Did not disappoint

Rating: 9/10 (16 May 2010)

Finally I have seen Iron Man 2, an as I expected I loved it.
Now for anyone who has been in an underground bunker for the past couple of years this is the second instalment of one of Marvel Comics biggest franchises. Directly following on from the first film we join Tony Stark with his life filling up with a whole host of new problems.
The ever brilliant Sam Rockwell is a rival arms dealer, who is envious of stark and his business. I've always loved Rockwell from when I first saw him in Galaxy Quest and wonder how he is not a bigger star, especially after watching his solo turn in Moon.
Mickey Rourke is out for vengeance as Ivan Vanko/Whiplash a genius physicist who believes the Howard Stark, Tony's dad, stole his arc reactor idea, the piece of kit that keeps Tony alive and powers the iron man suit.
Don Cheadle steps into Terrance Howards shoes as best friend to Stark, Jim Rhodes. I originally wasn't happy to hear that Howard would not be returning for the second film, but Cheadle is a more than capable replacement and makes the part his own.
I was afraid before I saw the film that it was going to suffer from Spiderman 3 syndrome by featuring too many characters to fit into one film, but it really doesn't allowing each their own screen time with solid character development.
Director Jon Favreau has beefed up his cameo from the first film into something of a supporting role and you can tell he was having fun during the making , by giving himself some great comedy moments.
The star of the show, Robert Downey jr. puts in another charismatic turn in his most natural role to date. It may not be his best but being Tony Stark comes so easily to him.
There are a number of geek out moments if you are a comic book fan or used to watch the cartoon, mainly the suitcase suit moment as Stark used to carry his suit around with him so he could become Iron Man at anytime, and they have worked this into the movie. Also there are a few, seven to be exact, obscure hint towards the imminent Avengers movie. As always with Marvel movies stay after the end credits and you shall be rewarded.
I knew before seeing this film I would love it and although it may not be a 10/10 film such as The Dark Knight it is a lot more enjoyable and accessible.
For more reviews please view my blog at; http://alansmitheejrmovieblog.blogspot.com/