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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)

Ratatouille, a review by Dragonfire

Ratatouille My Thoughts I finished up my Pixar binge with Ratatouille - I've remembered how to spell it again.    I first saw the movie in twice in the theater and I still love the movie. The short, Lifted, is very cute and entertaining and I really enjoy it.  The plot for Ratatouille is very entertaining and having a rat want to be a chef is definitely different.  Rats aren't usually thought of as being that cute, and they are definitely not welcome in kitchens, but somehow, it works for the movie.  The movie deals with the idea of following dreams and has a message that is handled well.  There really isn't any mystery or suspense to the story, though I was surprised by some of the developments.  Some of what happens is slightly predictable, but I don't think the movie is predictable overall. The character of Remy is wonderful and he's very likable.  Humans are around a lot, mostly in the kitchen of the restaurant, but they aren't as developed as Remy.  Linguini is a bit of an idiot and he is helpless is the kitchen without Remy.  The voice cast works wonderfully with all the voices fitting the characters. The animation is gorgeous and it looks amazing on Blu-ray.  When I first saw the movie, I noticed the details in Remy's fur and the water, but that stuff looks even better on Blu-ray.  I noticed more little details like I have with the other Pixar movies I've watched on Blu-ray.  Many of the surfaces in the kitchen are reflective, and it looks believable.  The food, even though it is animated, looks really good and appetizing.  The extras on the Blu-ray are focused on the making of the movie and very entertaining.  There are still some of them that I haven't gotten to.  I'm very glad I picked up the Blu-ray and think this movie, like the other Pixar titles, is a good one to upgrade to Blu-ray. I did post a review on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater in 2008. Ratatouille

(From Dragonfire88's Alphabet Marathon on July 10th, 2010)

[Rerun Marathon] Spaced, a review by Tom

9/10

Fun episode.

(From [Rerun Marathon] Spaced on November 18th, 2007)