Starring: Robert Downey Jr. , Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson, Jon Faverau, Sam Rockwell, Gary Shandling
Directed by Jon Faverau
Rated: PG-13
Run Time: 124 mins
Genre: Action/ Comic Book/ Thriller/ Adventure/ Superhero Movie
4 frames out of 5
Tony Stark is back as Iron Man and the secrets out… Stark is Iron Man? Iron Man is Stark?
You don’t say! With an ego the size of Jupiter,Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) let the world know who has been the man behind the iron mask. He’s let the world enjoy some much needed peace and now the government and private corporations are wanting, rather demanding that he give up his suit for military use. Heading up the senate committee hearings are Senator Stern (Gary Shandling). Let’s just say he and Tony don’t see eye to eye. Fellow corporate raider Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) during the proceedings is made to look like a complete ass, courtesy of Stark. Even his closest friend Lt. Col. James “Rhody” Rhodes (Lt. Col. James “Rhody” Rhodes (Don Cheadle) is called to testify against him which Stark turns it around to benefit him. Making friends everywhere he goes, eh?
Aside from the government breathing down his back, Stark is facing a whole new set of challenges which he messily navigates with the help of his right hand girl/ love interest Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), his driver & sparring partner Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) and mysterious new assistant Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson), who is more involved in this twisted tale that Stark can fathom.
While in the transition of exiting Stark Industries and giving the company over to Pepper (all during Stark Expo 2010!!??!), a new threat emerges from the icy wasteland that is Russia. Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) has a grudge against Stark (join the club) but this one goes back, waaay back to when their fathers worked together. Nothing like a family grudge to get the blood boiling. Normally this wouldn’t be such a problem, but Stark has found and intellectual & mechanically inclined match in Ivan, becoming a race against time and technology to save the world.
The challenging issue that most sequels face are will it be as good as or be better than the original? In Iron Man 2’s case, that doesn’t seem to be a problem. It’s engaging, action packed and full of cool gadgets and action sequences that keep the viewer happy. Nick Furry (Samuel L. Jackson) also has more screen time setting up the story for the following Marvel/ Avenger films. Summer is looking pretty good with the current line up and Iron Man 2 is a great way to start.
Things to watch for: Tan stained hands on Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell)- so cheesy!; Brilliant performances by Rourke & Downey Jr.; Great action scenes and special effects. Be sure to stay after the credits as there’s a little bonus for the true comic book fans.
Who should see this movie: Fans of RDJ, Mickey Rourke, Don Cheadle, Scarlet Johannson, Stan Lee (Creator of Iron Man BTW); Fans of the Avengers Series; Fans of Iron Man; Those who want to see a fun movie
See it in the Theater or Rent it on DVD: Definitely see this in theater! If not a great family movie for your home viewing pleasure.
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