According to weapons manufacturer Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) size does matter and in Iron Man 2 we get more suits and even bigger action. The very technology that saved Tony Stark’s life (Robert Downey Jr.) is now killing him. And as Tony tries to find a less toxic power source, the American government is attempting to take his inventions away citing national security.
As Tony’s health continues to deteriorate he becomes even more self-destructive than usual. So much so that his best friend Lt. Col. James Rhodes (Don Cheadle), steals one of his auxiliary suits and uses it against him. This leads to a very satisfying mano e mano iron man fight that nearly destroys them both. Also fed up with his behavior, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Platrow) begins to pull away from him as she tries desperately to keep his business running. This allows a mysterious woman played by Scarlett Johansson to infiltrate Stark Industries as a new personal assistant. Her beauty gets her in the door, but her talents make her invaluable.
The American government distrusts Tony Stark and demands that he hands over his technology because they fear his power and the possibility of imitators. Meanwhile in Russia Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) is creating his own weaponized suit, only he’s not copying the Tony Stark version. He’s got his hands on the original power source. Vanko’s father worked for Howard Stark (John Slattery) and left his son the initial blueprints. Vanko’s father had his work taken from him and then was deported back to Russia. Ivan Vanko grew up brilliant and bitter with a hatred of Stark Industries. This is not a good combination to have for an enemy.
The special effects in this film are more ambitious than the first one and some of the explosions and fight scenes are especially gratifying. But what I liked the most about the original Iron Man was the relationships and the flippant behavior of Tony Stark. In Iron Man 2 he lets the world in on his no longer secret identity and struts around like a peacock. He antagonizes his dissenters and crows about his contribution to world peace. He is losing his perspective and he’s living each day like it’s his last. His impending death is impacting him and his friends don’t know why. This super hero is super flawed and Robert Downey Jr. plays him with irreverent gusto.
I found Iron Man 2 a lot of fun and look forward to the next installment. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is planting the seeds for his new super group Avengers and Scarlett Johansson really proved herself as an action star so I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of her. Director Jon Favreau reprised his role as Happy Hogan. It will be interesting to see where his road takes him as the Iron Man saga continues. This film is a great way to kick off the summer movie season, but it’s best special effect is Robert Downey Jr.
Rating: First Run The Summer Movie Season has begun
About Me
- Melanie Wilson
- My Reviewer's Philosophy: I believe that every film has its audience. One man’s Citizen Kane is another man’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre. My purpose is to help you spend your entertainment dollars wisely. A bad review never kept me from going to a film I wanted to see, but a good review will sometimes get me to a film I never considered. As a movie lover I want you to go to the movies. When more people go to the movies, the more movies get made. But, I also believe that if you enjoy the films you see, you naturally will be inclined to go more often. So join me in supporting our film industry by going to a movie today. Hopefully I can steer you towards a good one. See you at the movies. Melanie Wilson
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I was really looking forward to Iron Man 2. Would the new episode be able to follow the first, as good as it was. They certainly did pull it off. Likely another year where despite it's early debut it will be the movie that leads the way, a cut above all summer movies to follow. Great jobs by all the aformentioned actors. Great installment period.
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