Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson
Plot: Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has just revealed that he is, in fact, Iron Man. Things are looking up- until he finds out that the palladium in the arc reactor installed in his chest that keeps his heart beating is slowly beginning to poison his body. On top of that, a scientist by the name of Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) is seeking revenge for his father, whom Tony’s father deported to Siberia. Stark’s jealous rival, Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), has agreed to hire and fund Vanko to construct a new Iron Man suit, so he can one-up Tony. Along the way, something goes wrong, and once again, it is up to Iron Man to save the day.
Pros: It’s Robert Downey Jr. playing a surprisingly-likeable narcissistic mad scientist with a super suit. What’s not to like? And for superhero movie fans, this is the perfect action movie.
Cons: Although the movie is packed with action, the plot is unbelievably predictable and will follow the same story of just about every other action movie ever made. Plus, unless you are a genius like Stark, how the heck are you supposed to know what words like “palladium” mean anyway?
Rating: 2 out of 4 stars