A sequel worth watching, but lacks the fun of the first film.

Rating: 7/10 (7 May 2010)

Iron Man returns, and after the success of the much-loved first film,he meets old friends and new friends (too many).
Here are some pros and cons you should consider before watching the film.
PROS: The acting is great. Not only a superb performance by Robert Downey Jr., but Mickey Rourke and Scarlett Johansson steal the show. Don Cheadle is much better then Terrence Howard, and Gwyneth Paltrow gives a much improved outing then her weak performance in the first film.
There are some funny moments. Comedy is a strong point in the film, and the screenwriters did very well with it.
The CGI and other visual effects are even better then the first. Epic sequences such as the race track battle and the final battle are amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Impressive direction, cinematography, and music are some key elements in this film. Besides, I love Stan Lee's cameo!!! CONS: The entire middle of the film is extremely dull. Barely anything happens, and not even a surprise appearance by Samuel L. Jackson could boost it up. Some of this is redeemed by the action-packed climax, but it's probably the film's weakest point.
Way too many characters! I could do without certain characters, which would make the film a little less confusing.
Black Widow is so underplayed in the film. She is very useless, and could have done a lot more with a lot more screen-time.
The script could have been better. Some unnecessary dialog make it uneven.
Overall, if you're a comic-book fan and have seen the first one, see it. If you're not, rent it. But remember, it doesn't come close to the first one.