Avengers: Age of Ultron

There is little in this film that is new, but that doesn't matter. The characters are still entertaining, the action scenes thrilling and near orgasmic, and the human relationships touching.

Several thrilling action sequences, a great many good jokes, and an unshakable sense that everybody is just going through the paces.

Joss Whedon set a higher bar with the first "Avengers" (2012) and tried, in many ways, to top it here. He got close...

Fans of the franchise will be pleased, but those looking in from the outside of comic-book culture may find themselves also looking at their watches.

"Avengers: Age of Ultron" is a sometimes daffy, occasionally baffling, surprisingly touching and even romantic adventure with one kinetic thrill after another. It earns a place of high ranking in the Marvel Universe.

More does not necessarily equal better; here, more is just ... meh.

I ate up the funny banter between each unique superhero personality. I loved the large-scaled action which seemed ripped straight from the pages of a comic book. I was interested in the future movie tablesetting.

Raising the stakes and swinging for the fences like a good film sequel should, Joss Whedon pays off the Phase 2 initiative with both a new level of groundbreaking effort and a continued dedication to the master blueprint of a grander big picture.

If there's anything really wrong with Age of Ultron, it's the degree to which it leaves you yearning for more.

This second Avengers film features a lot of the goodwill that made the original such a hoot.