The sequel to 2008's Iron Man takes place six months later, when Tony Stark's identity-reveal is taking its toll.
Robert Downey Jr reprises his role as the hero, while two new villains are introduced. Whiplash (Mickey Rourke) is a tough Russian guy who has constructed his own suit with electro-charged whips. Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) is a rival industrialist. Scarlett Johansson plays Stark's new assistant, but is more than she seems...
This fun, flashy superhero sequel doesn’t quite match the original. It has everything that made the first such a hit – crackling dialogue, sardonic wit, cool technology – but ends up as little more than a thinly-veiled advertisement for future Marvel movies.
Disappointingly, it feels as if all the exciting stuff is yet to come. Samuel L. Jackson turns up half way, to talk for a while about what may or may not happen in a sequel (it’s to link in to the upcoming Avengers movie, but if you’re unfamiliar with what this is, this movie offers no explanation). Scarlett Johansson is similarly pointless.
It’s in this middle-section drag that some viewers will be begging for some action. Thankfully, this means that Mickey Rourke is soon wheeled back onscreen as a weirdo Russian ex-jailbird scientist, aka ‘Whiplash’, smirking as he quietly goes about whupping ol’ shellhead’s ass.
If only the movie was more focused, we could have had an awesome Downey vs Rourke storyline. But with so many uneven plot strands, it’s all a bit uninvolving.
Fans of the comic book might well be satisfied. Anyone else will find moments here – it certainly looks cool – but might, like me, leave the cinema feeling a little undernourished.
By Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz
Compelling action packed adventure, Great explosions probally because of USA lol no surprize if is. Loved the storyline, The great thing was it wasnt a movie which you watch and halfway through want it to end, e.g - maybe Narnia
Was not looking forward to watching this movie but some good twists in this movie and i found it very enjoyable and funny. I would watch this again, but not my favourite movie.
This is a cool and enjoyable film! not as good as the first, but in this day and age, whenever is that the case. What a great cast, Sam Rockwell was excellent, and Robert Downey jr is Ironman, so why the 4! Simply because you felt there was just too much, the Samuel L Jackson thing was not needed, and i hate to say it same with the Scarlett J thing. Just too much, changing here and there!... THe hightlight by far, is Mickey Rourke, they could have just made the film between Iron Man and MR and i would have been satisfied. Dam he is scary!
Never seen It Before But Looks Kwl
Nope! This really didnt do it for me. I much preferred the first movie. This one lost my interest half way through, just blowing things up isnt enough to keep me watching. Needs a better story line. Sorry!
Rourke and Rockwell make satisfying, complementary villains, while Downey Jr. delivers again. Shame this sequel feels inessential, over-busy and a little, well, mechanical. Nothing they can’t put right for Iron Man 3.
Well, that didn't take long. Everything fun and terrific about "Iron Man," a mere two years ago, has vanished with its sequel. In its place, Iron Man 2 has substituted noise, confusion, multiple villains, irrelevant stunts and misguided story lines.
Superhero franchise already showing signs of rust
I suspect I will now need an Iron Man suit of my own to protect me from the wrath of hardcore fans, but I hereby confess this latest outing did little to excite me, and in fact underwhelmed me at every turn.
Iron Man's back - and so is Robert Downey Jr.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 29th Apr 2010.
Release date: April 29th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
