'Ironman 2'

'Ironman 2' (PG-13) (3 stars)

Writer: Justin Theroux
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Jon Favreau, Samuel Jackson, Garry Shandling

"Ironman 2" has a tough act to follow in what was one of the best superhero movies in recent history(it was on my top ten list). The movie soars on the charm, humor and acting bravado of Robert Downey Jr. Downey just might be more iconic and reliable than Johnny Depp. The original movie was a cut above the rest due to the characterization and acting of Downey. If the character wasn't memorable then the action and explosions don't mean squat. I am happy to report that "Ironman 2", while not as great as the original, is a lot of fun and worth the hype. This is a surprisingly hilarious movie with awesome fight sequences. It also has one of the best casts ever all on their A game. The dialogue written by Justin Theroux might be too jokey but creates a lot of laughs. The acting in this movie is way above what you expect from an all action sequel and it all starts with the genius of Downey Jr. His line readings are flawless and the way he bounces dialogue off of Gwyneth Paltrow is priceless. This is really a screwball comedy wrapped in a superhero movie. A movie like this rises or fails based on how good the villains are. "Ironman 2" has two great villains and the performances by Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell are just as good as Downey Jr's. Mickey Rourke gives an unusual method performance as Whiplash and I am glad he took the role seriously. His bad guy is menacing and a great match for Ironman. Sam Rockwell now just might be my favorite actor working today. His line deliveries and performance are equally great as Downey Jr's. I have been touting this actor for ten years and Hollywood was ten years behind me, not anymore. He is a pure delight and he steals every scene he is in. You might be tired of Scarlett Johansson but she is very good here . I might be in the minority but I think she is very sexy here. Gwyneth Paltrow is a perfect casting choice as Pepper Potts. She brings an intelligence to this film and her scenes with Downey Jr. are priceless. You really root for them to get it on and become a real loving couple. Also very good are Don Cheadle and Samuel Jackson who has the corniest but best line in the movie. Director Jon Favreau is building quite a nice resume of directing with these Ironman movies and "Elf" and I think he is the perfect choice. Only the writer of "Swingers" could pull off this perfect timing of witty dialogue. Soon Favreau will be known as more than just Vince Vaughn's buddy. The action scenes and special effects in "Ironman 2" are awesome but I think the acting and comedy writing stand on it's own without the action. While not as great a sequel as "Superman 2", "Spiderman 2" and "the Dark Knight", "Ironman 2" could have been a disappointment but I had a lot of fun.