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“Iron Man 2” (2010)
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson
Director: Jon Favreau (Jon also has a role as Stark's bodyguard and chauffeur.)
The superhero movie “Iron Man 2” is the third movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
My 30 Second No Spoilers Intro
Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., is still the flashy, arrogant, womanizing, celebrity billionaire. That becomes all too apparent as he struts across the stage, complete with rows of sexy female dancers, at his Stark Expo. Furthermore, Stark’s ego has been strengthened because of, to quote Tony, the “uninterrupted peace” for the nation he’s created as Iron Man. But beneath all of that bravado, Tony is hiding a secret about his health that becomes his Achilles' heel and is the reason he promotes Pepper Potts, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, to CEO of the company. Natalie Rushman, played by Scarlett Johansson, replaces Potts as Tony’s personal assistant. Meanwhile, the government doesn’t like the fact that they aren’t in charge of Stark’s Iron Man weapon and technology, and they want to take it over. Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes, played by Don Cheadle, is in the middle. He wants to support his friend Tony, and he admires what he’s done with the technology, but he supports the government’s position, as well. Then there’s Justin Hammer, played by Sam Rockwell. He’s the owner of Hammer Industries, a weapons manufacturer company in competition with Stark’s, and he doesn’t like the fact that Stark has received so much attention. The government is more than happy to work with Hammer and Hammer is more than happy to work with the government. But there’s more than just the government and Hammer that Stark has to contend with, he also has to contend with the Russian physicist Ivan Vanko, played by Mickey Rourke. One thing you will learn about Marvel movies, if you haven’t already, is that you need to stay until after the credits. If you watched the post-credits scene of “Iron Man” we got the first glimpse of Nick Fury, the director of the Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage, and Law-Enforcement Division or S.H.I.E.L.D., played by Samuel L. Jackson. In “Iron Man 2,” he’s back.
Who Was Good and Who Wasn’t?
The thing about “Iron Man” movies is that the acting is excellent. All of the primary actors and actresses - Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Don Cheadle, and Samuel L. Jackson – were all good. You have to remember that these are actors and actresses who have appeared in award-winning movies or who have received awards themselves for their acting abilities.
What I Liked and What I Didn’t Like
Dislike: Tony Stark has a habit of reducing smart, powerful women to sex objects, and that annoyed me more in this movie than it did in the first “Iron Man.” Perhaps because in this movie it’s worse.
Like: Natalie Rushman, and that’s about all I can say without spoilers. Those of you who know the movie know why I like her.
Dislike: Tony Stark appears before the Senate, and in my opinion, that particular scene was rushed and over-the-top. With that said, these days we’ve seen some crazy stuff on The Hill. So maybe not.
Dislike: The plot was not as strong, in my opinion, as the plot for “Iron Man.” Some spots could have been developed and lengthened. The relationship between Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, for example, is not developed enough. They probably could have done a better job of developing Ivan Vanko’s story, as well.
Who Will Like This Movie?
"Iron Man 2" is great for people who love action movies and superheroes. It’s also good for people who love fight scenes between superheroes and villains.
Rating?
I give "Iron Man 2" Four out of Five Stars.
Final Words:
Be sure to watch the post-credits scene.
