Spiderman 2, X-Men 2, and The Dark Knight...those are superhero movie sequels which are considered as 'better than the first one', both quality and dollars. Unfortunately, I must say upfront, Iron Man 2 does not belong to that same category. Nevertheless, it still entertains, especially in the early part and the last action scene, which I believe are the huge boost points for the sequel. For those who wants to see boom boom bang bang actions scenes, prepare to be disappointed, since there was only 2 big action scenes which involves Iron Man, and to tell you the truth, this movie lacks of Tony Stark appearing in his Iron Man suit.
On the bright side, the opening 40 minutes was a great story telling, gives you a 'family' and 'humanist' theme. The movies started in Russia, with how Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) succumbed to his sadness after his dad had died, and planned to take his revenge on Stark by making a similar Iron Man suit. While back in the US, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.)is everywhere, he has become the most known public figure, superhero, celebrity, well, you name it. He hasn't changed at all, the super ego, complete with over the top narcissistic figure and never take anything seriously. He still has Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) to clean up his mess, new assistant, the blossom brunette Natalie (Scarlett Johansson), and his buddy Rhodey (Don Cheadle) who constantly reminds Stark that he should be careful with both his mouth and actions.
Without giving out any spoiler, I can tell you that in spite he enjoys the spotlight, he has to deal with his very own 'problem' which can compromise both his future and Iron Man. To add things up, the US Government, led by Senator Stern (Garry Shandling) felt that they require Stark to give out his suit to the country. At this very moment, Stark is being bombarded everywhere, not to mention the sudden appearance of Whiplash a.k.a Ivan to make things even messier. Another additional character is Tony Stark wannabe, Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), a military contractor who is obsessed to create the Iron Man suite kind-of for US military soldiers. After he witnesses what Ivan Venko in action, he seizes this opportunity to benefit him.
I can say Iron Man is the antithesis compare with previous superhero movies. For a start, it is less darker than its predecessors. The sequel offers something refreshing than the 1st installment, it gives Stark a more human character who deals with death or alive issue. The built up story is well told and composed, which almost makes it one of the best. Sadly, it falters in the middle part, where some of the story sequences become too fast, and all things happened at once.
The plus thing about Iron Man 2 is the cast, where the all the main characters do not disappoint at all. Each of the main star has his/her own moment, means the scenes distribution is quite equal, except for Stark character. Robert Downey Jr., once again deliver his stellar performance as Stark, where he is able to capture all the Stark's essential character (that's why Downie Jr. is the most suitable guy for Stark). The Iron Man main core lies within Downey Jr., every scene felt more fresh with him in it. Gwyneth Paltrow has more screen time, and perhaps larger role, less childish, cute as ever. The baddies also don't disappoint as well, Mickey Rourke has one of the hell introduction in the Monaco circuit, while the greedy Hammer played magnificently by Sam Rockwell, he is annoying and one damn bad ass. He's very good in mixing evil and comedy at the same time, sinister asshole, I must say. Although my complaint is that Ivan Venko is lack of lines, damn he only does 1 or 2 liners at most, but lucky his appearance is more than enough to intimidate. ScarJo, until her brief action scenes near the end of the movie, was mostly used as screen refresher (for guys I mean), although she does not show much cleavage as she used to be. She's sexy, but that's about it, period.
Now the major talking point, Don Cheadle as Rhodey a.k.a War Machine, replacing Terrence Howard from the previous installment...does he do any good? Well, yes and no. In term of physical appearance, Terrence wins the competition by a mile, since he has much better charisma as Rhodey, and I believe the girls also agree with me. But in term of delivering convincing lines and emotional state, Cheadle may be better. the surprising thing is how the director himself, John Favreau as Hogan, Stark's bodyguard, eventually has more scenes and even his own action moments (I think he shows up more than ScarJo).
Iron Man 2 has all the potentials to become a very good superhero movie flick, especially with all the hypes and big expectations, but unfortunately, this flick has its own letdown moments. The underused of Whiplash is the biggest disappointment, even the biggest and coolest action scene does not involve Ivan, and the I felt final battle was really short and easily concluded. And another issue is the amount of comedy injected to the lines. Is it too much? I felt like watching an action-comedy flick. I mean, compared with all previous superhero movie, perhaps this one is the 'lightest'. There are some emotional moments, but with the tone has already set into 'fun' mode, I never buy 'em.
The action scenes are good, and I'm glad Favreau does not follow Michael Bay's dumb and brainless path. People who waits for big explosions and Iron Man performs cool moves, will be satisfied in the final moments. Although, I didn't feel the element of surprise anymore. I mean, c'mon, I remember how my jaw dropped the first time I saw Stark put that Iron Man suit, and start flying. Now watching him fall down from airplane into the stage of Stark Expo, hmmmm...nothing new there.
Another interesting aspect is the hints and clues about Avengers project. Yes, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) has longer scenes regarding this issue, and there are some very very clear of the next Avenger movie clues, one is clearly visible in the middle of the movie, and the other one...you have to wait until the credit titles roll ends...so sit tight guys.
To conclude, Iron Man starts great, and ended with epic battle scenes, perhaps one of the best, involving all characters at once. It has funny jokes, supported with stellar cast performance. Unfortunately, the tone is dropped in the middle, but despite some imperfections, this film accelerates well into a spectacular final act. I don't doubt it will be a big hit, but it could be so much better.
My Rating : 8/10
