Early Review: Iron Man 2

"2" is not always better than "1". This is the case for almost every single sequel ever made; however, the case for Iron Man 2 is different; it is almost as if this sequel is on a whole other level than its predecessor.

Before I get started on my review for this movie, let me tell you a little more about what is going on in this film. Iron Man 2 picks up six months after where the original left off, where Tony Stark has announced to the world that he is indeed Iron Man. Only this time around, Tony Stark has to deal with a whole new set of problems such as  pressure from the American government to hand over his Iron Man "weapon", pressure from the American public to be Iron Man, more pressure from Nick Fury about the Avengers Initiative,  the threat of two new villians, his lost past, and, of course, relationship problems.

Sound like a lot to swallow? That's because it is. Iron Man 2 is so jampacked with subplots that move at such an incredible pace that it may be a little difficult to keep up at times. However, director Jon Favreau does a pretty good job at making sense out of it all. In fact, I now trust Favreau enough to induct him into my "Superhero Movie Director's Hall of Fame" along with only a select few that I trust with my superhero movies: Sam Raimi, who directed the "Spider-man" trilogy, and Christopher Nolan, who directed Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

Now, back to what I was saying about this movie being on a whole other level than its predecessor. Iron Man 2 just does not feel as dark as the original and seeing is how it is the sequel and all, you would think that it should be darker. However, this movie moves at such a fast pace and almost at all times, somebody's character has something funny to say, that the drama that should be there as a result of all this drama going on in Tony's life, (mix that in with the fact that Tony Stark almost never panics) is not there and it lightens the mood to almost a comedy like atmosphere. This can throw you off because this movie opens with such a dark scene.

As far as sequels go, Iron Man 2 has almost more of everything: more action, more villiany, more suits, and a greater threat; however, it does not feel like a greater threat due to the "more comedy". Iron Man 2 just does not feel like an Iron Man movie.

Now don't get me wrong, this does not mean that this is a bad movie overall. All the preformences were excellent and nobody could play the role of Tony Stark better than Robert Downey Jr. I actually thought it was definitely entertaining and definitely worth seeing. However, when you hold these two gems next to each other, up to the light, Iron Man 2 does not shine as bright at the original. As a matter of fact, it gives off its own sheen.