Keeping It Reel: Iron Man 2

A 32 oz. Coke...$4.50. A medium tub of popcorn...$5.50. Movie ticket...$11. Being able to show up to a midnight showing of Iron Man 2, dressed as Iron Man?....PRICELESS.

Yes, I did go to the midnight showing of Iron Man 2 last night/this morning, but no, I did not dress as Iron Man. Sadly, a few peers in my age group did. They waited in line, with Iron Man masks over their faces and blue glowing light protruding out of their chests.

I really enjoyed the first Iron Man movie. I thought Robert Downey, Jr. did a fantastic job, playing the rich, heavily flawed superhero. Needless to say, I was hyped up for the sequel.

I knew I was going to be bothered by this movie before it even began. I really dislike when actors are replaced in sequels. Sadly, Terrace Howard's character in the first Iron Man was replaced by Don Cheadle in Iron Man 2. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Don Cheadle. He is a terrific actor and actually does a fine job in this movie. I just get all OCD with continuity. It feels like its not the same character we were introduced to in the first movie, though we are forced to believe it is.

The movie, itself starts off a bit choppy and awkwardly paced. It feels a bit uncomfortable to watch as the movie starts off with a lacks\ of focus. That is soon forgotten once Sam Rockwell's character settles into the picture. He is the movie's scene stealer, which is quite an accomplishment when you're starring opposite Robert Downey, Jr.

I read somewhere that Mickey Rourke actually stayed in a Russian prison to prepare for his role in Iron Man 2. I think he's going to regret his decision to do that after watching the film. His character, Whiplash, is misused. This is mostly due to the fact that Iron Man 2 spends most of its time advertising its anticipated Avengers movie.

(For those of you that don't know Marvel is teaming up Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America and Thor for one blockbuster movie. All of whom, are discreetly mentioned through the film. You have to pay attention to small details to notice them, not to mention sticking around after the credits are done.)

As in most cases in comic book sequels, there's more action that its predecessor. The special effects are top notch as you would expect and the fighting scenes are filmed well. Getting to watch Scarlett Johansson kick ass in tight, black spandex is always good in my book.

There's going to be a few "WTF?" moments, but those mostly happen in the beginning and are easily forgivable and quickly forgotten. There are also some deep underlying themes that never really get to surface. Sacrificed for action I assume.

Is Iron Man 2 better than the first? No. Is Iron Man 2 worth the $11? Sure. Do I think the fan boys with the Iron Man masks and glowing chest pieces were happy when the movie finished? Definitely.