Iron Man 2

Rating: 5/10 (22 May 2010)

Iron Man was such a huge hit that a sequel was obviously on the cards, but the you want avoid making it look or feel the same, but it does, from director Jon Favreau (Elf). Basically the whole world now knows that Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is Iron Man, and he faces a lot of concern from the government about the thought that the suit may be considered as a weapon. Strict on keeping his invention, Tony puts his personal secretary, who has a crush on him, Virginia 'Pepper' Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) in charge of Stark Industries to keep things afloat. Meanwhile, a new enemy has emerged, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), or Whiplash he is referred (in the comics), with his Stark based technology knowledge and plans to help him. He has created a new weapon based on whips and electricity, and with the help of revenge-seeking rich bastard Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) he is able to build a much more destructive design. The only other stuff going on really is financial difficulties at Stark Industries, something called S.H.I.E.L.D. which Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson) is a member of who can help Tony cure his failing chest shrapnel cure, and Tony's friend Lt. Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes (Don Cheadle) donning another Iron Man suit and becoming War Machine. Also starring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson, John Slattery as Howard Stark, Paul Bettany as Jarvis, Leslie Bibb as Christine Everhart and and look out for a cameo by Stan Lee. The action is still okay, the special effects are still tip tip, and the performances still have some merit, but it just feels too much like you've seen it all before. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Worth watching!