A Faithful Sequel

Rating: 6/10 (12 June 2010)

I thankfully saw this film on opening day, but had to see it two more times before writing this review. Thank the lord, Jon Favreau returns in his rightful place as director. I couldn't imagine what horrors would've taken place otherwise. Then again it is only the first sequel....the trilogy factor still haunts me.
The majority of the cast returns, including Gwyneth Paltrow. For a while I feared she'd be replaced, with all the rumors. Robert Downey Jr. is back, and keeps the character consistent with those classic comedic attributes. Well done, but unfortunately Terrance Howard does not return. A downer, but Don Cheadle is up to the task and he does nicely. Also starring is the beautiful Scarlett Johansson, in a role that was all right. After seeing it a few more times, it occurs to me she's almost eye candy, and could've used a lot more developing. As for 'Happy', there wasn't much to him and a rather needless character really. Hammer, however, was very well done and the film couldn't be what is without him. Mickey Rourke is the main antagonist and his performance is all right. Comparing him to Jeff Bridges' villain in the first film would be slander, seeing as he's nowhere near as interesting. The general tone of the film was light-hearted so to speak, really down playing the dark notions of the film concerning Tony's slowly approaching death. It still flows but it's more of a comedy film which is a eh direction for me.
The action looks great but these scenes are few-and-far between if you ask me. The Iron Man suit is looking better than ever, my personal favorite being the Mark V. The race track scene was exhilarating although I have yet to understand how Whiplash, an ordinary man, could endure physical blows from that high powered suit. In the first film, a single punch sends a man flying. Well, pushing that aside, the end battle is epic and I really love the drones in action. But no doubt the absolute best-looking in the film is War Machine. An awe-inspiring and over all imposing character, loved his ass. One thing that bugged me was John Debney. His score was all in all decent, but I really preferred the style heard in the first film. Not a major distraction, but one found worthy of noting. In conclusion definitely see it, and I'm sure you'll leave the theater knowing your money was well spent.
"It's called looking like a bad-ass."