‘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

Great music in ‘Pirate Radio’ (4/5)

Pirate Radio

Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nick Frost, Tom Sturridge
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Rating: R for language, and some sexual content including brief nudity.
Running time: 1 hour, 56 minutes.

Although they forego the eyepatches and parrots, the DJs of Radio Rock are every bit the devil-may-care protagonists as the swashbuckling pirates of yore (or of “Pirates of the Caribbean”).

In 1966, the Radio Rock ship floats anchored off the British shore in the North Sea. Known as “The Boat That Rocked” in England, “Pirate Radio” tells the tale of the off-beat station’s quirky DJs and their love affairs with the frowned-upon music genre known as rock.

“Pirate Radio” is loosely based off of similar situations that occurred in the late ’60s, but is mostly a fictional tale. Something to be understood up front is that the movie is not historically accurate. Writer/director Richard Curtis took liberty with some names, events and music chronology in order to (in his eyes) properly tailor the film into its overall feel.

“Pirate Radio” is a comedic tribute to the revolutionary sounds of rock at a time and place where that very genre is being threatened.

Rock music has been seen as an expression of instincts — of sex and drugs and, well, rock and roll. Of man’s wild and uninhibited side that some revel in while others fear.

That fear is portrayed magnificently by the austere, classical-music-loving duo British Government Minister Dormandy (a magnificently stodgy Kenneth Branagh) and his subordinate (Jack Davenport). With the endorsement of the Prime Minister, the pair work to shut down Radio Rock and all other rock-broadcasting ships.

The DJs of Radio Rock not only live for the music, but also to share it (as said in a deleted scene, “we’re only fans.”) Their eccentricities are manifestations of the ’60s rebellion of thought and lifestyle. The DJs, led by Quentin (Bill Nighy in a comfortable role), include:

• The Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the uncouth American Airwave King.

• Gavin (Rhys Ifans), the haughty star DJ.

• Simple Simon (Chris O’Dowd), the naive nice guy (who just may be my favorite of the lot).

• Dr. Dave (Nick Frost), the big and “beautiful.” A note about this particular character: Dr. Dave perfectly exemplifies the type of men I would see on TV shows and old photographs and look at my mother (with a little bit of fear and a lotta bit of disgust) — “Mom, you found that attractive?”

But, despite his sloppy appearance and vulgar demeanor, Dr. Dave is quite the lothario — somehow.
To be fair, I can imagine 40 years from now a young upstart such as myself looking with disdain from a photo of Brad Pitt in “Fight Club” to my wrinkled face and saying “You found that attractive?”

OK, well perhaps not Brad Pitt, but you get the point.

Other notable “crew members” of Radio Rock are Young Carl (Tom Sturridge), Quentin’s godson — whose role seems major at first but, compared to the engaging DJs, he never is able to steal the show — and his roommate, the dim-witted Thick Kevin (Tom Brooke).

These characters absolutely make this movie. They are hilarious and captivating; however, the downside to such a star-studded ensemble is that some characters get short shrift. Too, the film seems to drag at times and appears to be trying too hard to focus on too many characters.

And though “Pirate Radio” does run a bit long (but, come on, many of those old rock songs are three times the length of the current tracks on the radio), I would definitely recommend checking out some of the deleted scenes. If you have the patience for only one, be sure to check out Gavin’s background tale.

If you’re a fan of the music, I think you’ll also be a fan of the film. Luckily, my mother has wonderful taste (apart from her love for The Bee Gees which I try to ignore) and brought me up to appreciate these awesome bands. The soundtrack is, by its very nature, rockin’. With tracks from Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, The Beach Boys, The Kinks and so on, “Pirate Radio” will have you in the classic rock groove for days.

4 of 5 stars

‘Splinterheads’ a carnival of laughs (3.5/5)

Splinterheads

Starring: Thomas Middleditch, Rachael Taylor, Dean Winters
Directed by: Brant Sersen
Rating: R for language including sexual references, and brief drug use.
Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes.

“Splinterheads” is a quirky, indie romantic comedy without a lot of recognition.

As the trailer proclaims, it’s a simple story. Justin Frost (Thomas Middleditch in his first feature film performance), who mows lawns with his best friend and lives with his mother, has no direction and no ambition. That is, until he meets Galaxy (an awesome Rachael Taylor), a girl who is just as interesting as her name would suggest. She is a splinterhead who works for a traveling carnival that has set up in Justin’s town.

What is a splinterhead, you may be wondering? Galaxy explains that they’re the hard workers of the carnival biz. The ones who don’t make a cent unless they can wheedle you into spending your money on trifles and games. And boy, is she good at it.

Galaxy is a girl of adventure, and Justin gets a firsthand taste of that when he gets stuck going on a geocaching hike with her. Unlike Justin, Galaxy has many directions — helped along by her GPS system that leads her to geocaches, small containers that hold personal items. She’s fun. She’s independent. She’s everything Justin is not. And, as with any romantic comedy, Justin finds himself falling for Galaxy only to be thwarted along the way.

One of his biggest obstacles is Reggie, Galaxy’s uncouth, splinterhead boyfriend. Played by the oddly-good-at-being-a-bully Dean Winters, Reggie’s role in the carnival is the mean clown of “Dunk the Punk” who baits sad saps like Justin into spending their money in an attempt to, well, dunk the punk. And this clown doesn’t take very kindly to Justin warming up to his girlfriend.

There’s no doubt that the offbeat characters are what make this movie so funny. Spend five minutes in the motor home with the carnival’s magician, The Amazing Steve, and his assistant, Wyoming, and you may not stop laughing (in fact, any scene with these two is simply hilarious).

Other notable performances include Lea Thompson (of “Back to the Future” fame) as Justin’s mother Susan; Pamela Shaw as Justin’s aunt, the lust-driven Betty Frost; Brendan McFeat Burke as Reggie’s bald, mean-spirited sidekick, Thad; Jason Rogel as Justin’s best friend, Wayne Chung (yes, you read that right); and Romulus’ own Christopher McDonald as Susan’s love-sick, on-again-off-again boyfriend, Sergeant Bruce Mancuso.

But with so many interesting and funny cast members, it’s hard just to focus on a few, so most of them end up being shells of what they could be under a more capable directorial staff or with a longer running time. The movie tries to pass off this underdevelopment as the kind of single-aspect mockeries that other comedies use, but it never really feels right.

It doesn’t help that Galaxy tells Justin that he doesn’t know her, and he doesn’t know Reggie. But then the opportunity is dropped. No, we don’t know her, and no, we don’t really understand why she was attracted to Reggie. The movie’s job is to explain that to us, but they focus more on individual antics that are borne of each characters’ “stereotypical” role than in trying to connect the audience to the characters.

With its language and fairly shallow plot, this movie is geared more toward teenagers and those in their early- to mid-20s, but any who can appreciate “Splinterhead’s” bizarre, and at times crass, humor will walk away happy to have found this indie flick. Don’t expect something deep, but do go in expecting to laugh.

I’m kind of in the mood to go to a carnival now.

3.5 of 5 stars

Brace Yourself for 'Kick-Ass' (3.5/5)

Kick-Ass

Starring: Aaron Johnson, Chloe Moretz, Nicolas Cage
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Rating: R for strong brutal violence throughout, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity and some drug use.
Running time: 1 hours, 57 minutes.

“Kick-Ass” has been getting a lot of hype lately, especially for its loss then come-from-behind win of the box office to the 3-D sensation “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Though I enjoyed “Dragon” more than “Kick-Ass,” the latest film in a growing field of superhero movies’ vast appeal (especially to teenage boys) is very understandable.

But, this probably isn’t the movie you’re expecting.

The job of a movie trailer is to make you want to see the film. But it should also reflect the mood and plot of the movie without giving it all away.

And in this, the advertising company truly failed.

You may be anticipating an offbeat comedy about a group of teenagers who decide to become superheroes and save the world. They may even be pitted against a truly “bad guy” and through comedic measures and their learned skills/friendships must find a way to come out victorious.

In short, maybe the sarcastic humor of “Superbad” meets the regular-guy feel of “Spiderman.”
(And since Christopher Mintz-Plasse, one of the stars of “Superbad,” takes a lead in “Kick-Ass” as well, it’s not hard to make that comparison.)

And, really, with a few give-and-takes, that assumption isn’t completely off base.
But the violence. Oh, the violence.

Despite the “R” rating, I wasn’t expecting a throat-cutting, knife-throwing, foul-mouthed 11-year-old girl.

Which isn’t to say that young Chloe Moretz (Mindy Macredie a.k.a. Hit Girl) isn’t one of the best parts of the whole movie. In fact, this role may just catapult her career. I just wish I had known what I was stepping into.

Unsurprisingly, “Kick-Ass” is based off a 2008 comic of the same title. But it feels fresh and is a funny take on this superhero-saturated decade.

Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is no stand out. Not even among his obscure friends. He’s out of the minds of thugs and bullies as soon as they steal his phone and cash, and he’s certainly not floating about in the thoughts of any girls.

Lizewski decides to take a stand for the little guy and sets out to defend the world under the name of Kick-Ass with a scuba suit and absolutely no idea.

Luckily, before Lizewski can do major harm to himself, he is rescued by the young Hit Girl and her father Big Daddy (a perfect role for Nicolas Cage), two other vigilantes of the city.

But, unlike Lizewski, these masked allies have a specific target, and Kick-Ass soon finds himself in the middle of a mission that is much bigger than him.

Mintz-Plasse plays fellow teen-turned-faux-superhero Red Mist, who teaches Kick-Ass that you can’t trust just anyone...

But Moretz’ portrayal of “Hit Girl” will be what keeps you watching. This mouthy little tween is both unbelievable and highly entertaining (it’s just amazing her parents allowed her to do such a role).

“Kick-Ass” doesn’t fit neatly into any specific category, which is at once its appeal and its downfall. It’s a comedy. It’s an action movie. It’s a teen flick. It’s for adults.

Who knows.

And the people who enjoy it (and there will be many) won’t really care. It has a very strong and growing fanbase.

“Kick-Ass” isn’t for everybody, but for those select few who it is for, they’re in for quite a treat.

3.5 of 5 stars

Downey perfect for ‘Holmes’ (3.5/5)

 Sherlock Holmes

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material.
Running time: 2 hours, 8 minutes.

Guy Ritchie’s take on “Sherlock Holmes” is anything but elementary, my dear movie viewer.

It’s a twisted plot with twisted characters, and who better to take on the icon than Robert Downey Jr.? Answer: Nobody. His cavalier attitude and scruffy appearance lend a distinctly street-wise and clever aura to the traditionally stodgy character.

Holmes’ notorious quick-thinking analytical sense is well demonstrated in an early fight scene (which reminded me of the present-day UFC).

Hans Zimmer’s score is often upbeat and unexpected, the fiddles complementing Holmes’ cheeky ways.

As to the second half of the detective duo, Jude Law is a stellar Watson. Patient but commanding, Law’s Watson is anything but a simple sidekick. The banter between the two is hilarious and will make you want to keep watching.

The pair are in for the puzzle of their lives when the frightening, vampiric, murderous Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) seemingly rises from the dead.

The only thing more horrifying than the pale aristocrat is what he plans to do next.

Ritchie’s method of storyline is highly essential here, allowing the audience to see things that they might not even notice and then later showing them again, highlighting its importance.

Speaking of importance, it saddened me to see such weak female roles. Holmes’ famed escapee Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) and Watson’s fiancee Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly) both seemed secondary and very nonessential. Morstan seemed involved only to throw a wrench between Watson and Holmes, and Adler only to introduce a love interest for Holmes.

True, Adler was used to further the plot at times, but this never seemed to be her real reason for being in the movie. It is mentioned that she has been the only one to outsmart Holmes, but her character seems too superficial for us to really believe that.

And I wish we had seen more of Morstan — more of who she was, how she met Watson, why they love each other, and even more of her interactions with Holmes.

Another aspect shoddily done is the threat made to the United States, which appeared very out of context and made me wonder if it was only to bring relevancy to the American audience.

But, “Sherlock Holmes” is a great, fresh take on the famed character and is certainly a movie worth watching twice, if only to fully understand all of what you saw the first time.

And, as with any movie that does moderately well these days, we need only wait for the sequel. Ritchie is currently in pre-production for another “Holmes,” and it is rumored that Brad Pitt will star as the nemesis. According to imdb.com, Robert Downey Jr. is listed to star again as the charming but oft impossible detective.

* * *

There was some concern over the fate of a certain little dog in last week’s movie review of “The Proposal.”

Fear not, fellow puppy lovers, the dog was returned safe and sound to the earth and not sentenced to be the dinner of an Alaskan eagle.

I would also like to emphasize that “The Proposal” is, in fact, a movie and a comedy (though whether one actually finds it funny or not is another matter) and no slight toward our four-legged friends was intended by my amusement.

I am not, by any means, an animal hater. I have volunteered my time at several animal shelters and any who know me also know my affection for man’s (or woman’s) best friend.

Too, I cry every single time I watch “Homeward Bound.”

But I will stand by my previous analysis of the scene — it’s funny. You don’t have to agree, but maybe you should watch it before you disagree.

I do thoroughly appreciate any and all comments and suggestions, however, and may be reached at rcrofut@fltimes.com.

3 1/2 of 5 stars

Consider turning down this ‘Proposal’ (3/5)

The Proposal

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen
Directed by: Anne Fletcher.
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, nudity and language.
Running time: 1 hour, 48 minutes.

“The Proposal” isn’t as bad as you might expect.

Not to say that this romantic comedy will top your (or anyone else’s) favorites list. It is predictable. But it’s entertaining enough and will make you laugh.

Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is a feared editor-in-chief for Cordon Books in New York City. Her leadership skills are reminiscent of Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada” and Andrew Paxton’s (Ryan Reynolds) intuitive assistant finesse matches that of “Prada’s” Andrea Sachs.

Andrew’s loyalty to Margaret is borne from a love of his career and the written word. As it is, he can’t stand Margaret.

But when Margaret is told that she is going to be deported back to her native Canada, she decides to force Andrew into marrying her — by threatening the future of his career.

Andrew reluctantly agrees, and in order to pass the couple test that will allow Margaret to stay in the country, they spend the weekend together at Andrew’s family’s home in Alaska.

The film is absolutely star-studded. From Bullock and Reynolds to Craig T. Nelson (Andrew’s father), Malin Akerman (Andrew’s ex-girlfriend) and Oscar Nunez (the town’s … everything) of “The Office” fame.

As for Oscar, I don’t think I can ever, ever look at him the same way again …

You’ll definitely find out what I’m talking about.

“The Proposal” does have some very hilarious scenes, including Sandra Bullock singing and dancing to the bawdy “Get Low” by Lil’ Jon and the East Side Boyz and Alexander’s parents’ small dog being swept up by a hungry Alaskan eagle.

Bullock and Reynolds make a great onscreen couple. Of course, I love Reynolds in everything, so I’ll admit my bias.

But “The Proposal” is at times very shallow and fails to recognize its own dropped plotlines, such as between Alexander and his ex-girlfriend, Gertrude. It’s never truly understood or resolved, just a little spice of “the other girl” to get a morose shot of Bullock.

Too, though the beginning kicked off with some great dialogue and snappy scenes, the writers seemed to just get bored by the end of it. Poor Reynolds had to close the film with a ridiculously cheesy line that threatened to divorce the audience from the whole movie.

Some of the more modest viewers may find themselves blushing more than enjoying the humor, which is targeted more at young adults.

“The Proposal” is funny, but I think more people will be interested in a one-night stand than a long-term relationship with this Anne Fletcher film.

3 of 5 stars

Soaring ‘Dragon’ enchants (4.5/5)

"How To Train Your Dragon"

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson.
Directed by: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders.
Rating: PG for sequences of intense action and some scary images, and brief mild language.
Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes.

Time to get fired up.

In an industry lately devoid of charm and originality, Dreamworks Animation pulls through with the hugely entertaining 3-D animated flick “How to Train Your Dragon.”

It’s the most fun you’ve had in the movie theater for far, far too long.

From offbeat names, hilarious dialogue, beautiful scenery and a dynamic and exciting plot, “Dragon” will leave you wanting to harness your own oversized reptile and fly off to adventure.

Forget overdrawn title sequences and pompous entry credits — “Dragon” tosses you straight into the fray of a viking town under attack by a swarm of the winged beings with unexpected humor and excitement.

It’s in the middle of this chaos that we meet Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), our young protagonist. In a town full of oversized, brash, battle-hardened vikings (not the least of whom is Hiccup’s father, Chieftan Stoick the Vast, voiced by Gerard Butler), our small, thin, sarcastic hero doesn’t quite fit the mold. The other vikings, including Stoick, doubt Hiccup’s ability to grow into a dragon-killing warrior. And with his untraditional weaponry skills, Hiccup doesn’t help himself out too much.

But when Hiccup brings down the stealthy and dangerous Night Fury, a feat no other viking has accomplished, his life changes in ways that he (and the audience) never expected.

You’ll learn all this in the first minute or two, but I hate to give away more. “Dragon” is a film best entered into with a clear mind and no expectations. It’s a movie to be enjoyed moment-by-moment (for each moment holds a treasure) instead of waiting in anticipation for that one plot point, or that one scene from the trailer.

A wonderful supplement to the already superb storyline and eye-catching graphics is the impeccable voice cast. Notable performances include Christopher Mintz-Plasse (“Superbad,” “Role Models”) as the nerdy Fishlegs, whose dragon knowledge is reflected in certain role-playing game terms; Jonah Hill (“Superbad”) as the rude Snotlout; and Craig Ferguson as Gobber, the hilariously crass trainer of dragon-killer recruits.

One of the first movies truly worthy of watching in 2010, “Dragon” is a heartwarming film that will leave you soaring long after you leave the theater. You’ll find yourself rooting for Hiccup through the very end.

It’s fun, it’s enchanting, and it was made with such obvious care that I may need to retract my previous doubts about the plummeting, money-driven industry.

The few downsides include that “Dragon” is based on a book, and so is not quite as original an idea as it may appear, and that the actors’ distinctly Scottish and American accents coupled with a soundtrack of Celtic overtones ignore the predominantly Nordic ancestry of Vikings (though the script does include lines devoted to the Norse gods).

But these meager flaws don’t even begin to hamper the beauty of “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Although parts of “Dragon” may frighten very small children, I would recommend this movie as a must-see film for adults and kids alike.

4.5 of 5 stars