"I'm not saying that from the ashes [end] of captivity [bondage] never has a greater phoenix [rebirth] metaphor been personified in human history." -Tony Stark
'Iron Man 2' is absolutely one of the most fun movies ever created. There may be contention for this movie to hold the record for most bullets shot, most lasers short, and most things flying in the air all at the same time. This movie will blow you away.
As I calm myself and begin to break down my thoughts about the film, I will say that it is rare to have seen a film 3 times within 40 hours of its official release. On top of that it is even more rare to watch a film 3 times without beginning to seriously critique a movie and give my review. I have been on cloud 9 as this week approached. I have experienced many emotions, including fear, fear of a lack of sleep due to the demands I have set for myself in seeing it at midnight on opening night, then driving to school at 3:30 A.M. to sleep in the parking lot. Secondly, excitement, excitement for the demands I made for this film before the first one came out. Well, lets just say it gave us what Jon Favreau wanted to give us.
Tony Downey Jr, Robert Stark Sr... Robert Downey Jr. rather, gave us additional character development, in which I feel that Tony Stark is indeed real. He is a man wealthy, making weapons, and has made himself into a rock star. The first film was that rock star story, where in the second it feels more like a man in denial. I predict the third installment will be his revelation.
We have been given solid villains. Each with their own satisfied personalities, along with some new additions on the "good side". I think the character James Rhodes, or War Machine, is exactly spot on. He is a dull, plain, boring, systematic thinker, like he is written in the comics. He is exactly what we want to see as a military man meets super hero. Black Widow on the other hand may be a small flaw. Scarlett Johansson's casting choice was perfect but Jon Favreau has taken her sex appeal for granted. Scarlett Johansson's character is written as to be a femme fatale attempting to seduce Tony Stark, but that is where the lines are drawn in the comics.
Another inconsistency would be Professor Vanko's role in the film. Vanko in the film is made into a bad guy, never revealing the truth or telling a true version from the comics. Vanko kills himself to save Iron Man, and Vanko's son Whiplash attempts to kill Iron Man because he assumed it was Iron Man who killed his father. The movie doesn't go that route, and I am not looking to spoil too much, the story which is told, although different, still works for its own.
Not too sure about what the main story line is in the movie, it is a bit sporadic, and so sporadic it looks intentional. The entire movie runs on the same pace with the same momentum. There are fight scenes in the film which may feel a bit short, but they are all within the same pace. Just giving a small spoiler, regarding the length of fighting of the main villain, it is short. The comics though, paint a similar point of view. Most eras of comics of Iron Man, make Iron Man his own villain even while fighting another. He is always battling himself as he battles the world. There is actually an interesting Christian contrast within his character. Christians believe they fight sin in their own lives, while avoiding and battling the sins of the world. When Iron Man is successful in his own battle, the world proves less a foe.
The overall story of the movie is about a billionaire coming to reality with his new toy and weapon, while others begin to covet and idolize it. His alter ego creates more trouble for him, in his fending off the world from greedily taking what is his. Even during all this they have time to focus Tony Stark dwelling on the shadow of his father. With witty dialogue, superb special effects, great cinematography and acting, all makes for an extremely fun ride.
The story, because it is focusing itself on so much, I find myself thinking about what the main plot is every 15 minutes. Jon Favreau may have tricked me, maybe not, but he gave me just the right fireworks to convince me it was money very well spent.
There were so many shots in the film that were so original, so creative, it just makes me more interested in what lies with Jon Favreau's future as a filmmaker. There is a difference between a director who can deliver "The Dark Knight" and one who can deliver "Iron Man 2", but you will enjoy both rides and Robert Downey Jr. will continue to astound.
Regarding the end, the after credits footage, I will simply say, I thought it would make a bigger crater. (Just some thought for those who haven't seen it yet...)
"Iron Man 2"
7.5 / 10
7.5 / 10
