Action-man-save-the-world-playboy-bachelor-CEO-Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) goes public with his identity in this second installment born of the huge 2008 hit. So now the world knows that this billionaire weapons mogul is also peacekeeper of the planet. He returns with the same assistant, Pepper Potts (Gwenyth Paltrow) who he’s promoted to CEO so that she can have a new assistant, Natalie (Scarlett Johansson) a curvy opposite who struts around the office demanding Stark sign off on documents. His best friend Colonel “Rhodey” returns [formerly played by Terrence Howard who demanded too much money for the sequel.] Don Cheadle takes over the role though not as hot as Howard but still able to be taken seriously. Jon Favreau directs the film and even has a bit part in the story, though we aren’t sure if he’s the company accountant, lawyer, or what his friendly role is opposite Pepper Potts. Enter the new villain, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) who comes complete with highlighted hair, bad braces and a Russian accent. His performance is captivating (I’d imagine they won’t really let him be dead in the end.) In this storyline, the very device (the center heart monitor thing-y) that’s keeping Iron Man alive is also killing him. So basically he shouldn’t put the red suit on without good reason. When Iron Man goes to Monte Carlo to race in the Grand Prix, the movie unleashes some original violent scenes and tells us what he’s up against in Vanko. For women not big on action hero movies, this one delivers a balanced dose of plot, comedy, charisma and finally action, but there also lies the problem. With great writing by Justin “Tropic Thunder” Theroux, we want more story and more Downey Jr. and less battles which seem to interfere with the fun. Three Tiaras
