Iron Man 2 **** (2010, Robert Downey Jr, Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson) – Classic Movie Review 3442

Robert Downey Jr continues his highly expert and entertaining turn as Tony Stark/ Iron Man in this exciting but nicely relaxed and easy-going sequel to the 2008 original blockbuster. It is reliable stuff that takes no risks with the proven formula.

Iron Man 2 takes a while to crank up, but the mayhem at the Grand Prix in Monaco is thrilling and the superhero action hots up nicely in the second half and there’s an exciting all-stops-out climax. Director Jon Favreau keeps the focus on the actors and the characters rather than the CGI and that pays off in a comic book movie that plays like a space-age soap opera.

Mickey Rourke enjoys himself as the Russian scientist villain Ivan Vanko – he’s ideal and could do with more dialogue. Need we say he’s invented a suit to rival Iron Man’s? We didn’t think so. Sam Rockwell is good too as Justin Hammer, the American baddie in league with Rourke – though he could do with a few less lines. At the centre of it all is Downey’s polished performance – and he forms the heart of soul of the movie. Also good value, Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts and Scarlett Johansson as Natalie Rushman / Natasha Romanoff add just the right glamour and sex appeal the movie needs.

Though you might ask for a bit more of an actual story, the movie is as slick and smooth as they come – with expensive toys and sets plus seamless CGI and action sequences. And, until the next sequel, where do you get to buy one of these Iron Man suits, anyway?

Don Cheadle plays Lt Col James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes, Samuel L Jackson is Nick Fury, John Slattery is Howard Stark and Garry Shandling is Senator Stern, with a director cameo from Favreau as Happy Hogan.

Iron Man Three followed in 2013.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3442

Link to Derek Winnert’s home page for more reviews: http://derekwinnert.com/