A 'Stark' contrast to the original

Rating: 6/10 (13 May 2010)

I walked into the first 'Iron Man' movie with low expectations, but came out pleasantly surprised at how good the flick was.
The opposite can be said for 'Iron Man 2'.
Unlike its predecessor, the narrative of the sequel was flat and Dull, trying desperately at times to cram in sub plots of little interest, seemingly for the benefit of future 'Marvel' films (Avengers).
The movie was disappointing overall but not without its good points. The look of the film is superb, with stunning visual effect put to good use in many creative and innovative set pieces.
Great performances once again from returning cast members Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, with Mickey Rouke stealing the show as Ivan Vanko.
However, the characters of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) added nothing of any interest, with their screen time slowing down an already tedious storyline. Two characters inserted only to serve as a tie in to the aforementioned Avengers movie.
I would sum up Iron Man 2 as a dazzling piece of eye candy with little substance. Not a complete mess, but a disappointment none the less, as it never hovered anywhere near the high standard set by the original.