I could name so many sequels that surpassed it's already successful original, Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars), X-Men 2, The Dark Knight (Batman Begins), Batman 2 (Tim Burton's), etc. Second installments are where some franchises go supernova. These legendary part twos makes people anticipate the next movie all the more.
Does Iron Man cut it?
The CGI was amazingly flawless. And the action sequences doesn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty exchanges/dialogue. Fast cars, cool gadgets, the women ... yes the film was definitely lots of fun.
Robert Downey Jr. nailed the role of Tony Stark as expected. Cocky and selfish, yet you couldn't help but still love the guy. Downey has a way of batting the dialogue and his chemistry with Paltrow (Pepper Potts) is undeniable.
Sam Rockwell (Justin Hammer) as the Stark wannabe was also perfect, less brains, less charisma, less success. Jokes even fell flat and you can sort of see he was trying a bit too hard to be like Tony Stark.
Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) really owned the role - alluring and amazing action sequences. I couldn't help but wish she had more screen time. And I'm happy to see more of Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) than I did on the first film.
Unfortunately despite the fact that I enjoyed this film, I can't say it's one of those epic second films. Iron Man 2’s inability to build on the first film was somewhat disappointing. There were too few new and significant development on the film considering that Tony Stark was on one of the most intriguing lead character/hero we've encountered.
Overall I still say people ought to go watch this. It's worth the ticket price and don't forget to wait until the end of the credits.