05.08.2010.iron.man.part.deux.
I guess the people love them some IRON MAN.
The sequel to 2008's IRON MAN is out and it's a great time the movies, with some minor flaws. But we expect that of sequels right? They don't quite recapture magic that got us excited to see the first one. I think that is part of it though With IRON MAN, the excitement was this new character most of us have never really seen before or at least heard of his story. So now that we know who he is, it's time to find out where he is going.
In IRON MAN 2 Robert Downey Jr. is back as Tony Stark, billionaire industrialist owner of Stark Enterprises. He just happens to be the super hero everybody loves, Iron Man!
In the sequel the government is wanting Tony to turn over the "Iron Man" weapon, which he is vehemently against in a great scene where Downey Jr goes up against Gary Shandling, It is scenes like these that make IRON MAN 2 so entertaining. Tony swears that the technology to create the suit is 10 years out of anyone else's reach and they don't need to worry about the tech falling into the wrong hands. You can't help but love Tony Stark. Even though he is kind of an ego maniac. Also involved is another weapons manufacture, Justin Hammer, played with amazing annoyance by Sam Rockwell. He is nothing like Tony Stark but wants to be him desperately. Not smooth at all. But fun to watch. He is like the obnoxious guy at a party who desperately wishes he were the life of the party.
Back is Tony Stark's best pal in the world, Lt. Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes. This time played by a more self assured Don Cheadle. Thankfully Terrance Howard was given the boot. He was the worst part of the first IRON MAN film in my opinion. For a dude who is supposed be War Machine, he sure was a whiney dude. Loved Cheadle. His shining moments were toward the end of the film. He has got some interesting story arc's coming his way if they stay to what the comic books have paved the road for. Look forward to more WAR MACHINE action!
Besides the US of A wanting the IRON MAN armor for their own deeds that are dirty, there is another person who has a grudge with Tony Stark, and that is Russian Ivan Venko. He is kind of the polar opposite of Tony. Where Tony Stark may have had the golden spoon, Ivan had the iron bars. His father had some history with Stark's pops and in there is where Venko's obsession to destroy Stark takes flight. He is able to create a similar suit to Iron Mans, thought not as sophisticated, that gets the attention of Stark and the government. Which makes Uncle Sam that much more anxious to get the IRON MAN suit for themselves.
Soon Justin Hammer is involved with Drako, and I will let you see how that unfolds.
Back is Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Tony Starks assistant and sort of love interest. She plays the part great again. The perfect balance of damsel and strong willed lady friend. In the film she gets promoted and the search is on for a new assistant, in comes Scarlett Johansson as Natalie Rushman / Natasha Romanoff aka The Black Widow. She gets the part, which is all part of the plan anyway, as she is working with Nick Fury played again by Sam Jackson. He popped up in the last film after the credits offering IRON MAN an opportunity to join the Avenger initiative. Anyway, he has The Black Widow getting a closer look at who Tony Stark really is. She also has one of the sweetest action scenes in the movie.
Speaking of the Avengers, there is a lot more build up to that movie that is coming in 2012. They are setting it up really nicely. Since the 1st IRON MAN and the amazing THE INCREDIBLE HULK, the theatrical MARVEL UNIVERSE is on it's way.
Back to the movie. There is some interesting themes going on here. Legacy. Duty. Identity. I wish the movie was a half hour longer, i think it could have been a little bit more meaty. I felt it was light hearted where it needed it, but just little more weight would have been great. My biggest complaint was the ending battle. I think it could have been a bit more epic instead of the care bear stare I think it turned into. There is a scene where Tony Stark is becoming a bit unhinged with all the spotlight and the health risk his suits energy are causing him. It shows a glimmer of the alcohol issue that was shown in the comics. I wish it was delved into a bit more. That is where WAR MACHINE steps up to the plate.
Bottom line is IRON MAN 2 is a good fun time at the movies. I saw it at the mid night screening with 4 sold out crowds who cheered all the way through. When it comes to the comic book films, it really only matters if you please the fans. If you do, chances are you did it right. If you try to cater to casual movie watcher you alienate your built in audience and water down a character to make them more appealing with out letting the character work for you. Watch last summers GI JOE for that. I am still bummed about that train wreck.
Don't leave during the credits. A thunderous surprise awaits!
