'Iron Man 2' as good as original

By Abby Callaghan

Synopsis: The world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark is the armored Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. In the sequel to 2008’s “Iron Man,” Stark is pitted against his Russian nemesis, Whiplash, and corporate rival Justin Hammer.

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg and Jon Favreau.

Written by: Justin Theroux and Stan Lee. Directed by: Jon Favreau

Thoughts: Do you remember the first “Iron Man” and how awesome it was? I know I do. And I remember hearing about the second one and praying that it would be just as awesome. Now, “Iron Man 2” is out and it is incredible. I didn’t think anything could top the first one but they’ve certainly done it. This movie was epic. I was never bored and I never wanted it to end. Robert Downey Jr. takes the cake with his role as Tony Stark and blows everyone else out of the water. With that, I will say that this cast was well-chosen and everyone did a great job, especially Sam Rockwell who made you laugh while you were hating him. I will admit that at certain points, the plot was a little messy and some things seemed rushed (mainly a plot involving Tony, his father and a new element) and some of the characters were a little underdeveloped, mainly just Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson, but, oh well. Everyone knows they are there to set up for their roles in the next one. (Scarlett as the Black Widow, anyone?) The action scenes in this movie are very well-done and the cinematography is more noticeably beautiful in this one. I loved this movie so much that I can’t believe more people didn’t like it. I want everyone to go see this movie and enjoy it for what it is: a truly entertaining and top-notch blockbuster film.

PS: Make sure you look out for Captain America’s shield and stay for the credits!

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.