Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) is pressured by his own deteriorating health, as well as the emergence of a new supervillain (Mickey Rourke) who teams up with a rival arms dealer (Sam Rockwell).

Most critics thought too highly of the original and now they’re underestimating the sequel. Downey, Jr. is still the heart and center of this franchise and does an excellent job; Rockwell is also fun as his incompetent rival.

The movie has plenty of clang to offer for your buck and there are nice tidbits for the fans… which might make you ignore clunky editing, lame jokes and a few weak female characterizations. 

2010-U.S. 124 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Jon Favreau. Screenplay: Justin Theroux. Cast: Robert Downey, Jr. (Tony Stark), Gwyneth Paltrow (Virginia “Pepper” Potts), Don Cheadle (James Rhodes), Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson… Jon Favreau, John Slattery, Garry Shandling. Voice of Paul Bettany. Cameo: Stan Lee.

Trivia: Cheadle replaced Terrence Howard from the first film in the part of Rhodes. Johansson’s first appearance as Black Widow; she got her standalone movie a decade later, Black Widow (2021). Followed by Iron Man 3 (2013).