Iron Man 2 Review

Iron Man 2 Review

Review by : Jordan Hoffman

Iron Man 2 is nothing but tremendous fun. I can not in any way say it is a great film, but moviegoers who can sit back and let flashy entertainment course over them – to say nothing of Marvel enthusiasts – will have a big, fat, stupid grin on their face from the echoey audio over the studio logo til (after!) the closing credits.  If Iron Man 2 does anything, it truly grafts the comic book reading experience onto a feature film.

The most positive examples of this are the characters. We follow Iron Man because we love Tony Stark and the others in his Universe.   Robert Downey Jr. is every bit as awesome here as the first film.  Gwyneth Paltrow is given much more screentime and proves herself a nimble comedienne. In one scene she is supposed to have a cold (never explained) and her nagging sounds precisely like The McLaughlin Group’s Eleanor Clift.  Mickey Rourke is, as to be expected, wonderful as the vengeful villain Ivan Vanko.  His physical presence is frightening and exudes “unpredictable baddie” with each guttural, Muscovite growl.

Full Review at UGO

Review by: olivier brunel

At least a grade or two below the first film, “Iron Man 2,” the eagerly awaited sequel to one of the most popular comic books and movies, is an easy to take joy ride, a passable popcorn entertainment but not more.

“Iron Man 2″ world premiered in the U.K. and plays in France and other territories before opening in the U.S. May 7, thus officially signaling the beginning of the summer season.

In general, the second installment of a franchise is quite crucial in grounding it on firmer foundations in terms of ideas, plots, characters. Often, the follow-up to a successful launch is more satisfying than the first chapter, as was the case of “Batman” and “Spider-Man.” But, alas, this is not the case of “Iron Man 2.”

Though using the same lead actors and more or less the same ingredients that have made the formula successful two years ago, this time around director Jon Favreau relies more heavily on visual and CGI effects while neglecting issues of plot, characterization, emotional engagement.

Full Review at Emanuel Levy

Review by : Pete Hammond

Let the summer begin! Iron Man 2, the sequel to 2008’s Marvel blockbuster (grossed over $570 million worldwide), is a sensational way to give the season a kick start. This follow-up has a lot on its plate, with Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark now outed globally as Iron Man and an array of new villains coming out of the woodwork to compete with him. It may not be in 3D but look for this 2nd visit to Marvel’s latest cash cow to top the original, not only for ratcheted up action, excitement and pure movie fun but also at the box office and beyond.

The new film picks up about six months after Tony Stark revealed his top secret Iron Man identity to the world. Now with incredible fame, the billionaire playboy/weapons inventor/superhero is trying to relaunch his late father’s (John Slattery) Stark Expo, an event that focuses on the humanitarian aspects of revolutionary technology. Unfortunately for him, the U.S. Government wants him to turn the Expo over to the military and has called him to a Senate hearing to try to force the issue.

Full Review at Box Office