Ironman 2 (2010)

Ironman 2 is a very unique film if you have followed the past Marvel films. Unlike X-Men, Spiderman, Fantastic 4, etc. Ironman follows more of the Batman route and becomes a drama rather than an action packed adventure. The action sequences are good, however, they are few and far between. So if you are going in to this film thinking you are just seeing "another comic book movie", you will be disappointed. Most sequels provide you with one of two things; it either has the character's greatest villain to fend off or it skips a couple years and show's you a character that has developed between films to make a path for a third installment. Ironman 2 has neither of these. The film starts off almost immediately after the first one leaves off and there really is not "major" villain. In fact, the primary "villain" in this film is his rival in the arms race Justin Hammer (whom is played by the brilliant Sam Rockwell). There is a lot of good to say about this film as a sequel. First, it show's a greater development of Tony Stark than we had in the first. Second, his relationships are are much better portrayed. Finally, it has some crazy incredible easter eggs (briefcase suit, captain america shield, hammer of Thor, mentions of the Hulk and the Fantastic 4) for comic nerds like myself. The movie starts off great. It show's Tony and his cocky attitude we all love, it introduces us to a villain, whom is used not unlike the way Scarecrow was in Batman Begins, and then we get an introduction to War Machine (which includes and excellent fight between best friends). Then enter Nick fury. After this, if you don't understand the "Avengers", the next half an hour can lose you. The action scenes are now completely over until the very end, there are some unnecessary scenes with unnecessary dialogue, and one may even forgot that Whiplash and Hammer are still the bad guys. However, the film does end with a incredible action sequence that show's the consequences of not only Tony's decision to be Ironman; it is also caused by Hammer's obsession with "besting" Stark. I thought this film was great. I loved how it showed a more human side to Tony. I loved how it didn't bog us down with needless villains (i.e. Spiderman 3, X-Men 3), and i also loved the way it presented the Avengers/War Machine. However, i did think this Favreau needs to tone it down on the Avengers thing because we lose Ironman a little bit. 7.7/10

-Zack Tinsley