Iron Man 2

Release Year: 2010

Director: Jon Favreau

Review: I had high hopes for 'Iron Man 2', considering that I rank its predecessor as one of my favorite super hero films of all time.  I'm not going to crucify this sequel, but I won't be singing its praises either.  It's a mediocre sequel, which is ultimately disappointing.  It's full of more of the same.  They followed the traditional model of sequel generating, by taking the best parts of the first film and then making them even bigger, more ridiculous, and more frequent.  Where it was good in the first one, it felt like too much candy in the second.  Sure, it was a fun enough watch, but there were no moments of true originality.  It's hard to be awe inspired when they just recycle what you've already seen before.  What does work is Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark.  His pompous attitude make him completely detestable, and yet totally engrossing.  In the end, its standard sequel material, but a pretty good time none the less.  
Rating: 3.5/5