The rock star returns: Iron Man 2 review

With big stars, big effects, big action and a big soundtrack by AC/DC, Iron Man 2 really is a rock star movie. As one of the most anticipated films of the year, it will not disappoint fans of the original and lovers of the Marvel comic series on which it is based. The original was the surprise hit of 2008 and heralded the comeback of its star Robert Downey Jr, who is once again in fine form as the wise-cracking, playboy, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark.

The film kicks off six months after Stark revealed his true identity as the superhero Iron Man and despite claiming to have “privatised world peace” he is facing pressure from the government and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, along with his love interest Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and best friend James `Rhodey’ Rhodes (Don Cheadle), must forge new alliances in order to confront powerful new enemies such as tycoon Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) (below) and Russian villain Whiplash (Mickey Rourke). Backing up Stark on his mission is the leader of superhero team The Avengers, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and his agent Natasha Romanoff aka super spy Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). There is also a somewhat sad cameo from Adam Goldstein aka DJ AM and the film is dedicated to his memory.
The first Iron Man was an action-packed, hilarious and clever twist on the traditional superhero movie and to follow up the brilliance of the original is no easy task. For the most part, director and producer Jon Favreau succeeds. Favreau, who also plays a supporting role in the film, has assembled a stellar cast of Hollywood A-listers to create the array of complex characters which are the films main source of depth and conflict. Notably, the always-impressive Rockwell oozes charisma and charm as Stark’s corporate rival and Johansson (below) makes a formidable and sexy transition into the role of `action babe’. The press notes say she trained for months to be able to pull off most of the her own stunts and make them look believable, and boy, right down to the spandex clad body suit and thigh-strangling moves does it look believable. Cheadle replaces Terrence Howard for the role of `Rhodey’ and frankly, does a better job at it adding more attitude and street cred. Looking somewhat like a cross between Jack Sparrow and Randy 'The Ram' Johnson, Rourke too is commendable, despite the fact he has more screen interaction with a Cockatoo than any of the other actors.
But essentially this is Downey Jr’s film and he reprises his role as Stark with the swagger and sophistication that has made him one of the best actors of his generation, personal problems aside. Where Batman is dark and mysterious, Iron Man is flashy and indulgent, with Downey Jr complimenting the character perfectly. Kind of like the Hugh Hefner of the superhero world.

Favreau has maintained the witty banter and satire that made the original standout from other films in the genre and, if possible, the script is sharper and timelier than its predecessor. There are some sheer genius throwaway lines and the best ones roll of the tongues of Downey Jr, Rockwell and Jackson every few minutes. Truly, there are too many to mention. However, what the sequel lacks is the rollicking pace that had audiences on the edge of their seats in Iron Man. It starts promisingly and ends with a bang, but somewhere in the middle the film slows down and loses its hold on the illusion. Of course, the sharp dialogue, expertly choreographed action scenes and incredible special-effects somewhat make up for that.
But the question all sequels have to answer is: was it better than the original? No, but is still a worthy entrant into the growing Iron Man franchise and a fantastic two hours of entertainment. Iron Man 2 once again proves more money, more stars and more fans are not the key to a brilliant sequel, just a decent one.

Iron Man 2 opens in cinemas worldwide on Thursday, April 29.
NOTE: For those fans of you hoping for an Easter egg at the end of the credits like last time, don’t bother. I was one of the three critics who stayed and waited right until the end hoping for an added scene like last time with Nick Fury busting in and asking Stark to join The Avengers. But alas, nothing. On a related note, Fury does get plenty of screen time in the film and Jackson takes on an almost Jules-esque persona when he says “Sir, I’m gonna have to ask you to exit the donut.” Those hoping for more superhero mash-ups a la the first film or Downey Jr’s cameo in The Incredible Hulk can rest assured, Fury and Black Widow allude to the up and coming The Avengers film more aggressively. There’s even a tongue-in-cheek scene where one of the assistants finds an old S.H.I.E.L.D logo and Stark unknowingly uses it to balance an invention. Alright sure, Stark turns them down by saying “I already told you, I don’t want to join your super secret boy band” but at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter because you know it happens and they all kick ass anyway (like a hyperactive Brady Bunch).

PSSSST: Fans of Kick-Ass and comic book brilliance in general, keep an eye out for the `special thanks to’ segment of the credits where the filmmakers thank John Romita Jr and John Romita Sr. Stan Lee also has a brief cameo as himself, just like he does in all superhero films adapted from his work

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Linking of you

I thought the above title was a little sweeter than the other possibilities which included `Lets get linky' and `Ta-da: it's Batlink'. I'll be quiet now.

Anywho, like an 8-year-old with alcoholic parents who spend their wages on booze and whores, I've been storing these links under my mattress for a few months now. Mostly these are articles or features that interest me, fantastically written reviews, delish trailers and the odd website. Hopefully it will give you something to link about (oh snap!).

• South Park: You've probably been hearing all about their 200th episode, which tries to incorporate as many celebrity insults as possible. Oh, it succeeds. This link, however, is of the opening clip where the kids find Tom Cruise working in a factory as a fudge packer. Brilliant.
• The 25 Best Remakes Of All Time: Contrary to popular belief, not all remakes are the spawn of Satan. Okay, most are, but Moviefone have done a darn good job highlighting some of the worthy ones. I would have like to have seen Brothers on this list, yet perhaps it's too soon.
• Joss Whedon rules the universe: Come on, you know it's true! Disagree and I know some hardcore Whedonites who will happily destroy you're life and everyone you cherish whilst reciting Buffyverse. So, fresh off the spoof-inducing news the Buffy legend will direct and write Marvel's The Avengers movie comes the double revelation that he's rewriting and directing the Captain America too. Hooray! He's had plenty of involvement with Marvel over the years thanks to his work on the X-Men series and so forth, but it's good to see the studio showing some sense and handing this project over to a real fanboy.
• Fuck the Ash Cloud: It's what many people have been saying for the past few days, yet The Dresden Dolls front woman Amanda Palmer does it so much better. This clip is recorded from her Dublin gig last night, where she performed the volcanic love song she and fiance Neil Gaiman (yes, The Sandman and Coraline legend) wrote together via the interwebs. Why? Because the flight cancellations are keeping them apart and jeopardising their week-long holiday together. Awww.

• He-Man gets more, er, hardcore: It seems impossible, I know. Yet the lad over at FilmDrunk has put together the news in his usual urine-running-down-your-leg style. For those of you playing at home, it's hilarious. The article kicks off with my candidate for best headline of the year 'Writers of Predators Hired To Masturbate The Universe'.
• 11 totally impractical 80s toy vehicles: I don't know how the dudes at Topless Robot were able to track all these down, but I'm so glad they did. I love lists, especially kitschy brilliant ones like this. Prepare for epic LOL's once you reach the Justice Jogger.
• Stillness Is The Move: If it's possible to be cooler than Beyonce, her little sister Solange Knowles is certainly trying. And arguably succeeding. The radilicous lady did a cover of underground New York band the Dirty Projectors' song Stillness Is The Move. Depending on your musical inclination, I reckon the Erykah Badu-esque version of the song is better than the original. So shoot me, either way, it's a soundgasm.
• Shutter Island review: Yeah, yeah, I know Shutter Island was released like, five Kick-Ass' ago but this review over at Pajiba is so bloody well written, I had to share it with you.
• Testing the Mickey Rourke hypothesis: The blog spiderweb that is Uproxx compiled this excellent post that tests the Mickey Rourke hypothesis: everything is better with a bird on your shoulder. "Raw, Precious see food bird"
• Green Lantern's suit to be CG: Perhaps the most interesting superhero movie news of the past month, besides Whedon dominating that is. Slash Film revealed that Ryan Reynolds Green Lantern suit will be completely CG in the film adaptation of the comic. This piece is the most in-depth coverage of the news and explores the reasoning behind Academy Award-winning costume designer Ngila Dickson's decision. Not a huge Green Lantern fan myself, this is surprisingly interesting. And hey, as long as we get to see Reynolds abs at some point during the film, I'm happy.
• The future of film criticism: A.O Scott at The New York Times takes a look at the future of film criticism and whether there actually is one. Compulsory reading for all film buffs, established and aspiring movie gurus.
• X-Ladies '88: I know, it sounds like the title of a hardcore porn series. Rest assured, this is actually a little slice of genius from John Allison at A Hundred Dance Moves Per Minute. It's his quirky take on the X-Men ladies from 1988, the year I came into this world kicking, screaming and covered in blood. If I play my cards right, I may just leave that way too ;o)
• The 10 most intimidating athletes in the world: Look, I did say I like lists. Especially well-researched, clever ones like this. A little disappointing there's only one female on the list, I could certainly think of few to add *cough Hayley Bateup cough*. But it's fair enough, after all Serena does "hit the ball like it owes her money".
• Nic Cage as everyone: One of my favourite websites ever, this confirms my theory that everything is better with a lil Nic Cage. Especially Nic Cage as the uinverse (below).
• David Firth twitter: Well, what do you know! The creep McCreepy animator that is David Firth has a twitter account, which he is using to keep y'all updated on the progress of his debut animated feature. For those of you who haven't been exposed to his Lizzy Borden-esque brilliance, Firth is the man behind such YouTube series as Salad Fingers, Video Dating Tape and, my personal favourite, Valentine's Day Special. He also has a website where you can view his work and so forth.
• Operator Please cover Blondie: Before you say this is shameless self-promotion, I figure that since it's not technically myself I'm promoting, it doesn't count. My friends band Operator Please have been kicking some major music balls since their debut album Yes, Yes Vindictive. Even that douche Perez Hilton has been gushing over them. Anyway, they have been hectically promoting their follow-up Gloves (which is out this Thursday) and appeared on Triple J's Like A Version last Friday where they covered Blondie's Heart Of Glass. Amandah nailed the vocals and you can listen to the entire Gloves album for free at their MySpace. FYI it rocks, namely Catapult and Back & Forth.
• Trailer trash: Two new trailers have caught my attention lately, one because it looks awesome and the other because it looks shit (with a capital TURD). One of my favourite comics ever (comic? graphic novel? mang-ic?), Byran Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim series is hitting the big screen and the teaser trailer looks like the film may live up to its tagline "An epic of epic epicness". As long as there's plenty of Wallace in the film, I'll be ecstatic. The crapolla one is called Paper Man and stars Jeff Daniels, Emma Stone, Lisa Kudrow and Ryan Reynolds. The trailer really goes for every cliche indie heartstring it can get its hands on and I can already see a legion of fucktards updating their Facebook movies to include this `emotional and socially conscious' film in their favourites list. I bet Hipster Kitty would really be in to it too.
• Australian Tragic: Walkley award-winning Australian journalist Jack Marx's latest book is fascinating and devastating at the same. I'm half way through it at the moment, but I have to keep breaking it up with graphic novels because essentially it's a collection of uber depressing Australian tragedies that he has dug out of the archives. This feature on News.com.au sums up some of the most interesting tales from the book, but be warned: eeriness ensues.
• Nine badass hybrid monsters: You know, if lists were human I would totally cut off a lock of their hair and stay inside all day sniffing it. I love them THAT much. This list is up there, way up there as it creates a nine badass hybrid monsters that deserve their own sci-fi movie. Darn right they do, especially the Pigeonshark and the Bearshaktipus below (cue terrified screams).

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Taking the Mickey

Well, well, well.
Mickey Rourke’s turn as Russian baddie Whiplash certainly makes Jack Sparrow look straight as a ruler.This, dear readers, is the latest image off the set of Iron Man 2, the sequel to the Robert Downey Jr hit of `08. Rourke stars as the thorn in Tony Stark’s metallic side for the sequel along with Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer. This is the first look at Rourke as Whiplash and was pointed to off Jon Favreau’s Twitter account. I must say, the get-up is a bit. . . erm . . campe? With Scar-Jo in leather as Black Widow and Rourke rocking the bondage, it seems the sequel will be catering to all fetishes. Bunuel would be proud kinky has gone so mainstream.

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And we're live in 5, 4, 3, 2 . . . .

The Oscars are literally only 2 minutes away from starting! The red carpet entrances were cut way down this year to speed up the whole process but my favourite moments so far?
Emile Hirsch arrives looking a) gorgeous and b) so thoughtful by rocking a white knot to show his support for marriage equality.

Alicia Keys showed us another way to die of awesomeness. The singer looked amazing in a figure hugging, is it pink or is it purple gown. Gone is ghetto and hello is goddess.

Kate Winslet looked absolutely smashing in an elegant grey/blue gown that screamed film star. Forget flashing her tits and bits like all the other chickies on the red carpet, Winslet kept it classy. Only time will tell if she nabs the best actress Oscar for The Reader.

Mickey Rourke rocked up looking like the creepy, old man that he is. To add to his Michael Jackson-esque appearance check out the necklace he wore with a picture of his dead dog on it. Beyond disturbing.
Robert Pattison what is with you? The Twilight star look like he literally rolled straight out of bed, in to a pan of baby powder, through a giant bong and on to the red carpet. For your first Oscar appearance you certainly look like a scrubber.
What I really wanted this Oscar season was a good ol’ Bjork-fest aka someone to shock the red out of the carpet. Alas, there was no one. Why didn’t they invite Bai Ling or Katy Perry to jazz up the awards? Pics are from celebrity blogger Perez Hilton who (naturally) had all the Oscar goss and images as it happened.

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The Junior Oscars

I read the above term on Empire Magazine’s website and thought it was such a perfect way to describe the Golden Globes, I decided to borrow it. And yes, the Golden Globes are underway right this second in the US. No results are known yet but be sure to keep checking this site for a comprehensive list of winners in the warm-up event to the Oscars. Will Slumdog Millionaire succeed as hot favourite to take out best picture? Will Sean Penn conquer Mickey Rourke for best actor? And the question on everyone’s lips, will Heath Ledger will the posthumorous Globe he clearly deserves for best supporting actor? Only time will tell . . .

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What a Rourke-us!

If you’re looking for creepy coincidences look no further then my review on The Wrestler posted yesterday where I said Mickey Rourke was as suited for the role of Ram as Robert Downey Jr was for the role of Tony Stark aka Iron Man. Turns out casting directors made a more significant link to Rourke and Iron Man with Variety reporting he has been cast as a villain in Iron Man 2. According to the rag he will play a heavily tattooed bruiser (no surprises there) who is basically a Russian version of Tony Stark complete with his own arms business. Oh, and he’ll battle Iron Man in his own nuclear powered armored suit. The Hollywood Reporter have gone on to suggest the character, who is at the moment unnamed, will be either The Crimson Dynamo or Whiplash as featured in the comic series. Naturally Robert Downey Jr is returning as Tony Stark, Don Cheadle is replacing Terrence Howard as James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes, Gwyenth Paltrow is back as Pepper Potts and Samuel L Jackson is playing Nick Fury the super-spy (pictured below). Jackson played Fury in the original Iron Man movie (2008) in a post-credits scene at Tony Stark’s home where he tries to recruit Iron Man to join the Avengers. The casting news that has really got my juices going is Movie Mazzupial favourite Sam Rockwell in the role of Justin Hammer, head of Hammer Industries comic books’ and another of Stark’s main adversaries in Iron Man 2. Seriously, Rourke and Rockwell as foes? Could this movie sound more awesome? Besides The Dark Knight I doubt there has been a cast this diverse and talented for a comic-book adapted movie. The first Iron Man was witty, fun and action packed but not in a hollow Spider-Man kind of way. It was one of my favourite films of `08 and I questioned how they would be able to make a sequel better than the first. Now with the original crew and cast back on board plus the added talents of Rourke, Jackson, Cheadle and Rockwell “wow” pretty much sums up my general response. And who better than Rourke to play a villain? We all know Rockwell is great as a conniving evil-doer (see Charlie’s Angles for further proof) but Rourke has rarely been given the opportunity to play a truly bad dude. Yes, he’s played many a lovable bad guy but I want to see him pure evil darn it! Everyone knows Rourke eats puppies for breakfast with a side of baby seal salad but I can’t wait to see what he can do on screen in this part. With a swashbuckling cast, an awesome predecessor and a 2010 release date, Iron Man 2 is shaping up to be a major blockbuster with meat.

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Wrestle this

There are few films I have been more anxious to see in recent months than The Wrestler. I have heard great things from pretty much every critical corner and Mickey Rourke is being touted as a major Oscar contender for this role. Director Darren Aronofsky is getting all sorts of praise which is looking good for boosting the buzz around The Fighter starring Mark Wahlberg and Brad Pitt which he is also directing. But this film is all about Mickey, Mickey, Mickey. Rourke plays Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson who, after being forced to retire from the minor wrestling league due to a heart condition, finds himself sad and alone. Rourke plays a role that is as suited to him as Tony Stark aka Ironman was for Robert Downey Jr. Described as a washed up piece of meat trying to find his way back to human, the character of Ram is executed to perfection by Rourke in a standout performance. Credit also needs to be given to the two fine supporting actors Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood who this film would be nothing without. The Wrestler isn’t shot in some avant-garde fashion like recent critical smash Hunger (blah), instead Aronofsky uses a hand held camera for majority of movie. He makes you feel like you’re part of Ram’s life, following him through his highs and lows. To combat this simpler style of camera work Aronofsky also uses several other beautiful techniques which truly cement his position as a skilled director. Personally I found the wrestling scenes difficult to watch but undoubtedly they’re choreographed very well and executed to perfection by Rourke and the many other wrestlers starring in the film.
My consensus? I loved it. I especially loved how Aronofsky didn’t overdo anything and instead let the story and superb performances take the audience on a sad, touching and truly magnificent journey. Every glowing review this movie has had, it deserves. Like the title character, The Wrestler is raw and confronting but if you can get yourself along to see this you won’t regret it. The Wrestler opens this Thursday, January 15 at most main stream and art house cinemas so be sure to get in early.

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