The innovative and brilliant Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) reemerges in “Iron Man 2” as a spendthrift and ‘textbook narcissist’—as Scarlett Johansson’s character Natasha Romanoff notes. But despite the character flaw, Stark believes that his Iron Man technology is capable of creating world peace, therefore he persists in a battle on three fronts: protecting the suit, himself, and fighting off an iron-clad Mickey Rourke. Rourke plays Ivan Vanko, a Russian engineer whose father contributed to the success of Stark’s company. Angered by decades-long ill-acknowledgement of Vanko’s (Sr.) efforts, his son mimics Stark’s suit and uses its power against him. Simultaneously, Tony Stark’s company is losing momentum as his spontaneous and self-serving antics perpetuate fears regarding the productivity of the business. His behavior also warrants the US government to seek repossession of the Iron Man suit, arguing their case in publicized court proceedings. Between physical and emotional external factors, Stark faces fatal repercussions of being unable to healthfully energize his suit, and consequently himself. While seeking an undiscovered element to power the device, Stark battles his failing health, the vengeful Vanko, and uncooperative Senator Stern, who considers the device to be a threat to national security. With several plot lines, well-known actors, and vivid action scenes, the movie is chaotic but entertaining. While a third installment would be pushing it, the film overall was colorful and dynamic.
