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Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as wealthy industrialist Tony Stark in the anticipated action sequel “Iron Man 2.” |
“Iron Man 2” takes off with a sputter, flies aimlessly around for a while, then finally kicks the blasters into overdrive during the last act to deliver a comic book adventure worthy of its well-made 2008 original.
Jon Favreau’s sequel neither eclipses nor equals his fresh, clever Marvel superhero origin tale, but it still packs loads of entertaining fun sprinkled with witty dialogue, spectacular effects and physical stunts so amazing they boggle the eyes – especially when executed by Scarlett Johansson swaddled in a skintight ninja suit.
Robert Downey Jr.’s irreverent, Peter Pan-like portrayal of billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) continues to be the movie’s strongest asset, although Favreau’s light and nimble direction keeps the story’s piled-on complications from sinking under their own globby weight.
Stark continues to have heart problems, and not only because E.T.’s glowing ticker in his chest is slowly dying, He also possesses unresolved feelings for Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow, back with more red hair) roiling beneath his armored facade.
In addition, poor Tony suffers from estranged daddy issues with his dead father, Howard Stark (John Slattery, looking as if he just stepped off the set of “Mad Men”).
Then there’s the strained friendship between Stark and Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle, an improvement over original actor Terrence Howard). Stark doesn’t appreciate how his increasingly flaky behavior jeopardizes Rhodes’ career. (Read more…)