Iron Man 2 (2010)

Iron Man 2 (2010)

6/10

Starring

Robert Downey Jr.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Don Cheadle

Scarlett Johansson

Sam Rockwell

Mickey Rourke

Samuel L. Jackson

Directed by Jon Favreau

I didn’t enjoy Iron Man 2 as much as I did the first one, and I felt the movie didn’t add enough to the continuity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s the kind of film that could be missed without losing much. The movie is the third installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and plans for a sequel were already in the works after the financial success of the first movie in 2008.

To me, the movie feels more like an introduction to the strength and depth of S.H.I.E.L.D. and many of its members. It also works hard to portray Tony as needing redemption. After learning he’s dying, Tony becomes unhinged. The movie tries to show us what a past, unhinged Tony was like—partying, drinking, and living recklessly before inheriting Stark Industries.

In this movie, Terrence Howard was replaced by Don Cheadle (a very noticeable change, which was financially motivated) in the role of Rhodes (War Machine), and Jon Favreau returned to direct. The film is packed with incredible CGI effects, and the battles between the suits are something you have to see to fully appreciate. It even earned an Academy Award nomination for Visual Effects.

The movie follows Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) as he reacts to the news of his impending death. It’s revealed that the reactor in his chest, which keeps him alive and powers his suit, is poisoning him. Tony takes this as a license to live carelessly, throwing parties and showing off what the suit can do. He even promotes Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) to CEO of Stark Industries so he can live freely.

Meanwhile, we’re introduced to Ivan Vanko, a man building a reactor similar to Tony’s. This movie also serves as the introduction of Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), who is working undercover as Tony’s new personal assistant.

Ivan builds his own suit equipped with electrical whips and attacks Tony during a Grand Prix event. Tony, who has already revealed himself to the world as Iron Man, defeats Ivan after suiting up. However, Ivan sees the battle as a win because he wanted to prove to the world that Iron Man isn’t invincible.

Tony’s rival helps Ivan escape, and together they build more suits with the goal of taking Tony down.

The movie was a financial success and served as a stepping stone that opened up more possibilities for what the Marvel Cinematic Universe could become.