TFB Rating: (8/10)

Iron Man 2 is one of the film’s I have been anticipating the most this year and it was certainly worth the wait.
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johnasson, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson – you can check out the trailer below if you haven’t already to get your taste buds salivating.

The Plot

Following on from six months after the first Iron Man movie, the world now knows that Tony Stark (Downey) is Iron Man, and now they all want a piece of either the Iron Man technology or Tony Stark himself. Stark is however unwilling to let go of his awesome technology and thus Stark ends up facing increasing amounts of pressure from friends and foe alike.

The Thoughts

It takes a little while to set the foundations of the film, but all with plenty of humour and lot’s of nice little references to other Marvel characters from the comics, those of which  I can only assume are tie-ins from other Marvel movies on the way.

Downey is 100% spot on as Stark! From now on Downey is and will forever be Tony Stark – he played the role to perfection. Stark is a selfish, cocky, arrogant but undeniably likeable and Downey was spot on in his portryal.

Paltrow also reprises her role as Pepper Pots and I like the way she plays Pepper – she looks as if she’s incapable but actually you know that in a fight she could probably take care of herself. Heaven knows why they keep putting her in those heels that she obviously cannot walk in!

I admit with Johnasson I was not sure if I would be able to deal with her in an action role. But she pretty much did exactly as she should have and I found myself wondering why they didn’t give her a bigger role – she was most certainly underused in this movie which was a disappointment.

Sam Rockwell and Mickey Rourke both play the ‘bad guy’ in Iron Man 2. Rockwell portrays Hammer as cheaper knock off version of Tony Stark, which doesn’t work for the character but made Rockwell’s portrayal all the more entertaining. Rourke was absolutely terrifying, if you saw this guy walking down the street towards you, there is no doubt that you would cross over to the other side to avoid him, whilst not taking your eyes off him the entire time. Rourke’s character Ivan Vanko doesn’t say much, but he doesn’t have to – the very presence of this man is enough to shake even Stark, and so far from this Iron Man franchise Vanko is by far the best villain.

Overall the film was well put together, perhaps there were one too many characters that wasn’t really needed as they didn’t aid to bringing the plot forward. Director Jon Favreau (Happy Hogan) clearly has a talent for film making and took to this project with open arms – I just wish he would stop trying to act, but I guess everyone wants to be part of the Iron Man experience.

The visuals were stunning, not once did I notice the CGI or did it detract from the story telling. Most of the technology that Stark uses is slightly unbelievable,  although highly inventive – for me it’s still a little too early to believe technology could have advanced that much. A highly entertaining story with mostly strong performances from a fantastic cast that are under used.

Oh and don’t forget, if it’s not too painful for you, wait till the end of the credits to see a little something extra.

Iron Man 2 is out at all UK cinemas now, check it out.

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The Film Buzz Rating: (8/10)

UK Release Date: 29th April 2010

Director: Jon Favreau

Writer’s: Stan Lee (comic), Justin Theroux (screenplay)

Links: IMDB, Official Site