Iron Man 2

I wasn't a big fan of the original Iron Man (2008), which was a Robert Downey Jr. away from being a routine effects-laden blockbuster. Its sequel, however, improves upon it in every conceivable way, creating a fun, exciting and entertaining adventure.

A year after the events of the original, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has more or less created world peace with his Iron Man suit. But enemies external and internal threaten: the US military wants his technology, rival arms dealer Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) schemes to dethrone him, and Stark's his health deteriorates through repeated use of his suit. And lurking in the shadows is Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), son of a Russian physicist from whom, Ivan believes, Tony stole his Iron Man plans. Tony must call on his assistant Pepper Potts (Gwenyth Paltrow), buddy Colonel Rhodes (Don Cheadle), and agents of the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization (Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Clark Gregg) to thwart Vanko and Hammer.

Iron Man 2 is enjoyable primarily because it's so fun. When the modus operandi of superhero flicks is to be dark and (*cough*) realistic, it's refreshing director Jon Favreau opting for a more traditional take on the genre. It's the hero that's unconventional, not the method of storytelling. Forget the hamfisted preaching and moral quandries of The Dark Knight and Watchmen: Iron Man 2 knows that people want superheros to kick some ass and save the day. It doesn't hurt that the film clocks in at a lean, fast-paced 125 minutes, not overstaying its welcome for a moment.

Iron Man 2 deftly balances plot, character and action. Justin Theroux's script is superb, with not an element out of place. Tony's dissolving health and personality are well-portrayed, becoming a flawed character of believable depth. Most of the supporting cast have to make due with impressions: Vanko and Hammer come off the best, along with Natalee (Johansson), convincing. The movie is, of course, bristling with effects-laden action scenes, but they're miles better than anything in Transformers or like films. CGI comes with the territory these days, and one can only hope it's done well, as it certainly is here.

Robert Downey Jr. was the original's saving grace, and he's even better here. Stark's character is significantly expanded, and Downey does a good job wrestling with the character's inner turmoil while maintaining his outward humor and eccentricity. The gorgeous Scarlett Johansson makes the most of her mystery woman character. Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) and Sam Rockwell (Frost/Nixon) make a great pair of villains. Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction) and Garry Shandling have fun cameos. Don Cheadle (Traffic) does what he can in a thankless role (inherited from Terrence Howard) but Gwenyth Paltrow has even less to do than bfore.

Iron Man 2 is probably as good as a summer blockbuster can get. It's well-crafted, fast-paced, exciting, and, most of all, fun. And that's really all you can ask from this kind of movie.