Now before I do this review of Iron Man 2, I have to be honest with all of you readers. I am by no means a fan of American comics or comic series. My reason for this is the constant re-hashes & remakes that comic series get when the writers run out of ideas after 12-20 issues. That being said, I’d like to point out that despite my general distaste for the fickle writing of American comics, there are occasions where I can appreciate the originality of a concept, despite its country of origin. Such is the case with Iron Man. The idea of the cocky, rich, super genius has yet to be mimicked in any form as cool as Tony Stark.
The original live action Iron Man film had a truly compelling story. The characters, though not that developed, had chemistry and clicked well when on screen together. Though the character of Tony Stark is certainly by all means a complete prick, it was hard not to want to egg him on during his trials and tribulations throughout the film. The only real problem with the original Iron Man film was its lack luster ending. Having the main villain fall due to a design flaw is anything but a climactic and satisfying ending.
This sequel picks up a year after the events of the first movie. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has let the world know that he in fact is Iron Man. With the help of the advanced Iron Man suit, Stark has, for the most part, created an extended period of world peace. Stark’s exploits eventually reach the ear of Russian inventor and ex prisoner Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke). It’s quickly revealed that Vanko’s father co-created the ARC light technology (the power source behind the Iron Man Suit and the device that keeps Stark’s heart going) with Stark’s father. Because Stark’s father received the majority of the credit for creating this pioneering technology, Vanko is compelled to avenge his disgraced father by dismantling the Stark legacy. He does this by creating a sort of Iron Man exoskeleton equipped with laser whips and powered by a makeshift ARC light which he learned to create using his father’s old blue prints. While Vanko is preparing his revenge, Stark deals with pressure from the Government to turn over the iron man technology. Stark also (ironically) battles with a design flaw in the ARC light which is causing His blood toxicity Level to climb the more he uses the suit. As the plot unfolds, multiple events occur and many more challenges arise in front of Stark including his growing depression from his seemingly unavoidable death and Nick Fury of S.H.E.I.L.D. breathing down his neck.
Now despite my slightly vague synopsis there is actually much more to this film. There seems to be a barrage of guest appearances from characters like War Machine, to Justin Hammer, and even Black Widow. This unfortunately works against the film because it takes away time the writers could have used to fine tune the characters as well as the story. Sadly only a few thin plot elements hold this film together and even though there is some impressive actor performances From Robert Downey Jr. & company, the plot issues are hard to ignore for folks who like a considerable amount of substance in their action films.
My second and final complaint with the film is the choice of Don Cheadle as James “Rhody” Rhodes. Though Cheadle’s performance was nothing to shake a stick at, it was hard to Buy him as Rhody who often appeared in the comics as more brolic and rugged.
All in all, most of the other elements of the film such as the CGI and fight scenes make this a fun and entertaining film. Though not as in depth as the film that came before it, they at least give us the one thing that the last Iron Man film didn’t: an ending that’s both action packed & satisfying.
Go see this one full price & you most certainly won’t feel ripped off
trailer:
1 comments:
Good stuff, Rolly. Although this doesn't really compel me to go watch the movie. In fact, it kind of turned me off at all.
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