Iron Man 2 reviewed by Mark Kermode

[@adamthorntonillustration9281]

It's 2021 and, watching these old reviews, realised that Mark doesn't do his funny voices anymore. Pity. They always make me chuckle.

[@TruTrail]

He makes Gwenyth sound like Beaker from the Muppet Show.

[@bucksmusic]

I'm glad Sam Rockwell got a mention. He's fantastic in this, and adds immensely to every film he's in. Easy to see now of course that the many characters were all being setup for future films, which at the time of this film wasn't a certainty.

[@rayway82]

3:11 i love it when the good doctor does voices... :-)

[@evilmario6061]

I think this has got to be one of the most chaotic Kermode reviews ever and I am, as they say, here for it

[@Relugus]

They have avoided showing Stark's biggest enemy, "The Demon In A Bottle", that's the thing I really wanted to see almost as much as the Iron Man suit.

[@ixat00]

The two guys lolling in the background as Kermode is asked to "describe Jon Favreau" 2:50

[@Charmingman93]

SJOWJDOWIJ emememmemememememememe EEEH I'M EVAL RUSHKIE!!! xD I hope he continues those impressions!

[@DanzNewz]

Mark... I respect you greatly as a film critic and I find you thoroughly entertaining... although, I hardly ever agree with you :P... but, you have to understand... the movie is based on a comic book... which contains a fair amount of action... not to say that that's all there is to it... but, there is bound to be action.... and when there is action... it's very much warranted by the plot... quit complaining about it! :D

[@bert7151]

Danz… The ellipses… are immense… (Sorry, callous of me to poke fun at a decade old comment, haha.)

[@antona.1327]

I know this is a ten-year-old comment, but I don't think "it's a movie based on a comic-book" excuse works for Iron Man 2 when considering that: A) It doesn't follow the comics at any level other than surface. B) The actual comics which inspired its story, the 1960s issues of Tales of Suspense and 1979s Demon in a Bottle, were way more dramatic and character-driven as stories than this movie. For example, Anton Vanko, who in this movie appears barely for a minute just to die and motivate his son, in the comics was actually an interesting character. He, through lies and deception of his government, was convinced that Tony Stark was evil. So he was sent by the USSR to kill him. But then right in the middle of their battle, Iron Man showed him a proof that his government merely uses him as a tool and they will get rid of him once he succeeds in his mission. Which makes Vanko denounce his loyalty to the USSR and instead align with Stark. They become friends. Which doesn't last for long, because USSR then sends two spies (one of whom was Black Widow) to kill them both, and which ultimately ends with Stark's newly-found friend sacrificing himself to save Stark. What's interesting about this particular story is that it was written in 1960s, when Cold War was at its full speed, and yet it had very progressive and three-dimensional view on the animosity between rivaling Superpowers. Iron Man 2 on the other hand felt way more sluggish and outdated with its "russkie plohoy paren" narrative. Not to mention how it screwed up the whole "Stark is dying and now he turns into a drunk to hide it" thing from the comics too.

[@MrBurgundy76]

JEFF BRIDGES

[@Colin_Logan]

Looks Like Ken foree from dawn of the dead in the background

[@soundslave]

Has anyone seen 'The Expendables'? Mickey Rourke looks identical in that film as he does in this film (long hair with grey highlights, beard, glasses, tatoos). Me thinks he made that film at the same time as Iron Man 2.

[@paulklein8048]

JEFF BRIDGES!

[@tdp1909]

I just saw it & Kermode is right - it's a good film, but nothing too stretching. It also hangs together well for a sequel and *gasp* even has a decent, non-pretentious plot!

[@BradRapstars]

@joub007 Actually no, that was the first one, and it wasn't being worked on earlier. What Vanko worked on was a prototype of the arc reactor. The reactor just happens to also be what powers the suit.

[@insignia0]

how many of you guys stayed after the credits for that 20 second clip which sort of teases you about the avengers? oh and i thought it was a good film really enjoyable

[@insignia0]

@agolosha his father was involved because he helped build the arc reactor which tony uses to base his thingy he puts in his chest damn i forgot the name.

[@Gyropitus]

No mention of Sam Rockwell?

[@randomguy634]

Anarcho-hair LOL

[@YG-qg1hs]

No mention of War Machine

[@wanderingintheabyss]

Well, at the base this is a comic book movie, so there needs to be the hardware and action. And Spiderman did introduce characters in a poor manner, but this movie at least is doing it with purpose. They're shooting to have an Avengers movie out in 2012, so at least it gets chaotic with reason. But I haven't seen it yet, so I couldn't really say :(

[@InvisibleDiary]

If it wasn't such an Avengers promo, it would have been nearly as good as the first.

[@TheConciseStatement]

As soon as I saw the trailer, I was feeling the Spider-Man 3 allusions and Too Many Cooks syndrome coming on as well. I'm approaching this with caution.

[@JustJohn85]

So looking forward to this film ging to see it soon for sure.

[@ShreeNation]

Only redeeming quality about this film is Sam Rockwell.

[@Mrster]

heblbbhebhebhh mimimimiimim *gasp* JEFF BRIDGES! HEBLBLEBLLBLB MIMIMIMIM RAAAAAAAAWR!

[@chrishiggins7166]

The film’s writing & acting from Mickey Rourke is poor & irritating, however the film’s still A well directed, stylish, effective, well scored & A welcoming entry into the series. (72%) (3.5/5 stars) (positive)

[@darklorddysart]

@DanzNewzMachinima haha completely agree here, i am a major fan of marvel and i personally belive that iron man and hulk (ed norton) have finally go it right. shame that if mark dosnt like the character pile up hes definitly gonna hate avengers

[@wdm2112]

This was exactly what I expected. So I will like it a well enough.

[@joub007]

@agolosha that's a good question. but you got something wrong. the one that he built insde the cave was not th e1st one. he allready was working on the ironman project. but you are right asking because he is father or stark inds never worked on that project.

[@TheHappydead]

@Silverwire100 your absolutely right

[@ruari76]

Axeman3d summarises it perfectly, so I won't!

[@Carfer22]

@Motosuna1982 Its a fantastic summation, isn't it.

[@90mv]

final fight scene was too short again sigh

[@Mrgoodtimelove]

First time I ever heard the law of diminishing returns applied to a movie review. lol. Only kermode.

[@dilmao]

That's the most mocking endorsement I have heard this week, certainly.

[@Jcolinsol]

Mark throws around the term "Anarcho-" so much I wonder if he is an Anarcho-film critic.

[@TheHappydead]

it was good ....didnt quite deliver on the amazing adverts for the movie... but it was good. Downey jnrs great , nick furys in it a bit more. Its just a bit too jokey for my liking . you get to see captain americas shield and also thors hammer which was sweeeeeeeeeeet. but yeah a bit to 'funny' for my liking which is probably good for movie fans but not so much for fans of the comic book

[@axeman3d]

You cant go to watch Iron Man and then whinge that it turns into a hardware movie. I dont watch porn for the complex plot and scintillating dialogue, dont go to blockbuster 'hardware' movies expecting Merchant Ivory nonsense.

[@Dagrond]

"Didn't I explain and set it up ... ?" LOL You really should stop picking on him like that Mayo. Rather I would have gone after the 'Anarcho' hair comment - which the Doc seems to have won the battle with himself. As he obviously speaks from authority, it could have been an interesting diversion.

[@gunsmithbasic]

the writing in Iron Man 2 was completely gutless and confusing. What a turd

[@Doomer253]

WTF is this guy talking about, hardware movie? Of course! it's about a guy in a walking F-22, what more does he want it has good actors, a good director, solid dialogue etc.. this ain't Painted Veil it's fucking Ironman. Kermode is full of himself

[@AcheKah]

yay

[@Surffzenmaster]

Not a absolutely terrible movie, but pretty bad

[@qloudz]

@sisko45 i was just wondering the same thing.

[@robjames11jimbo]

film was half assed and had way to many story lines that never pay off at all. for as good as part 1 this is this one is that bad. terrible.

[@interneti]

The movie was bare shit. Do not see it. If you were disappointed by Indiana Jones 4 and the Matrix sequels, expect more of the same from this trash. Watch on DVD. As hard as it for me to say, watch something else!

[@ra83clement]

I liked the first film had a little more heart in it. Second was complete shite

[@Clay3613]

You mean Iron Man 3?

[@weejockpoopongmcplop]

Does Gwnyeth Paltrow's character actually sound like Beaker from the Muppets?