Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures, it is the sequel to Iron Man (2008) and the third film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the world of superheroes, Tony stands apart as a pretty selfish rich guy outside of his Iron Man persona, yet he demonstrates curiosity and courage.Iron Man 2 is a 2010 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Iron Man. Is Rhodey more than a sidekick? How is their relationship different than the typical hero-sidekick dynamic? Why is teamwork an important character strength? Tony Stark says he doesn't need a sidekick, but in the end, he does need Rhodey's help. Ivan Vanko is obviously a criminal, but is he justified in feeling wronged by the Stark family? Who is on the right side of the argument?
IRON MAN 2 MOVIE MOVIE
What do you think is the appeal of superhero flicks? And what's up with sequels? Why do you think almost every superhero movie has at least one sequel?Īre weapons of war glamorized in the movie? Should weapons be portrayed as that shiny and cool? What message does this send? For a fun, fairly mindless action romp, Iron Man 2 is a snappy start to the summer movie season, but an action masterpiece like The Dark Knight it isn't.įamilies can talk about the immense popularity (and profitability) of comics-based movies like Iron Man 2 and superheroes. A very tattooed Rourke smears on the Russian accent and affected mannerisms a bit too thick, but then again, so does every super-villain. The villains, Rourke and Rockwell, are deliciously campy, and the more roles Rockwell gets, the better. Scarlett Johansson's SHIELD double agent Natalie Rushman/Natalia Romanoff is equal parts Jessica Rabbit and Catwoman (it's unclear who's side she's really on for half of the movie), and Paltrow continues to be Stark's loyal, long-suffering enabler and love-interest. Luckily for director Jon Favreau (who enjoys his own role in the movie as Stark's bodyguard/chauffeur), all of the cast is up to par, even if the overall plot is a bit ridiculous (why didn't Howard Stark, played by Mad Men's John Slattery, just leave his son specific instructions to begin with?) and the game-changing revelation too easily discovered.Īfter all of the controversy surrounding the dismissal of Terrence Howard, Don Cheadle seamlessly slipped into the best-friend role. It's the same perfect blend of actor and character that makes Johnny Depp the best part of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. is effortless as the playboy billionaire turned narcissistic superhero.
IRON MAN 2 MOVIE SERIES
This franchise completely owes its popularity, unlike the '80s-'90s Batman series which kept changing its lead, to the irresistible charm of its star. Meanwhile, Tony goes into self-destruct mode thinking his days are numbered, naming Pepper Potts ( Gwyneth Paltrow) CEO of his company and alienating his best friend Lt. Ivan creates his own special suit and sets out to destroy Iron Man, garnering the attention of Stark's chief business competitor Justin Hammer ( Sam Rockwell), who commissions Ivan to develop a line of Iron Man clones. While Tony is fending off congressmen who want to force him to turn over the Iron Man suit to outfit the Armed Forces, he's also dealing with the fact that Palladium, the element that's keeping him alive, is slowly poisoning his blood unless he can find an alternative, less-toxic element. Unfortunately, there's a dying Russian physicist who blames Tony and his visionary father Howard for his family's misfortune, so his dying wish to his son, Ivan Vanko ( Mickey Rourke), is a cry for vengeance. Everyone knows he's Iron Man, and he's helped the United States broker peace around the world. Tony Stark ( Robert Downey Jr.) is back and more popular than ever in IRON MAN 2.
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