Director Jon Favreau ("Iron Man") refused to go back and tweak his film to make it look like it was shot in 3D. Good for him! This film is great in 2D because it relies on the actors, the story and naturally, lots of CGI. Yup! High-speed car chases, rockets, gunfire, and LOTS of blowie uppie stuff!
We love Robert Downey, Jr. as billionaire Tony Stark, not because he's handsome, not because he's rich, but because he's funny and SMART! When something needs to be done, he rolls up his sleeves, does the math and builds a mini supercollider right there in Malibu. Okay, this takes a little suspension of disbelief, but who cares...
Once again, we enjoy:
- Robert Downey, Jr. ("Iron Man" and "Sherlock Holmes"), all suited up and awesome. Problem is, remember how he got a mechanical heart in that first film? Well, it's wearing out and he's in deep trouble.
- Gwyneth Paltrow ("Iron Man" and "Two Lovers") still serves her boss with efficiency and devotion. The dialogue between these two is delicious, they bicker and interrupt like a long-time couple.
- Jon Favreau ("Iron Man") is the pragmatic head chauffeur for the CEO of Stark Enterprises, no matter who he or she might be...
- Don Cheadle ("Brooklyn's Finest") takes over as Rhodey Rhodes, a loyal friend, but military through and through.
- Scarlett Johansson ("He's Just Not That Into You") is a newly hired assistant at Stark Enterprises... we think...
- Sam Rockwell ("Moon") is the smarmy industrialist trying to beat our hero at his own game.
- Mickey Rourke ("The Wrestler") is a disaffected Russian scientist, frustrated, angry ...and tattooed!
Despite all the special effects, the relationships and most particularly the dialogue, are noteworthy. Downey matches styles with whomever he shares a scene, his character's failing health is literally a military secret, and it takes Samuel L. Jackson to come on board and get his attention!
We even got a teaser for the next sequel. It should be a dandy, too!