An Iron Man 2 Review

First of all let me get this out of the way. Iron Man 2 is fun. And watching it on IMAX? Why, it's even bigger fun! It was the perfect place to see a movie packed with sweeping camera movements, breathtaking views and furious action. Going to an IMAX cinema is a curious experience. I'm often awed by the sheer size of the screen and minutes after the film has begun, I've completely forgotten about the size and am completely entranced by the spectacle being presented! 

Iron Man 2 is a good two hours plus of solid entertainment, it moves along at a good pace most of the time (sags a little in the middle) and keeps the attention well. Time flies by. Jon Favreau delivers an assured directorial performance and I honestly can't think who could have done a better job with the two Iron Man films. 

I won't go into too much detail or spoil too much, but there is some nice interplay between all the characters, a lot of humour (some of it cutting, I like it!), glamour, conflict, character development and fabulous action. We see several of the characters exhibiting steely will and resolve..or should that be 'iron'?

Robert Downey Jnr gives a polished as the egotistical, greatly troubled Tony Stark.  He is able assisted by his co-stars. Gwnyth Paltrow is good as Pepper Potts, frustrated, immensely capable and tough.  Don Cheadle has made the character of James Rhodes his own.  And Sam Rockwell's Justin Hammer is a delight. Mickey Rourke's Ivan Vanko is given weight and played as a shrewd, intelligent and sometimes brutal villain.  Scarlett Johansson does well in her role as Natalie Rushman, and exudes heat, mystery and efficient menace. Samuel Jackson's Nick Fury made me smile. His air of knowing more than he will ever let on was very good and befitting of a man in his position.   

All in all I'd say that Iron Man 2 was good. (I do have a few niggles, but I can't yet put my finger on what they are, so I'll leave those unformed.) With it's globe trotting, one-liners, action sequences, eye-candy, strained relationships, intrigue, tantalizing glimpses of technology and genii at work I'd still say this was well worth the price of admission.