In many ways, Age of Ultron epitomizes everything I dislike about Super Hero Movies. There are city-leveling fights that result in massive destruction (in this case, to the tune of half a trillion dollars). There are ridiculous and overcomplicated plot points that I don’t think the screenwriters even completely understand. But they’re not there for substantive purposes. They’re there to move us from one action scene to the other. There’s corny dialogue. There are improbable schemes to defeat enemies that could unravel at the slightest deviation, which of course never happen. There’s, inexplicably, home decorating in a house in the country (actually, that’s pretty funny).

I’ve been critical of super hero movies for the past decade or so. And this is why. I am a critical thinker. When I watch movies, I dissect what events transpire, what conversations people have. Because it should all mean something. But in super hero movies, there’s this tendency to rush through the connective tissue that keeps the plot together. I don’t like this. Partially because I think it’s a cheap way out. It’s a quick way to get to the next city-destroying battle sequence.

With all that being said, I must also concede that movies like Avengers: Age of Ultron do have value. Entertainment value. And that’s a very important aspect of going to the movies. These movies are made for ravenous consumption. They’re made for our delight. And they’re made to make money. Age of Ultron succeeds in these endeavors.

In keeping with my new open-mindedness, I attempted to watch this super hero movie without the bias and intolerance that I’ve previously displayed. The question I have to ask myself now, is…Was I entertained?

Yes. I was entertained. No more. No less.

3 stars out of 5