Ironman 2 Review

If you couldn't tell from the podcasts, I am a huge comic fan.  Most of my attention in the comic world goes to Marvel and DC comics in characters like Ironman and Green Lantern.  I've been reading the two character's stories fairly regularly for years, so when I found out they were doing the first Ironman movie, I was skeptical.  I knew from Robert Downey Jr. would be a good fit for the role and I knew that the level of computer generated graphics in today's cinema were high enough to provide a quality film.  I wasn't sure, however, about the script.  I went to see Ironman opening night and again later opening weekend.  It was everything I was hoping it would be.  The script was good, the characters were great, and I walked away feeling a sense that the creative team understood the character and that the franchise was in good hands.

I went to see Ironman 2 yesterday.  It was not opening night, but it was opening weekend and it was in an "IMAX theater."  Overall, I'd give the film a B+.  I didn't like it as much as I liked the original, but it was still a good movie.  Without giving away too much, there were just too many stories going on.  It would have been nice to have a more focused film, like the first was, to allow for a more engaging experience.  When I look back on it, the scenes I liked the most were the ones that played out on the screen the longest.  Because there were too many stories taking place, it felt some scenes were unduly rushed.  This is what made the difference, in my mind, between the first and the second.  The only other complaint I can articulate is my disappointment with the lack of a new armor.  A staple to the Ironman comics is the constant upgrades and tweaking of the armor.  I know where the writers were going in their story and I understand why they went the way they did, but I disagree with the decision to not make a noticeably different, improved armor.

Will I see the film again in theaters?  I'm not opposed to it other that ticket prices being ridiculously too expensive.  Will I own it when it comes out on video?  Definitely.  Do I recommend you see it?  Yes, if you enjoyed the first and are in the mood for an action flick.  It's a good film, but it could have been great with just a little tweaking.

Overall grade = B+