The Avengers Re-Assemble to Disassemble Ultron

Yes, people, they are back with more of your favourite action scenes adapted from the beloved Marvel series. The second of the Marvel’s Avenger series is called Age of Ultron. Apparently from the title itself, you can tell that there is a whole new villain that will bring even more challengers for our interestingly dressed heroes. This time however, the problems they face are of their own doing, or rather of Tony Starks’ doing. However, more on that later.

  

So many superheroes not including guest stars yet.

In the meantime, we should welcome back the ensemble cast that thrilled fans in the first instalment of Marvel’s Avengers. First we have Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Aussie Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, Chris Evans as Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. Of course we cannot forget the very important Samuel L. Jackson who reprises his role as Nick Fury, former director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and mentor to the Avengers.

There are several trailers released and watching them all really gives you an impression of how grand a scale this production is, from sweeping panoramic shots to high octane CGI action sequences. The plot this time around centres on a program Tony Stark/Ironman had worked on, called Ultron, using an artificial intelligence technology leftover from the alien antagonists of the first movie, the Chitauri. The technology was supposedly altered to be a peace keeping program to save earth from any further invasion. However, when Ultron is awoken, it takes on a life of its own and decides that peace can only be achieved if the entire human race is eliminated. Now that escalated quickly!

Full on Avengers brawl with the armies of Ultron.

Ultron then recruits newcomers, twins Wanda and Pietro Maximoff (played by Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson respectively) to aid his dastardly plan. The twins, who are also imbued with special powers, are also known as the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. They are apparently the product of Baron Struckner’s experiments and get their powers from an unknown source. Along the way, the Avengers also encounter a new character called the Vision (Paul Bettany), created by Ultron himself, whose intentions are unclear and is rather mysterious. Additionally, James Spader provides the menacing and slightly sleazy voice of Ultron. Another highlight of the movie is the new gigantic Hulkbuster armour operated by Iron Man, which you can see in this trailer fighting the Hulk: 

The scene everyone's been waiting for: Iron Man Hulkbuster vs. Hulk

In order to quell your excitement before the movie actually launches, do check out Marvel’sofficial Avengers website for a tonne of great gallery pictures, wallpapers etc. Be sure you have your speakers at a minimum though, the background music can be quite intimidating.

The gigantic Hulkbuster looms over Marvel fans at Mid Valley Megamall

On the local scene, there is an Avengers Age of Ultron exhibit at Mid Valley’s Centre Court until April 19^th 2015. The highlight of the event is surely the giant live size replicas of the Hulk and Hulkbuster, which is a favourite with the crowd.

Hulk ready to SMASH!

Captain America also makes an appearance.

There are extensive displays of Hot Toys replica collectible figures of Marvel Cinematic Universe characters from the upcoming movie as well as the previous Avengers. Hasbro features their official movie toy products with retail sales available at the adjacent concourse as well as most major toy stores and major retailers. Avengers branded tshirts, stationeries and other official products are also available.

Lots of limited edition Hot Toys 1:6 scale action figures on display.

The upcoming Iron Man Mark 43 limited edition figure previewed.

The Avengers battle Thanos in the Infinity Wars perhaps?

Hasbro Marvel Legends 6in action figures RM99.90.

Kids role-play toys from Hasbro.

Avengers get cute.

Lotsa Hasbro Avengers toys and more available for sale at the event.

Apart from these eye-candy, there are booths for you to take photos, play games and even wrestle a replica of Hulk’s arm. Succeed in a few "Avenger" activities and receive some free goodies. 

Try lifting Mjolnir

The Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has found more ways to engage your inner geek from the following movie promos. MixFM in conjunction with Walt Disney Motion Pictures Malaysia is giving away free passes for the film if you answer a couple of quiz questions and complete a short slogan, so give it a try and you may be the lucky winners. 

Popular automotive website PaulTan.org is organizing a Driven movie night and in addition to being able to win free passes to watch the movie on April 22^nd, you can win a slew of movie merchandise from car decals, T-shirts, USBs, water bottles, sunscreens and many more. A similar contest where you can win passes and merchandise is available at LowYat.com.

Local cinema chain GSC Cinemas has started the promo ball rolling by offering free poster giveaways for any purchase of two Avengers: Age of Ultron tickets starting 16 April to 13 May, with different posters up for grabs each week. Additionally, selected GSC outlets are offering a special combo of snacks and a limited edition box of Avenger key chains for only RM60.00. 

On the other hand, TGV Cinemas are offering a combo promo at their concessions counter where you can buy a hexagon collectible mini figurine with your popcorn and drinks for only RM19.90. Beginning 16 April, you can purchase these cutesy little figures with The Hulk and Thor released first, whilst Iron Man and Captain America will be on sale beginning 23 April. Keep in mind these are limited edition so get them while stocks last.

TGV's Avengers figurines are too cute to resist!

MBO Cinemas has a similar promo whereby you can get an Avenger figurine cup with a topper that carries a figurine of your favourite Avengers character. The combo is inclusive of popcorn and a soft drink, all for only RM17.

Lifestyle retail chain, Watsons, is similarly on the Avengers bandwagon with a limited edition VIP card with Touch N Go feature.

For men, Gillette's Avengers shavers powered by Stark technology may just wanna make hair grow to be shaven.

By the way, good luck finding the Repulsor1, Thunder, Ultrastrike & XL Gamma models on our shores. They might only be found in Avengers Tower! LOL!

Well, stranger things have happened...

For "superfans", TGV Cinemas is throwing a Superhero Bash on Saturday 25 April at The Ballroom in Jaya Shopping Centre. Activities from 5pm include drawing / colouring contests, games, best dressed awards and more. Find out more and register online at TGV's website.

Expect some marvelous cosplay at the Superhero Bash.

Coincidentally that same afternoon, GSC Cinemas is holding a free screening of Avengers Age of Ultron in Dolby Atmos at their 1 Utama cineplex. To qualify, participants need to watch a video and post photo of themselves in costume on this Facebook post by 22 April 2015.

Marvel's Avengers Age of Ultron will assemble in cinemas 23 April 2015.

Disclaimer: Avengers and other trademarks are copyright to Marvel Entertainment and/or Walt Disney Pictures, and their respective owners, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.