to see things go boom! Every Avenger, with his or her different abilities, works together and kicks butt. An example of this is when Thor hits Captain America's shield and causes a devastating explosion. You have to see it to believe it.

My favorite character is, Vision (Paul Bettany) an android created by Ultron. Bettany is originally the voice of J.A.R.V.I.S., Tony Stark's (Robert Downey, Jr.) A.I. companion. Bettany uses his fantastic voice to create Vision. I was excited when I heard he was going to be a new addition to the Avengers team. Not only is the acting and personality spot on, but the costume design is beautiful.

There are so many scenes that I adore, but my favorite is when the Avengers, "get acquainted" with Vision for the first time. This is the second A.I. the group has encountered and they're unsure if they can trust him. Vision is uncertain himself and gives a speech on why it doesn't matter because they all want to stop Ultron. At the end of his speech there is a comedic pay-off that shows which side Vision is truly on.

The moral of the film is, "The way to peace is not destruction." Ultron is built for one reason - to create peace in our time. Ultron is confused on how to fulfill that mission and believes the only way to achieve his goal is to wipe out the human race and start over. However, Ultron underestimates the soul of man.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to 11- to 18 year-olds. There is language and intense action that younger kids might not be able to handle. Check out this film in theaters May 1 and remember, a true Marvel fan stays to the end of the credits.

Reviewed by Keefer C. Blakeslee, Age 14, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

My friends have asked me what I thought of Avengers: Age of Ultron and my answer has always been the same: it depends on who you are. If you are a fan of this genre, superheroes, and/or a general movie goer you'll love it. But if you're me, who sees films differently, then the answer to that question is much more complex.

The plot of this film doesn't really matter in all honesty. I mean, you have the good guys fighting the bad guys, that much hasn't changed and it's not what I want to focus on in this review.

What I want to focus on, is the direction and writing of writer/director Joss Whedon. For those of you who just want to know if this film is tons of fun and entertaining and don't care about the movie buff stuff I'm about to spill in short: see this movie. But, I warn you, the movie buff stuff I'm about to spill may be an explanation for the feeling of incompleteness you may have.Joss Whedon wrote this film very ambitiously. He wanted to add the depth and character development of a drama, and keep the same thrills and mindless entertainment of a blockbuster. The issue is - that's very hard to do in a reasonable amount of time. The film already runs nearly 2 1/2 hours and is still incomplete.

I digress, Joss Whedon would have been better off picking a side: mindless entertainment or depth? Truthfully, I would have preferred depth. Getting to know the characters only increases the suspense when they're put in dangerous situations. It draws you in more. Whereas mindless entertainment doesn't because you know what's going to happen.

The thing about his film is that it develops this depth with each Avenger. It tells of their fears and gets into their personal lives. It develops these relationships and just leaves it on the ground, not to be picked up again. Joss Whedon doesn't follow through the idea and we're left wondering "what happened?"

Then, to top it all off, he begins something new. He doesn't come to a definite conclusion, yet he starts a new beginning. That, in my opinion, is a mistake. It's playing with the emotions of the audience who've invested themselves in these band of characters. Whedon shows us that these heroes are people and then doesn't expand on them. He doesn't conclude their stories. It's frustrating.

Yet, there are action scenes of pure bliss, brilliance and utter entertainment that send chills. They impress. It glues you to the screen. There are shots that are bound to amaze you. I still have the climactic battle in my head. It has a deeper meaning than many may give it credit for and I appreciated that.

Despite all that, this film is a great time. All of the heroes get their big moments, and each character is spotlighted. Before I end my review, I want to commend and point out the fantastic voice performance of James Spader. He gives Ultron such life and personality. It's further proof that there needs to be a voice-acting category at the Academy Awards. Brilliant work, Mr. Spader.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Please keep in mind that I saw this film in Imax 3-D. Those of you seeing it in 2-D may have a different impression that I did, due to the extreme differences in the way we experienced this film.

Reviewed by Willie J., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16.

This sequel to the Avengers series delivers almost non-stop action. As an adult, I sometimes felt totally assaulted at the amount of violence in the film and began to question the descriptive term "gratuitous violence." This is a term that KIDS FIRST! has long employed as one of its criterion for endorsing a film. You might argue that the amount of violence used is acceptable since it is relegated to good fighting evil. But, on the other hand, I would venture to comment that surely the violence drives the film. The story line is pretty meager, or as one of our youth critics commented, "doesn't really matter." It is all the action shots that draw in the audience.

Did I enjoy it? Would I see it again? I can't say that I found it particularly enjoyable or thought provoking. I certainly wouldn't have the need to watch it again though, many of our youth reporters would, particularly those who are comic-book fans. Even my husband, who does love action adventure films, was a bit worn out after the viewing.

So, there you go. I certainly wouldn't recommend this for young kids even though I'm sure many parents will take them. But, for older kids who can discern the difference between fact and fiction, go at it. It's pure escapism, in the name of good.

When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it is up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.