See if you have to with the friends, but otherwise, much better films available! =)

Rating: 7/10 (10 May 2010)

A man made of Iron!? Are they MAD!? Frankly, I would have just used a giant magnet to beat him in the first instalment. But alas! They didn't listen, now Downey is suited up in CGI again to return in this sequel. At first look at the opening of the film, seeing Ivan Vanko, aka Whiplash (Rourke), give an unconvincing, whimpering shout as his dad peacefully dies; immediately, 'don't laugh, it's supposed to be serious' is the first thought that crosses the mind. But then away from that hideous piece of acting, and after the long, long, ever so long title sequence, the film really starts to begin. The plot isn't a surprising one, as Vanko coincidentally is a super villain physicist (that old chestnut) who knows how to create the palladium energy source and tries to sell it to Hammer (Rockwell). Meanwhile, Stark has some trouble's of his own, and has to find a new element to stop the palladium's toxicity from killing him. Besides the fact he has an army of droids coming to kick his metal American ass. The narrative is relatively easy to follow and most people will understand it, except the one person with the east London accent who always says, "I don't get it" to any film that wasn't created by Disney. Downey does give another sublime, cheeky performance, saying his cute one liners and woman-wooing ways that makes you giggle. Apart from his comedy; everything else is pretty much dark and serious which isn't always the best road to go down when making a film about a super hero, for example, Spider Man 3. Oh dear. But Favreau does manage to dodge the bullet with putting Downey and his light hearted ways on camera nearly all of the time. No pressure Robert! As for the rest of the cast, pretty average and almost shadowed behind the lead. The action sequences are much more complex in this film, which is more eye pornography than meaningful. As there is more talking and witty banter between characters in this film, the fighting scenes are neglected and only a few are shown, which makes you savour them, like it's the last Fruit Pastel in a tube. The special effects are typical of a tent pole movie; well constructed with a perfect shine to make you believe they're real which overall adds to quite an intense effect. If you really want the full experience of this film's fighting sequences, you have to see it at an IMAX. Overall, Iron Man 2 is a watchable sequel with a few moments that have to be seriously tweaked, but definitely worth the price of an admission ticket with the friends. Plus the soundtrack is awesome, AC/DC and SugarHill Gang in the same movie!? Count me in!