Iron Man 2

Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.

Today's review is Iron Man 2. Directed by Jon Favreau. Written by Justin Theroux. Based on the comic created by Stan Lee,     Don Heck, Larry Lieber & Jack Kirby.

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.

Cast

Robert Downey Jr. - Tony Stark/Iron Man

Don Cheadle     - Lt. Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes/War Machine

Scarlett Johansson - Natalie Rushman /Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow

Gwyneth Paltrow - Pepper Potts

Sam Rockwell - Justin Hammer

Mickey Rourke - Ivan Vanko/Whiplash

Samuel L. Jackson - Nick Fury

Clark Gregg - Agent Coulson

Jon Favreau - Happy Hogan


So here we are boys and girls. The unofficial/official beginning of the summer blockbuster season. May has become the marquee month for the debut of some of the year's most anticipated films. This May is no different and the month kicks off with one of the most anticipated sequels in recent comic book movie memory since Spider Man 3 and The Dark Knight. As we all know, both of those films made a tremendous amount of money. However, one of those movies tanked critically while the other triumphed. I think we can figure out which is which. The question I know you all want answered is does this sequel live up to the hype? The answer is yes.

The film takes place after the events of the 1st film where Tony Stark played by the terrific Robert Downey Jr. reveals to the world that he is Iron Man. It's at this point we see Ivan Danko played by Mickey Rourke caring for his dying father in Russia. After his passing, Ivan begins to replicate Stark's Iron Man technology that his father had the blueprints for. This is part of a slow developing revenge plot against Stark. Meanwhile back in the states, Tony is coping with his new found fame as a superhero while trying to keep the US government from taking away his suits so they can be replicated for the military. Along the way events take place that send Tony on a downward spiral of emotions and chaos that threaten his existence in this world as both a superhero and a man.

That last statement sounds a little cryptic right? Well it's supposed to be.

It's that last statement that made Iron Man 2 so entertaining. The 1st film was all about the birth of a superhero. Now we are seeing the consequences of not keeping that identity a secret while dealing with a villain that seems to be just as intelligent as Tony is. This sends him down a path of uneasiness and doubt which we as an audience are not accustomed to seeing. Our superheroes are not supposed to have problems. Iron Man does which is faithful to the books underlying demons that Tony faces each and every day. The film is not as dark as The Dark Knight but we get a little glimpse in chink in Iron Man's armor.

The next part of Iron Man 2's success is the cast. Everyone is once again properly placed in a role that was "suited" for them (sorry, I couldn't resist). We all know the returning cast members, it's the new blood that stand out. Mickey Rourke as Whiplash was both engaging and scary. He gives you a bone chilling stare and blank expressions that could mean nothing or the end of your life. Scarlett Johannson as Black Widow is just a superhot firecracker of a character. She's believe-able to us as a person that can play the action heroine. The only exception to the new cast was Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer. Now he served his purpose well as one of Stark's antagonists but he was so annoying that you just wanted someone to crack him in the face just to stop his incessant whining.

That is the 1st of 2 minor issues I have with this film.

The 2nd one is the villain's and their motives. They are no different than the villain in the 1st film Obadiah Stane. Stane's objective in the 1st film was to duplicate Stark's acr reactor technology so it could be weaponized. That is Hammer's intention as well as the Government's. Just like the 1st film, the technology is duplicated and used against Iron Man. The only difference is the motive of Whiplash. He replicated the tech to kill Iron Man. Otherwise the villain's method to their madness is a simple case of been there done that. Despite the redundancy the film plays with a fresh feel. That's due to Theroux's tightly would and well written script. He clearly went to the well that made Iron Man so good and just gave the fans more of that.

Including some VERY cool geek stuff that gets displayed to set up future Marvel projects.

For those of you not aware, Marvel studios announced their full slate of upcoming comic adaptations. These future films are Thor and Captain America. Both films are shooting now with Thor and Cap set to release next summer, 1 month apart in fact. This is all meant to tie into another film called The Avengers set to release in 2012. The Avengers is a team of heroes comprised of Thor, Captain America and Iron Man to name a few. In order to make The Avengers work they had to start introducing these characters in crossover fashion (meaning within other films) so they just don't come out of nowhere. You get a small sample of that with Iron Man 2. If you pay close attention you see a very BIG symbol that set's off the Avenger's crossover.

Future Marvel film teases aside, Iron Man 2 holds it's own nicely in the sequel dept. and once again recaptures the momentum it's predecessor created. If Thor and Captain America match the entertainment value while maintaining the continuity of setting up The Avengers film that Iron Man 2 set up so well then the future is definitely bright for Marvel Studios and their super roster.

Also an FYI for you and this is  a good one. Stay until the end of the credits. Once again Favreau and company have treated the geeks to an extra scene that teases a future Marvel film. I won't say which one but the final image will tip you off. VERY COOL and exciting.

On the 5 star scale. Iron Man 2 gets 4 stars with a "Worth Every Penny!" Recommendation.

This would have been a perfect 5 had it not been for the redundant villain motive. Otherwise this was a terrific film worth your time.

That's all for today. Up next is Robin Hood. To be followed by Shrek 4 and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Damn! May is going to be a busy month.

Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"

Happy Mother's Day to all my "D" List Mom's. Hope you all have a great day.

"D"