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Iron Man 2, a review by Dragonfire

I went to see Iron Man 2 on Friday.  I really enjoyed the movie overall and think it is a good sequel. 

I recently read a book about Iron Man that covered the history of the character and some of the more important story lines.  While I think the plot for the movie is original, I think some parts of it were inspired by the various comic books.  I think the plot works very well and it does offer some character growth for Tony/Iron Man.  Several things are going on without making the movie too confusing.  Tony is dealing with the US government wanting to take control of the Iron Man technology.  A new enemy turns up working with a business rival while Tony struggles with another problem.

This movie definitely builds on the first one.  I do think the movies should be watched in order.  This one picks up about six months after the end of the first movie.  The press conference from the end of the first movie is even heard and seen during the first few minutes of the new movie.  That helps to give motivation to Ivan, the new villain for the movie.  Some of the scenes dealing with introducing Ivan and setting up things with him do move a little slower, but it isn't slow enough to make things boring.  There is a good amount of action throughout the movie that is done well and helps to keep things interesting.  Violence does turn up in several scenes without it being excessive or that graphic.  The special effects are done well and create some cool scenes. 

Some more serious things do come up during the movie.  Those things are handled well and work for what is going on.  I've read some complaints about one of the subplots - that deals with a more serious issue - being a waste of time.  I don't feel that way at all.  It provides the opportunity for growth for Tony.  Yes he does basically fall apart at one point, but there is a reason for that.  Also, that has happened to him in the comics a few times in some of his more well known stories, so it makes sense to me for something like that to end up in the movie.  It doesn't go as far in the movie as it did in the comics, but it still works.  After seeing the movie, I saw another review that complained that the Iron Man suit changed in appearance.  Tony changed the armor a few times in the first movie and he was frequently modifying or improving the armor in some way in the comics, so it makes sense for the armor to change in the movie. 

Tony is a complex character that is still evolving in this movie.  He has flaws and can be a jerk at times, but he still manages to be a likable character.  Robert Downey Jr. is wonderful in the part.  I can't imagine anyone else being Tony/Iron Man.  Gwyneth Paltrow is fine as Pepper, though she doesn't have as much to do.  I do like what happens with Tony and Pepper.  James Rhodes is still Tony's friend, though there are issues between the friends.  I do like Don Cheadle in the part.  Rhodey does get to be War Machine this time.  Samuel L. Jackson gets a bit more to do as Nick Fury.  He is also laying more groundwork for the future Avengers movie.  Natalie is a new character working with Tony and then Pepper.  Natalie  is supposed to be Black Widow from the comics, though she is never called by that name.

Ivan has a huge grudge against Tony.  He isn't that developed, but he works as a villain and Mickey Rourke does well with the part.  Justin Hammer owns a business that is a rival of Stark Industries.  Justin just wants to outdo Tony any way he can.  He is very arrogant and a huge jerk.  Sam Rockwell does well with the part.  I've read that he was actually considered for Tony/Iron Man originally.  I don't think that would have worked and I'm glad the part went to Downey Jr. instead. 

There is a short scene after the credits that is helping to set up another Marvel movie.

I really enjoyed Iron Man 2.  I'll probably see it again and I'm sure I'll get the DVD..or maybe Blu-ray.



I did get a review posted on Epinions if anyone wants to take a look.

Iron Man 2

(From Iron Man 2 on May 10th, 2010)

Trouble in Paradise, a review by Antares

Trouble in Paradise (1932) 75/100 - Only my fourth film by Ernst Lubitsch, and I'm still kind of dumbfounded as to why he's so revered. It's a cute film, with a few moments that made me chuckle, but all in all, it's a screwball comedy in its embryonic form, and nothing more. I think it suffers for two reasons. Not enough Miriam Hopkins and too much Kay Francis, who is kind of a doormat. Had the role of Madame Colet been played by someone like Mary Astor, it would have improved the scenes between her character and Gaston. Herbert Marshall was fantastic in the lead role and I was happy to see both Charlie Ruggles and Edward Everett Horton working together. Whenever I see them I'm reminded of the Rocky and Bulwinkle show, a favorite from my youth.

Teal = Masterpiece
Dark Green = Classic or someday will be
Lime Green = A good, entertaining film
Orange = Average
Red = Cinemuck
Brown = The color of crap, which this film is

(From Antares' Short Summations on July 30th, 2020)

Pete's Pilots, a review by addicted2dvd

Good Morning World
Good Morning World - The flrty 60's TV sitcom that takes mixing business with pleasure to new extremes! The action unfolds every day at a small Las Angeles radio station where Larry (Ronnie Schell), and Dave (Joby Baker) work as morning show DJs. While Larry is a swinging Ladies' man with his eye on every woman on the block, including Dave's bombshell neighbor (Goldie Hawn) Dave is the bumbling married guy who is just trying to stay out of trouble with his wife (Julie Parish). Despite their good intentions they find no end to adventureas their job gets them into all sorts of fun - from broadcasting from a nude ranch, to polling listeners about Dave's wife, to using their job as an excuse to take flying lessons. This is the series that launched the mega-career of Hollywood starlet, Goldie Hawn, and it set the standard for edgy, provocative sitcom style that America has come to adore.

Knits to You, Sir
When Dave and his wife Linda try to return a "bargain" sweater, they get into a dispute with the store, which happens to be a sponsor of Dave's show.

My Thoughts:
This is a series that I bought blind when I found I could get the entire series (26 Episodes) for under $20... and it had Goldie Hawn in it... so figured I would give it a chance. It is a pretty good show. Has a few laughs... but not a favorite in my collection. I found out today while trying to get info on this series for my post that the episodes are not in order on the discs. This pilot episode is the fourth episode in the set. I also have to say... this has one of the most annoying themes out there. But the show isn't too bad really... it does have some laughs in it.

My Rating:

See What I Mean about the intro:


(From Pete's Pilots on January 26th, 2010)