Iron Man - Episode II - Attack Of The Hammeroids

Could do better.

It's a shame that's the way this Iron Man 2 review has to start, but it defines the whole movie for me. Perhaps because this sequel to 2008's original is made by pretty much the same team, and therefore generates a similar expectation of quality, makes it all the more disappointing. But it's not a bad film, in fact it's pretty enjoyable...but it just misses the mark in that 'Last Crusade' kind of way.

It being from the same team of director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jnr there is, of course, much to recommend. The film wisely follows directly off from the first movie exploring the effect of Tony's arc reactor on his own health, the effect Iron Man in the big-wide-world has on the arms industry, potential employers, and his relationships (with close friend Rhodey and potential love interest, Pepper Potts). The problem lies with a script that isn't streamlined enough to juggle a rival industrialist (the always brilliant Sam Rockwell), a vengeful genius (an under written and under used Mickey Rourke), a potentially lethal health scare as well as a head hunting defence department (SHIELD). And Favreau hasn't had time to develop a more cinematic solution to the repetitive, talkie scenes that bog down the middle of the movie. With these many interweaving stories, the pace should be breakneck, but the film just idles along until the finale kicks the sequel into gear. It's not that individual scenes are dull; they're not. But I don't think that every scene is necessary and some scenes could have been handled with a bit more flair and imagination.

Which is also a major issue. Iron Man 2 just isn't as much fun as it's predecessor. Just like Chamber of Secrets was charmless compared with The Philosopher's Stone, this movie doesn't have the energy of the first film. Maybe it's because the concept and the look of the film are already know to us...the surprise is ruined. Maybe it's because Tony Stark has a lot more weightier issues on his plate this time, demanding a more sober tone. Maybe it the slightly more grown up cinematography (that reminds one of the change between the gloss of X-Men and the more subtle X2). Or maybe that sense of wonder at Tony and his wonder-tech is taken for granted...just like Tony has taken his new found popularity for granted. Either way, it's that sense of wonder that's mostly missing. Only in a few scenes, such as Tony discovering a way to make a new, life sustaining, atomic element that the film rediscovers what it can achieve...both in story terms and cinematically. Indeed, the whole subplot of Tony resolving his unresolved father issues to solve this problem prove to be amongst the most satisfying.

Other gripes include the pared down fission between Paltrow and Downey; flirting opportunities limited in the sequel as she's been promoted (but they're still enormous fun when sharing a scene). Don Cheedle doesn't make an impact as military buddy Rhodey...but again, that may be due to that character having less onscreen 'funtime' with Stark, and having to stand up to him more than Terrance Howard ever had to do. I also tend to think the first part of the airborne finale lacks quality control...not only in some obvious effects work but in the editing that's a little too fast cut (that thankfully settles down once they're on the ground). Finally there's John Debney's score (that replaces Ramin Djawadi's cool original) which is blander than water flavored soup.

But it's not all bad. The basic plot, while mishandled, is pretty good. Downey is as magnetic as ever and delivers the film's best lines (like refering to rival Justin Hammer's combative robots as Hammeroids). The Monaco sequence, a half hour in, demonstrates what this franchise does best. Spills, thrills, original action, great character based humour, flawless effects, a cocky yet vulnerable hero... and the stunning possibility that Iron Man may get his arse kicked. Samuel L Jackson returns (from the post end title sequence in the first Iron Man movie) as Director of SHIELD, Nick Fury and does a fantastic job of squaring up to Downey Jnr. Indeed, the inclusion of Jackson allows Iron Man 2 to set up upcoming Marvel movies like Thor (be patient and you'll see the set up), Captain America and The Avengers, the team of which Nick Fury is actively recruiting for here. These inside references to the larger Mavel Universe are fun to spot and helps give depth to the world Tony Stark & company inhabit. Best of all is the inclusion of Scarlett Johansson as SHIELD agent Natasha Romanoff (aka, Black Widow). Not only are the scenes of her kicking butt among the movie's best, but she steals every scene she's in. Not by acting Downey or Jackson off the screen, but because Favreau treats her as an all powerful, honest to God, silver screen Goddess. I mean, those lips and that movie star hair and that bum in that dress and that body in that catsuit...the director exploits his actresses assets with a near unrivaled effectiveness. Phewee!

So know this. While Iron Man 2 isn't as good as it could be, it's can in no way be described as shit. In fact, if you have the ability to blank out a movie's flaws, some moments in the sequel may just scorch your eyeballs and blow your brains out the back of your skull. And you can't say that about The Incredible Hulk or Rise of the Silver Surfer.