Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Sam Rockwell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johanson, Samuel Jackson; Director: Jon Favreau; Producer: Kevin Feige; Screenwriter: Justin Theroux; Music: John Debney; Editor: Dan Lebental, Richard Pearson; Genre: Action: Cinematography: Matthew Libatique; Distributor: Paramount Pictures; Location: USA; Running Time: 120 mins.;Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For viewers age 13 and below with parental guidance
Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr) is having the time of his life. Six months after he revealed himself as Iron Man, this billionaire industrialist credits himself for what is known to be an era of world peace. Stark is focused on rebuilding his father's version of the World's Fair, the Stark Expo and everything seems to be going for him. However, the government pressures him to turn-over his Iron Man technology, and Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), a rival weapons venture capitalist, poses a big threat. Meanwhile, unknown to Stark, a Russian scientist, Ivan Vanko a.k.a. Whiplash (Mickey Rourke) is about to destroy him to avenge for an old family grudge. Hammer eventually collaborates with Vanko and finances his technology to further put down both Stark's business empire and Iron Man. Worse of all, Stark discovers the very technology that powers his heart and his Iron Man suit (the palladium, the substance inside the Ark Reactor) is slowly killing him.
This second franchise of a mega-blockbuster could be the most anticipated film of the year. Iron Man 2 has maintained its charm with Robert Downey, Jr. still in the lead. Downey delivers the Iron Man combination of wit and mischief. Audiences may have flocked the theaters for the film's special effects and fight scenes but the real treasure of the movie lies on the simple, talking scenes with the actors solidly interacting with crisp dialogue. Rockwell delivers a solid performance that almost overshadowed Downey's and Rourke's super villain's role comes out strong and believable. On one hand, some would find Iron Man 2 as a bit talky than the original but then, this sets the film apart from the other movies of the same genre. Although the plot of this second franchise is a lot busier and could be considered convoluted, the genius of the story about a mortal super hero is still there.
Iron Man 2 is about a super hero who has to deal with his own mortality. Unlike other super heroes whose power comes from supernatural forces, Iron Man relies on a man-made technology that celebrates the intelligence of humanity. Iron Man is the epitome of modern-day superhero that epitomizes a combination of super strength and human weakness. The irony of it all is that the very technology that made him super human is the same technology that confirms he is only human. Stark's self-destructive reaction to this realization could be a bit disturbing but the intention, which is to show his human side, is clear. It is also understandable that he questions his worth for he felt unloved and unappreciated by his father. Until he rediscovers how much his father actually loved and appreciated him, he is able to redeem himself once again. Thus, saving the entire world from the evil threats of greed and vengeance in the process. There may be some level of violence in the movie, although without blood and gore, so parents are advised to guide their children while watching.
