Movieman Madness: Cinema Spotlight VI - Jon Favreau (Part 6): "Iron Man 2"

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man

As the first hero to reveal his secret identity, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has no regrets of his new superheros status. But behind the parties, drinking, self-promoting and self-confidence, the arc reactor that keep's him alive and powers his Iron Man suit, is slowly poisoning him. With no luck on procuring a cure, his days seem to be numbered among other problems.

Iron Man is in the house!

While on a business trip, he is attacked by Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), a Russian armed with lightsaber lassos. Possessing knowledge on arc reactor technology that both his and Tony's father created, he's recruited by Tony's shabby business rival Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell); an unlikely alliance is formed as they plot to bring down Tony.

Mickey Rourke as Ivan Vanko/Whiplash

Iron Man 2 has been seen as one of the weakest of the Marvel films. This was the third entry in the now established Marvel Cinematic Universe and a sequel to the very movie that started this new franchise and revolutionize the superhero genre. So you can imagine a lot of pressure was put on Jon Favreau especially when the sequel was green lit the week its predecessor premiered. The first Iron Man movie, took about three years to make, Iron Man 2 was given two years and once again, filming commenced with without a finished script. Reports of disagreements emerged between Favreau and Marvel during the making. Marvel wished to include more tie-ins to the Avengers whereas Favreau wanted to focus on adapting the Iron Man comic-book "Demon in a Bottle," which centered on Tony's battle with depression and alcoholism.

Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow

Marvel got its way and with the exceptions of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and the end-credit scene that teases Thor, the Avenger tie-ins do come off as forced, especially Black Widow (Scarlet Johanson). She does get one cool fight scene but her introduction is better handled in The Avengers as a strong character. Here, all she does is to look curvaceous in front of the camera. I can assume she was meant to create an unintentional love triangle between Tony and Pepper but that goes nowhere; making that one scene of Pepper lashing out at Widow pointless.

Tony and Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow) having a moment on the roof.

Much of the film does revolve on Tony drinking his troubles away and shutting out everyone including Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) now the new CEO of Stark Industries and Rhodey Rhodes (Don Chealdle) who we see wear the suit and become War Machine. It's a disheartening sight that drags and when it comes to making amends, it's all really rushed with Tony's friends never getting the whole picture of his reckless behavior.

Leslie Bibb as Christina Everhart

Another missed opportunity is with Christine Everhart (Leslie Bib), the journalist who Tony had a run-in in the first film and pushed his decision to reveal his secret identity. Just when you think she'll play a part like covering Tony's new superhero life, she's gone after only two scenes. This could have added further conflict to Tony, whose now a bigger celebrity than before. Any of his mishaps is front page material, and this could of had him ponder on the consequences.

Iron Man and War Machine (Don Cheadle)

Still, the movie is loads of fun and has a alot to admire. Robert Downey Jr. continues to excel as Tony Stark who despite his rash actions at least attempts to patch things up when he realizes his mistake. The scene where he talks about his father while could have had more impact is still genuine, courtesy of the Favreau trademark. Don Cheadle makes for a decent replacement as Rhodey especially with his first lines being more directed at the audience. The banter between Tony and Pepper continues to be delightful as we see the pair try to work things out and hopefully reconcile.

Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell)

Rockwell is hilarious as the sleazy Justin Hammer, and Gary Shandling adds further humor as Senator Stern, a minor foil who wants Tony to turn in the Iron Man suit to the government. Last but not least is Rourke as Ivan Vanko a combination of Whiplash and the Crimson Dynamo from the Iron Man rogues gallery. Cold and calculated, Rourke is intimidating that I wished we got to see more of the him who disappears after the first act until the climax, which even then ends too soon.

Even with all the baggage, Iron Man 2 made its release date on May 7, 2010. While critics and audiences were divided, it was another success at the box-office; it became the seventh highest-grossing movie of that year and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects.

Favreau may have not directed another Marvel movie but he still stuck around as Happy Hogan and as executive producer in Iron Man 3 and all The Avenger movies. It was time to move on to other endeavors with one taking him to the wild wild west............

References:

Swingers

The song that Justin Hammer dances to is "Pick Up The Pieces," by Average White Band. It was also played in Swingers during the Reservoirs Dog walk.

Made

Favreau is no stranger to boxing as seen in Made. In Iron Man 2, he gets to show more of his boxing skills with Tony and Black Widow.

Director Trademarks

Opening Credits: The only MCU movie to have opening credits.

Fatherhood: Iron Man 2 explores more of Tony's relationship with his dad, which as far as he can remember wasn't pretty. While watching some old footage it gives him some needed motivation.