Marvel’s “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” gathered old and new Marvel legends and reassembled them in theatres this past weekend. The movie topped the weekend box office bringing in $187.6 million domestically. The sequel fell a little short of the $207 million opening of the first movie, but many factors may have been at play.

The Kentucky Derby, NBA Playoffs and the long-awaited boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao may have impacted the opening weekend. However, that does not mean it wasn’t successful. In fact, “Age of Ultron” secures a second place in domestic weekend openings of all-time, behind its predecessor and ahead of Iron Man 3’s $174.1 million opening in 2013.

Thanks to writer-director Joss Whedon, the sequel manages to hold on to the charm of the first film, while adding its own touch. The witty dialogue, back and forth snappy comebacks and pop culture references are present as ever. While the movie can stand on its own two feet and be enjoyed on its own, the tie-ins from other movies and TV programs enrich the experience. For the company known for its cinematic universe slogan “It’s all connected,” the continuity really paid off for those who are caught up. From references to both of the TV shows Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter, to plot threads from the other films such as Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel has created such an intricate playground that really echoes the world created in the comic books.

“Age of Ultron” wastes no time getting into the action. The heroes are assembled off-screen and head into the country of Sokovia to shut down HYDRA base and stop the villainous Baron von Strucker played by Thomas Kretschmann, who happens to be in possession of alien technology from the Battle of New York as well as Loki’s scepter. During the raid, clever remarks are made by all, but a wonderful scene transpires between the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) that reminds you why these movies speak to us and keep us enthralled.

Hawkeye is back as well, and this time Jeremy Renner has a beefier role in the movie as opposed to the first one. A very big secret is revealed about Hawkeye that really humanizes him and lets you know why he fights the good fight. As good as RDJ is at personifying Tony Stark, Chris Evans is equally as good reprising his role as Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. There is a funny “language” joke that becomes a great running gag thanks to Cap. Chris Hemsworth rounds up the Avengers as Thor and we see a fearful side of him that we’re not used to.

This is thanks to the twins, Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). Quicksilver, as one can imagine, runs extremely fast. It’s the sister who causes problems with her hex-like powers. The Scarlet Witch hypnotizes the Avengers and they begin to have visions of failure and death. Once they are able to snap out of it, they go about their business, but not before some lingering questions about their visions haunt them.

Once Loki’s scepter is retrieved, it comes to light that there may be a way to harness the power in the scepter as a way to jump start a secret artificial intelligence program created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner. As usual, Robert Downey Jr. owns the role of Tony Stark and reminds the audience why this character is a fan favorite. Pride does always come before the fall, however, and Ultron is created out of this tinkering.

As with most end-of-the-world, apocalyptic, machines take over the word scenarios, the only way to save the world from humans is to eradicate humans. Ultron is voiced by the wonderfully menacing James Spader, who really adds a different layer to the “machines in charge” trope.

Whedon promised death in this film, and he lived up to it. Pretty soon, Ultron does what any great megalomaniacal machine does and begin to build a robot army. There is a beautiful scene in Avengers Tower where the heroes are winding down after a battle well fought that really made them relatable. It was as if the Avengers were next door neighbors. Fun is quickly changed into fear as a chilling entrance is made by Ultron and the stage is set an adventure of epic proportions.

As in the other films, there are references made to Wakanda, Vibranium, Infinity Stones and Easter eggs galore that will have even some of the more casual viewers heading back for a second viewing. The acting is top notch when it comes to the gang interacting with each other. Perhaps the reported behind the scenes camaraderie shows through on the silver screen, but there is no denying that there is a great time to be had during this movie, in front of the camera as well as behind it.

The writing shines through as well. As the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it’s hard not to imagine swapping out Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for the “Scooby Gang” of old. The sharp dialogue and tone of the film remind people why the first one was so great.

Make no mistake, there are some dark scenes as well. There are a couple scenes that could very well be placed in a horror movie and fit just fine. That being said, there are many elements that keep this movie from ever getting stale and Marvel has done it once again. While this film did not have a post-credits scene, there was a mid-credits scene that set up something huge to come.

While the movie isn’t completely perfect, minor quibbles can’t take away from the big, bombastic world Marvel has created, and it just keeps getting better. With all the action, one-liners and hidden gems, one viewing may not be enough.