The first Iron Man film was a very good superhero movie (which i gave an 8 at the time). It was a good movie that showed the origins of Iron man. Now that we know how he came to be, part 2 can crank up the action. Does Iron Man how to fly to great highs again or is there a malfunction in the suit that makes the movie crash horribly?
After Tony Stark told the world that he is Iron Man, he gets into trouble with the American government who consider the suit to be a weapon. Because Tony Stark managed to stop great wars from happening and since there are no other countries that have the same technology, he is able to create some room to get them off his back and look into his own issues (the arc reactor in his body). When he travels to Monaco (which has been very well shot, very nice to see some old formula 1 cars racing around the race track), he runs into trouble when Whiplash (Mickey Rourke) shows up to avenge his father and to change the whole situation.
Rourke does play his role well, but unfortunately doesn’t have enough lines to be a memorable villain. Robert Downey Jr. convinces again as playboy with a big ego, which fits him perfectly as part 1 already showcased.
After the action in Monaco the movie is kicked into higher gear and the viewer is treated to a big number of very spectacular action scenes. Scarlett Johansson stars in a very well choreographed scene, which rivals some kung fu movies. The Avengers are introduced (in part 1 you could already see Samuel L. Jackson after the credits) which sets up related movies.
The technology that is shown (in costumes, but also the computer interfaces) looks very slick. The movie really feels like a rollercoaster ride. Unfortunately it misses further background of the various characters. The chemistry between Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr. doesn’t seem to be there. The goal of each scene just seems to be the reason to go to the next action sequence as quickly as possible. That is a shame, because if that would have been better i would have definitely scored the movie higher. It also wouldn’t have left me feeling like the movie was a bit too long. When you watch it stay till after the credits, as there is a little extra scene to be seen.
Score: 8
As I like action movies, it was great to see the Iron Man sequel and for this one installment was even better than the first film. I applause the newbies to the story: both Scarlett and Mickey have done an excellent job. Robert Downey Jr. is fine as usual; and the weakest part in this movie is Paltrow’s, though she has done well, too.
I guess Paltrow didn’t have a lot to work with. If i had to choose to watch one of the two movies i would rewatch the first one. Liked it just a bit better.