Review: Iron Man 2

Iron Man 2 follows the continuing exploits of millionaire industrialist, Tony Stark, and his superhero alter ego, Iron Man. After revealing his identity, Stark is plagued personal problems involving deteriorating health and legacy issues. Pressure form the government and the media force Stark down a dark alley, while jealous and powerful forces join together to take down Stark and rip-off the Iron Man technology.

Robert Downey Jr. is on top of his game. He is overflowing with charm keeping Stark likable and empathetic even in his darkest moments. Downey carries the weight of the entire movie from start to finish in a full on sprint. Unfortunately, his supporting cast was not as up to snuff as himself. Scarlett Johannsen and Sam Rockwell seemed replaceable, surprisingly so for two very memorable performers. Mickey Rourke's stoic Russian bad guy stiffles any ounce of cool Rourke could bring to the table. Paltrow was criminally underused after a really strong performance in the previous installment, and Cheadle's chemistry with Downey seemed forced and off except in the last scene. It wasn't as natural as it was with Terrance Howard.

The story was very weak as well. The action scenes were very anti-climatic. The endless supply of second-rate Iron Man's to throw in Stark's way become a nuisance. Rourke's Whiplash never proved to be a big enough threat, especially after he was delegated to "data monkey" in the middle of the movie. Stark's research and meditation on the past and his relationship with his father was interesting, but slowed the pacing to a crawl psuhing his relationship with his cohorts out of the picture entirely. In one of the biggest mistakes they could have made, they basically glossed over his alcoholic years, one of the more interesting and dramatic moments in Iron Man continuity, as a single moment of weakness.

In the end, Downey's on-screen charisma and Favreau's slick directing elevate a weak story to a decent one. Iron Man 2 plateau's the quality of the first installment, and leaves you still excited for what The Avengers and Iron Man 3 have to offer despite not being overly memorable on its own merits.

6/10