The much anticipated sequel to the surprise hit of 2008, "Iron Man 2" had many expectations placed upon it to perform financially and critically for Marvel Studios, who is now owned by Disney. Financially, "Iron Man 2" is a well-performing hit, drawing in over $128 million domestically its opening weekend and expected to win its second weekend. Critically, most film reviewers give the sequel a reserved recommendation, claiming the film is a "mixed bag" that doesn't have the narrative flow of the first. Overall, most audiences and fans appear pleased with the overall quality of director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the iron suited superhero. Let's look deeper into the areas of concern raised and see if these creative choices harm the overall quality of the film.
The replacement: There was a switch in actors for main character Tony Stark's best friend, Rhodey, from Terrence Howard in the original picture to Don Cheadle in this film. While the initial reaction would, of course, be negative in replacing an important returning member of the cast, the hiring of Oscar-nominated Cheadle for the role seemed to quell some of the doubts. And Cheadle did perform the part very well in the sequel, his performance actually being one of the high points of the picture. Rhodey is torn between his loyalty to Tony and his oath to the U.S. military. His character in "Iron Man 2" is particularly fascinating to interpret due to this dichotomy. When Rhodey "suits up" himself as War Machine, it is for mixed reasons, yet the audience never doubts his affection for Tony or his own high ideals. The rapid fire interactions, sometimes humorous and sometimes serious, between the best friends continues in the sequel and may have actually improved thanks to the additional gravitas Cheadle gives the role. He is a welcome addition to the cast and I hope he returns in future installments.
The introduction of too many new characters: "Iron Man 2" is busy with the introduction of new supporting characters, but not "Spiderman 3" busy. Director Favreau wisely decided to only go with one main villain and a pseudo-villain for this next installment, to allow time to develop the new heroic characters in the picture. Both Rhodey and Pepper Potts-Stark's personal secretary and potential love interest-have adequate time to explore their new roles while additional characters must now share the spotlight.
While the sequel does not truly introduce Samuel L. Jackson as SHIELD director Nick Fury-the post-credit scene in the original "Iron Man" did that-it does give the character a few scenes to further flesh-out his personality and his overall role in the Marvel universe. For the most part, Fury appears to be a foil to Stark's less-than-serious scientist, but Fury also proves to be the only one capable of re-focusing Stark on the task at hand. Another major character, Natalie Rushman, as played by Scarlett Johansson, is introduced in this picture as a paralegal for Stark Industries. The audience soon learns she is more than she appears and can handle herself quite well. While Natalie/Natasha does not get much real time to establish her true character-in her defense she is undercover much of the movie-she does have a certain sexual charisma and seriousness that works well to entice and distract Tony.
The love triangle that wasn't: Favreau apparently did not want to go for the easy and expected in the "Iron Man" series. Besides the unexpected revealing of the Iron Man alter-ego by Stark at the end of the first film, the storyline in "Iron Man 2" refuses to cast Johansson as simply the "other woman" for Tony's affections. Instead, Natalie is a young, attractive, distraction and nothing more to the notorious ladies' man. Pepper's new role in the company keeps her plenty busy while also creating an artificial distance between her and Tony. This movie is more about Tony's alienation from his friends and colleagues than it is about his conflicted emotions about Pepper. By doing it this way, Favreau does avoid the love triangle cliche but he also fails to truly capture the romance of the first picture.
Stark's alienation and self-pity: The second act of "Iron Man 2" loses the pop! and momentum that the first picture so easily relied upon. When Stark begins to question himself and his abilities in a bout of self pity, the movie misses the charm and hilarity of its main character. The protagonist should be permitted to grow through his adversity in these pictures, but the way it is presented here lacks emotional punch. By keeping his closest friends at arm's length, especially with his health crisis, the hero misses the opportunity to connect with them and with the audience. Downey Jr. captures the self-doubt, the self-destructive behaviors, and the ego of the Stark character, but doesn't take the next step to allow for an emotional response. The viewer feels bad for Tony's predicament but we do not weep for him.
The truncated fight scenes: Favreau is still unable to give comic book fans the battles they are looking for. Perhaps the best fight scene in the picture comes compliments of a supporting character rather than Iron Man himself. There are more actions scenes in this sequel, but the length of the battles are still much too short. Both battles with the movie's villain, Whiplash, seemingly last only a few minutes. While Favreau develops the characters in his movies sufficiently and builds high stakes, when the pay off finally comes the viewer only gets some of what he's expecting not all. Still, Favreau makes the battles believable and realistic. With so much computer animation, it is impressive the effects feel so grounded.
Overall, "Iron Man 2" deserves credit for further developing the Tony Stark character, his friends, and his world. The movie respects the original film's tone, but is unable to improve upon it or even match it. Perhaps Favreau has set himself too high a bar. Downey, Jr.'s performance continues to be the key to the franchise, but compelling performances by Cheadle and Gwyneth Paltrow as Potts lightens his load. Johannson proves herself capable of the stunt work and attitude needed for her character, but Natalie/Natasha still needs further development. As does Fury. Sam Rockwell proves an even more photogenic villain than Mickey Rourke's Whiplash; they're verbal sparring gives both room to further explore their characters and entertain the audience. While "Iron Man 2" may not be as good as the original film, it does take the character in the right direction and is an overall enjoyable entry in the franchise.
Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.
