Iron Man 2

The most anticipated movie of the 2010 summer season is undoubtedly Iron Man 2. While it may seem unlikely that this film can match up to its predecessor, it does this and more. Iron Man 2 succeeds in being a super-hero film that will please both die-hard Marvel fans as well as those who have never opened a comic book. While the visual effects and action-sequences of the film are astounding, they are not all that is to be admired. The way that Iron Man 2 separates itself from the average comic book film is that the acting and screenplay could cause the film to stand alone without the epic fight-scenes that most fans expect. Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man expertly. He balances moments of comic relief with the physical and emotional darkness that faces his character, and makes the audience care about the well-being of this narcissistic, megalomaniacal, billionaire super-hero on a personal level. Stark’s personality is strongly contrasted by his new nemesis Ivan Vanko/Whiplash who is powerfully portrayed by Mickey Rourke. While the political undertones are, to say the least, overt, Rourke’s performance delivers and brings more credibility to the film’s already impressive cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow as Tony’s assistant and love-interest Pepper Potts, and his long time friend and potential ally James “Rhodey” Rhodes. While many were sad to see Terrence Howard go, Don Cheadle manages to make him a distant memory as he dons the War Machine armor to both fight against and along-side Iron Man. The soundtrack, powered by AC/DC (not Black Sabbath) certainly adds to the film, and director, Jon Favreau, puts this film together in a way that makes the audience crave more. This, of course, is the intention of the Marvel executives who will expect record-breaking box-office totals for the upcoming Avengers film. Many sequels fail to measure up to the original, while Iron Man 2 does not. While there are plenty of explosions, fights, and high-speed chases the film never abandons the central storyline which is Tony’s emotional turmoil and pursuit of adequacy and self-worth. In going deeper into Stark’s past, including his childhood and relationship with his father, the film does walk to tight-rope of falling into the sappy-emotional garbage moments that most have come to expect from Marvel movies. However, it does manage to keep us more emotionally invested than disgusted and shows us a side of Iron Man that none of his peers manage to find. It is in these moments that Downey Jr. truly shines and demonstrates that he is without a doubt at the top of his game again. A little tip to loyal comic-fans; stay past the previews. If your tastes are anything like mine, the most exciting part of your movie-going experience may take place after the actual film.

Tags: Iron Man 2, Robert Downey