DVD--Iron Man 2

or: Sequels do work. Sometimes.

One word to sum it up: Awesome.

I'm a huge fan or anything and everything that Robert Downey Jr. is in. So it was only natural for me to be a huge fan of Iron Man. But sequels always worry me, as the only sequel I have ever seen that is better than the first is The Dark Knight (my favourite film of all-time). Iron Man 2 isn't as good as the first one. However, it manages to keep the coolness of the first (which is probably because of Robert Downey Jr.) and is actually a really good sequel. Honestly, you couldn't really top the first Iron Man, no matter how hard you'd try.

With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, along with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and James 'Rhodey' Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, must forge new alliances--and confront powerful enemies.

The Iron Man franchise really would be nothing without Robert Downey Jr. He makes the unlikeable character of Tony Stark somewhat likeable, and also takes great pleasure out of mocking the character and the billionaire image, which is where the film gets most of it's laughs. The first film was explosive, and this second installment is even more explosive. That's what is to be expected of an action sequel, but Iron Man 2 dares to set itself apart from other action sequels. It has a smart script, a wonderful cast and inspired direction to thank for that.

The film isn't really just about a superhero trying to make the world a better place. It takes a look at someone trying to make world peace, someone trying to make more war, and also the lives of the rich and famous. Jon Favreau, while not as technically talented as Christopher Nolan in making action films, does a fantastic job of setting up busy sequences and sends the viewer on an adrenaline rush easily. Iron Man 2 has an enlargened ensemble supporting cast. Gwyneth Paltrow and Clark Gregg are still there. Don Cheadle takes over Terrence Howard's role as one of Stark's closest friends. Scarlett Johansson comes in for a role which basically meant nothing and I'm pretty sure she was just there for eye candy. The two biggest stand outs were Sam Rockwell (the brilliant, underrated actor from Moon) and Mickey Rourke (the scariest fossil-looking man I have ever seen), who played great villains, making this movie different from the first (the only villain was Jeff Bridges, really).


THE VERDICT: Iron Man 2 is an action packed and explosive sequel, which doesn't disappoint. Robert Downey Jr. makes the film worthwhile, along with an awesome cast and script. Can't wait for the next installment, The Avengers to come out in 2012.

8/10

Week #5 in summary...! JGL, devilishly gorgeous clothes and Playboy bunnies?

This week was probably a bit better than previous weeks have been to me. Or was that just three rewatches of some of my favourite movies??
Recap on what I watched and blogged:

• The House Bunny (2008) Anna Faris playing a dumb Playboy bunny who takes some nerds under her wing. Sound stupid? It is. 4/10


• Iron Man (2008) Robert Downey Jr. at his best in an awesome superhero movie that doesn't really have a 'superhero'. Haven't seen it? Please, for the love of God, go get it out! 10/10


• Clash of the Titans (2010) Proof that 2010 has failed in giving us lots of high quality blockbusters? Look no further than this. 4/10


• The Butterfly Effect (2004) Even though Ashton Kutcher isn't my favourite person in the world, I still enjoyed this confusing thriller. 7/10


• Waitress (2007) One of my favourite movies of all time...and also the movie that makes me the hungriest. 10/10


• The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Also one of my favourite movies of all time...and a movie which makes me get some major wardrobe envy. 10/10


• Back to the Future: Part III (1990) It was about time I watched the final installment to the trilogy, right? 6/10


• Brick (2005) Joseph Gordon-Levitt...need I say more? 8/10
  

Best movie of the week? Non-rewatch...definitely Brick.

Worst movie of the week? Clash of the Titans. Yawn.

Highlight of the week? Start to 'birthday season'!

Lowlight of the week? Being sick for the six zillionth time this year.

Iron Man (how I love watching movies I have already seen when they are on TV!)

Like, back in 2008, when Iron Man came out, I really had no interest in seeing it. I thought that The Dark Knight was going to be pretty iffy just because it is based on some superheroes journey. But then I started this really random obsession with Robert Downey Jr. (you gotta admit, he is kinda hot...and super talented), so I really had to watch Iron Man. This movie, while not as good as the Batman movies, is one of the most enjoyable superhero action films ever.

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is a billionaire head of a weapons manafacturer who was captured in enemy terroitory, with what seems as no way of getting out. But thanks to his genius ideas, he builds a suit of armour to escape-and succeeds. Stark realises that he is on to something, and he modifies that suit to make himself 'Iron Man', becoming a reluctant hero along the way.
The heart of this movie really is Robert Downey Jr., who is fantastic as Tony Stark, using complete arrogance to make the character particularly unlikeable...but we all just end up liking him in the end. This doesn't come across as the average action film. Sure, it has a lot of bombs and sweat, but the way it is done is entertaining while being somewhat intelligent. This film has a great ensemble cast too. Gwyneth Paltrow is pretty sweet as the kind hearted secretary Pepper Potts. Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges also provide great support also.

If you are looking for a hard out action film, with plenty of attitude, the go no further than Iron Man. And don't leave it to the last minute, like I did earlier this year. Seriously, if you haven't seen it and you are reading this, GO GET IT OUT! Trust me, you won't be disappointed. I am so excited to see the sequel in a couple of months (cheapo...waiting for the DVD to come out).
10/10