Iron Man 2 Movie Review (A-)

I had this big introductory paragraph parsed out about how difficult it is to make sequels that don’t suck in Hollywood and how it’s even harder to push out a comic book sequel considering the rabid throng of fans frothing in the background, waiting to pounce if their beloved story isn’t up to par with their expectations. I imagine this type of stress might cause the bookkeepers in Tinsletown to drink Mylanta like an ice-cold pitcher of summertime Kool-Aid and probably gave director Jon Favreau many a night of the Rocky Mountain Quick Step. That’s the shits in layman’s terms, but between you and me, I think he can relax now, because Iron Man 2 is so chock full of awesome that I was entertained from start-to-finish.

Iron Man 2, like Superman 2, Spider-Man 2, and The Dark Knight, is easily better than its 2008 predecessor, the movie Robert Downey Jr. can thank for restarting his career and making him Hollywood’s new/old hot commodity. Again, in Iron Man 2, Downey Jr. is the driving force, but he’s helped a long nicely by Favreau’s deft directorial touch and solid performances from Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell. Probably the only person that seems out of place is Samuel L. Jackson, who just hasn’t been relevant since, um, Pulp Fiction. He’s a face and a voice, but his acting chops aren’t even in the league of the other players in Iron Man 2. I suppose one positive is the production didn’t have to pay for his costume as Nick Fury, as it appears Jackson opened his chest o’ memorabilia and found the costume he donned for 2000’s Shaft.

Iron Man 2’s story begins six months after Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) told the press “I am Iron Man,” and we find the world at peace, Tony’s ego inflated beyond belief and the same sinister arms manufacturers, this time sleazy Stark-wannabe Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), conspiring to control and/or eliminate Iron Man. It’s all about the money and in the world of weapons, peace does not equal profit. The same can’t be said about Ivan Vanko (Rourke), a silver-toothed, skunk-haired Russian who wants Tony/Iron Man dead based on alleged past transgressions against the Vanko family by Howard Stark, Tony’s father. Vanko creates an angry Electric Horseman whip suit and attacks Tony during a race in Monaco and this gives Hammer, and the government, fuel to try and shut Tony down. Fortunately, Tony can rely on his pals Pepper (Paltrow), James Rhodes (Cheadle) and new assistant Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson) to get him back on his feet and win the day.

Iron Man 2 establishes yet again that a cast of actors, not just pretty faces, along with a capable director can turn a Marvel comic book, one not as popular as Spider-Man or others, into a first-rate movie that has broad appeal. If Marvel Studios does the same with Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers and the Spider-Man reboot, I have nothing but anticipation for these films in the next few years.

Scarlett Johansson Black Widow Iron Man 2 Poster is Yummy

I just have no words for this masterpiece. Scarlett Johansson is absolutely stunning. Now, can she pull of portraying Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in Iron Man 2? We shall see. She definitely pulls off wearing that sexy black jumpsuit, that’s for  sure. Also, if you missed the newest Iron Man 2 poster, click here.

Trailer Tuesday: Iron Man 2

Is this really anything eloquent or witty I can say about this Iron Man 2 trailer that isn’t summed up by simply saying: Wow? Still, this trailer gives us a deeper look at Whiplash, played by Mickey Rourke, as well as glimpses of Rhodey Rhodes/War Machine (Don Cheadle), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). And even though the cast is eclectic and talented and Scarlett Johansson makes me drool, the driving force behind Iron Man 2 will be Robert Downey Jr.’s charisma and charm.

As always, please share your thoughts. Will Iron Man 2 be better than Iron Man?

Three Smokin’ Hot Reasons Iron Man 2 will Rock

Forget the special effects, Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow and Mickey Rourke. Forget that Iron Man was the best comic book movie not named Batman Begins or The Dark Knight to hit theaters since Spider-Man 2. If you need three sexy reasons to see Iron Man 2 on May 7, 2010, just check out Scarlett Johansson’s snapshots below. She plays Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow. All I can say is Ryan Reynolds is one lucky bastard.

Iron Man 2 Poster Reveals War Machine

Click to Supersize!

You won’t be able to see the first trailer for Iron Man 2 until Sherlock Holmes is released on December 25, but you can check out this sleek teaser poster, featuring the ever-anticipated War Machine. It’s hard to imagine that Iron Man 2 will suck, and I’ve already added this to my must-see films of 2010. The first movie was a pleasant surprise and I can never get enough Robert Downey Jr. The guy is a top-notch talent and it’s great to see him overcome his drug abuse.

While the storyline to the sequel has been kept under wraps, we do know, based on cast interviews, the story is set six months after the Iron Man ended and conflict between Iron Man and War Machine will be a central theme of the movie. Tony Stark’s slide into alcoholism is apparently another theme explored by director Jon Favreau, but according to interviews with Favreau and Downey Jr., the movie won’t follow the Demon in a Bottle storyline from the comic books.

Again, the movie opens on May 7, 2010 in the United States (April 30, 2010 in the UK) and stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson. That’s a beefy cast and should make for a great summer flick.

What’s your take? Is Iron Man 2 on your must-see list for 2010, and did you like the first film?

Welcome to Nerdtown, Scarlett

Scarlett Johansson is definitely Maxim-crowd drool-fodder, but her tight leather, red-haired role in the upcoming Iron Man 2 as Marvel Comics’ super-spy Black Widow (aka Natasha Romanov) is destined to propel her to an even greater height of unspeakable and deviant fawning: full-blown Nerd Lust.

Poor Scarlett should have stuck with the modeling/singing gigs.

Still, thanks be to Entertainment Weekly for busting out the first image of Scarlett “Ryan Reynolds is MY man, ANDY” Johansson, because sneak peeks are always welcome. You can also check out the cover of this weeks EW featuring Iron-clad Robert Downey Jr. and a perpetually greasy looking Micky Rourke as Russian villain Whiplash right here.