The beginning was slow moving, but was a neccessary set-up for the rest of the movie for both Ivan Vanko (Whiplash) and Tony Stark (Iron Man). This movie delves more into the history of the Stark and Vanko families and how Howard Stark (Tony's Dad) was involved with secret government sh** back in the day. A glaringly obvious nod to Captain America. There were tons of nods to Captain America! The U.S. Marshal at the beginning, played by Kate Mara flashes Tony her badge, which was a miniature silver target with a star in the middle. Another scene, Agent Phil Coulson hands what looks like a prototype of Captain America's shield to Tony while meeting in his lab.
Robert Downey Jr. and Mickey Rourke were exceptional! Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle (who I will now refer to as "War Machine" rather than "Buzz Killington" from now on) and Scarlett Johansson were great! I love that so many talented actors are actually vying to do these comic book movies and take them seriously. Scarlett Johansson especially! She was a knock-out as Black Widow and I can't wait to see more of her. Seeing Happy Hogan in action was awesome too! I hope Samuel L. Jackson will step it up a bit as Nick Fury in the next movies he appears in. Seeing Nick Fury with a gut at the donut shop with Tony in his Iron Man suit was weird.
Sam Rockwell is one of the best actors in Hollywood (Moon, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind) and was ecstatic to see him cast in this! It was odd casting, considering the character in the comics is almost ancient looking, but it works! They're more like contemporaries this way, I love it. Rockwell's Justin Hammer is now one of my favourite movie villains and I hope they bring him back in The Avengers or something.
This movie has more humour and action than the first one, but it lacked a certain amount of heart that the first one had. The only problem that I could see with Iron Man 2 was that it was rushed. If they had the time to do it, they would have blown The Dark Knight and Avatar out of the water.
For the most part, I think people were really put off by how short the final fight was. There was a huge build up to Iron Man and War Machine vs. the Iron Drones and Whiplash and as much as it pains me to say it, it fell a little short. Also, I was hoping to see the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. Y'know, since there was the one scene with Nick Fury reading Black Widow's in depth report back to Stark, basically telling him he's too [frick]ed up for the 'Avengers Initiative'. In the end, I really hope they go with Captain America as the main leader.
Personally, I loved this flick and would recommend it to anyone. I've already recieved a text from my friend last night, asking me why I didn't warn him not to see it and that it "was an abortion". I totally disagree with that statement. I loved it and would see it again in theatres.
9/10 - My only gripe was the third act. Other than that, I loved it!
MY TOP 10 MARVEL MOVIES
10. Blade
9. X-Men
8. Punisher War Zone
7. Spider-Man 2
6. Blade 2
5. Spider-Man
4. Iron Man 2
3. X2: X-Men United
2. Iron Man
1. The Incredible Hulk
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