>Which leaves me with a question that only someone who has seen it (and
>probably them) can really answer: Before I do that, should I set aside
>eight to ten hours of my life and watch Iron Man 3, Thor
>2, Captain America 2, and Guardians of the Galaxy
>first?

I just got back from seeing it two hours ago, and after finally reading this thread, I agree with the general consensus: Winter Soldier is useful to have seen; Guardians of the Galaxy has no bearing on Age of Ultron but is a must-see, basically "Marvel does UF"; Iron Man 3 and Thor 2 can be ignored.

And don't judge Agents of SHIELD by its first episode or three. It's written like an anime -- it takes a few "meet the team/learn the setting" episodes before the main plotline kicks in. And then, as someone noted above, the awesome kicks in as well. Also -- nothing in SHIELD is a trivial or forgettable detail. Nothing. The collection of Chekhov's Guns in this show looks like the "armory" scene in The Matrix.

-- Bob
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My race is pacifist and does not believe in war. We kill only out of personal spite.