movie review
Iron Man 2
Sequel falters, but still entertaining
May. 07, 2010 by Jane Louise Boursaw
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I loved the first ‘Iron Man’ movie, so was really looking forward to seeing what they did with ‘Iron Man 2.’ I wouldn’t say it’s as good as the first one, but it’s still a really fun ride, and it’s great to see Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark again.
This time around, the world knows that Stark is Iron Man, and he’s also helped the United States broker a peace deal with other countries. The downside is that the government, led by Senator Stern (Garry Shandling), is trying to force Tony to turn over the Iron Man suit to outfit the Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, a dying Russian physicist is holding a serious grudge against Tony and his visionary father Howard for all of his family’s misfortune. In his last breath, he tells his son, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) – a.k.a. Whiplash—to seek vengeance on the Starks. Ivan, also a brilliant physicist, ends up creating his own special suit to destroy Iron Man, and ends up working with weapons entrepreneur Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) in the process.
On top of all that, Tony is dealing with the fact that Palladium, the element that’s keeping him alive, is slowly poisoning his blood, and so far, he’s failed to find a less toxic alternative. Thinking his days are numbered, he appoints Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) as CEO of Stark Industries and alienates his friend Lt. Col. ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes (Don Cheadle).
Much of this movie revolves around Downey Jr.’s irresistible charm, and rightly so. He inhabits the role of playboy billionaire Tony Stark with uninhibited gusto. Still, the plot seems less intense than the first movie. In one scene Stark and Rhodey, dismayed that Stark is throwing his life out the window, have a knock-down drag-out fight that destroys Starks’ posh pad. Even for a comic book movie, the scene seems to be thrown in there to add another fight sequence to the movie.
Scarlett Johansson plays SHIELD double agent Natalie Romanoff – a.k.a. Black Widow – and Paltrow returns as Stark’s long-suffering enabler and (at long last) love interest. The best part about ‘Iron Man 2’ are the villains played by Rourke and Rockwell. They’re all-out campy, and I would expect nothing less from both actors in a movie based on comic book characters. Rourke is covered in tattoos and has a great Russian accent.
While not as good as ‘Iron Man’ or other comic book movies like ‘The Dark Knight,’ ‘Iron Man 2’ is still a fun action flick and a great way to kick off the summer movie season.
just the facts, ma'am
- MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language )
- Reel Rating:
- In Theaters: May 7, 2010
- On DVD: Sept. 28, 2010
- Best for Ages: 13+
- Genre: Action, Comic Book, Sequel
- Running Time: 124 minutes
- Directed by: Jon Favreau
- Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, Garry Shandling
- Profanity: Language includes “stupid,” “damn,” “ass,” and “bitches.” Tony’s dialogue includes plenty of sexual innuendoes, such as “I serve this great country at the pleasure of myself, and if there's one thing you can count on, it's me pleasuring myself.”
- Sex/Nudity: Several scenes feature women in skimpy outfits, including the dancers at the Stark Expo. Natalie / Black Widow is seen in a bra during a few scenes, as well as skin-tight outfits in other scenes. Lots of sexual innuendos in Tony Stark’s dialogue, and one kiss between two main characters.
- Violence/Gore: Plenty of explosions and dead bodies, although not much blood is shown. One scene indicates that people have been hanged, although you don’t see any close-ups. Two characters have a major fight that smashes up Tony Stark’s house. Ivan causes chaos on a race track with his lightning-like whips. Hammer Industries makes weapons.
- Which Kids Will Like It?: Kids 13 and older who liked the first ‘Iron Man’ movie and/or comic book movies.
- Will Parents Like It?: Yes, it’s a fun movie. Not as good as the first one, but a great escape for a couple of hours.
- DVD Extras:Disc 1 (Blu-ray): Feature film with optional commentary by Jon Favreau (HD); S.H.I.E.L.D. Data Vault (HD) - Extend your knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with high-level clearance into S.H.I.E.L.D.’s digital data vault. Interact with select scenes from the movie that include new layers of graphics and insider information. View case files, dossiers, S.H.I.E.L.D. training films, tech details and more; Previsualization and Animatics (HD); Disc 2 (Blu-ray): Ultimate Iron Man: The Making of Iron Man 2 (HD); Rebuilding the Suit - An all-encompassing look at the beginning stages of this mammoth blockbuster; A Return to Action - From Marvel Studios to the streets of Monaco, Jon Favreau takes viewers through the trials and triumphs of continuing Iron Man’s story; Expanding the Universe - From the amazing sets of Stark Expo to Tony Stark’s home and beyond, the Marvel Universe continues to unfold into new and exciting places; Building a Legacy - From filming to editing, scoring and visual effects, Favreau and his team face the challenges of bringing the sequel to the big screen; Featurettes (HD): Creating Stark Expo - A look at how the sets and computer-generated elements combine to create the massive set piece; Practical Meets Digital - How the “practical” props inform the “digital” work that ultimately brings our hero to life on screen; * Illustrated Origin: Nick Fury - A comprehensive journey into creating one of the most mysterious and influential heroes in the Marvel Universe; Illustrated Origin: Black Widow - An exciting look at the new femme fatale introduced in Iron Man 2; Illustrated Origin: War Machine - A look at the introduction of the character and how his friendship with Tony Stark resonates with fans; Working with DJ AM - Jon Favreau remembers working with Adam Goldstein; Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by Jon Favreau (HD): Alternate Opening; Coulson at the Senate; The Sub-Orbital Jet; Tony’s Workshop (extended); Natalie Wears the Gauntlet; Flying Party Girl; Mark II Security; Element Rediscovered (extended); Concept Art Gallery; Theatrical Trailers (HD); Music Video: AC/DC “Shoot To Thrill” (HD); Disc 3 (DVD): Feature Film Digital Copy
reel rating guide
- One Reel: Even the Force can't save it.
- Two Reels: Coulda been a contender.
- Three Reels: Something to talk about.
- Four Reels: You want the truth? Great flick!
- Five Reels: Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
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