‘Iron Man 2’ above average as far as sequels go (3.5/5)

Iron Man 2

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke
Directed by: Jon Favreau
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.
Running time: 2 hour, 4 minutes.

After an elaborate and highly immodest entrance, Iron Man proclaims that “it’s good to be back.”
It’s good to have you back, Mr. Stark.

As far as sequels go, “Iron Man 2” ranks above average. It has enough plot and substance to stand on its own merits but also ties in nicely with the storyline of the original.
Months after Tony Stark admits to being Iron Man, he is challenged by Ivan Vanko (a Russian-accented Mickey Rourke), a physicist in a WWE wrestler’s body and the son of Stark’s father’s former partner.

After an exhilarating unveiling that proves Stark vulnerable and results in Vanko’s arrest, competing weapons manufacturer Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) arranges for Vanko’s breakout in return for the Russian’s knowledge and expertise in creating suits much like Iron Man’s. Hammer’s suits are meant to prove Iron Man obsolete and to sell the technology to the United States government — a business venture that Stark has repeatedly refused.

Don Cheadle picks up the role of Stark’s friend Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes from Terrence Howard in the original. I’m not sure I love the change, but Cheadle does an adequate job in a role the writer and director tried to expand.

Robert Downey Jr.’s charm and confidence lead the way once again as the understated actor heads a star-studded cast.

But, as is often the case in these situations, a big-name actor may not command the amount of screentime you may expect — case in point: Scarlett Johansson.

Scarlett’s role as sexy secretary/sultry superhero is offendably shallow. There are only two highly transparent reasons for this role: To make the audience drool and to provide yet another stepping stone to the upcoming Avengers film. Sorry Scarlett, but “Iron Man 2” would have been much better without you strutting off with its precious screen time.

And rather than focus on fully developing Vanko’s character (and, dare I say, make the “climactic” ending not such a dud), director Jon Favreau and writer Justin Thereoux decide to turn Tony Stark into a metaphorical brooding teenager.

It worries me that the catastrophe that was the angst-ridden “Spiderman 3” didn’t seem to teach anyone anything ...

Emotional subplots abound, from the electromagnetic chest device slowly threatening Tony’s life to Tony trying to come to terms with his unsentimental father to a suited-up duel between pals.

In the midst of all this, Tony names Pepper the new CEO of Stark Industries, leaving him free to angst away.

When “Iron Man 2” isn’t laying on the heavy stuff, it’s pretty darn funny. A plus for the original was that it never took itself too seriously — a line the sequel is dangerously close to crossing. But Tony’s birthday party is a wonderfully hilarious scene, and the early senate hearing possibly trumps any act from the original. Downey truly lights up the film whenever he’s given the chance, and the chemistry between him and Paltrow is organic and palpable.

Also, Sam Rockwell is an incredible addition as the weaselly Hammer. I really hope his character is in the third as he brought such conniving humor to the mix.

What’s that? “Third,” did I say? That’s right, “Iron Man 3” is currently in the works and is slated to come out sometime after the 2012 release of “The Avengers” (which will feature Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, and, rumored, Edward Norton).

As I mentioned, I just hope the production crew recognizes the errors made in “Spiderman 3” and don’t disappoint “Iron Man” fans in a similar fashion.

3.5 of 5 stars