The Impact of Iron Man 2: A Look at the Characters and Story
Iron Man 2 - A Talented Cast
Iron Man 2 had an impressive cast of characters led by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, the billionaire industrialist struggling with his double life as Iron Man. Joining him was Don Cheadle who replaced Terrence Howard, playing James Rhodes. Gwyneth Paltrow played Pepper Potts, Stark's assistant and friend who is also his romantic interest. Samuel L. Jackson stepped into his role as Nick Fury, head of Shield. Scarlett Johansson joined the cast as Black Widow along with other well known actors enjoying cameos.
A Thrilling Storyline
The story at the heart of Iron Man 2 was a captivating one, with a grand mix of superheroics, action and comedy. The sequel picks up where the first movie left off, with Tony Stark facing a public relations nightmare. At the same time, the government wants to obtain the Iron Man armor for use in the military. To make matters worse, Stark is also dealing with a rare form of a disease that is slowly killing him. This darker, more personal story arc was complemented by some thrilling set pieces; most notably Iron Man and War Machine teaming up to battle an army of heavily armed drones.
Iconic Characters
Iron Man 2 went a long way in expanding the MCU. The sequel introduced some new characters so important that future movies are still exploring their stories. Ivan Vanko, better known as Whiplash, became Tony Stark’s nemesis with a vivid backstory. Viewers were also introduced to the pieces needed to the create the supergroup The Avengers. Black Widow makes her debut in the movie. The movie also hints at the introduction of Falcon, though this is merely a tease until he is fully introduced in another movie.
A Fun-Filled Finale
The final battle of Iron Man 2 was an explosive affair with plenty of exceptional moments. The biggest draw of this highly entertaining sequence is the team-up between Iron Man, War Machine and S.H.I.E.L.D. as they take on Whiplash. Fans were treated to some funny, over-the-top moments as Iron Man and War Machine take on an army of drones while the acrobatic Black Widow gets a few creative kills. The action felt like a comic book come to life and it was an especially stellar action scene placed in the midst of a good superhero plot.
The Legacy of Iron Man 2
Iron Man 2 made for an enjoyable and memorable entry in the MCU. It featured a well-crafted, thrilling story that showcased an excellent choice of characters. Robert Downey Jr. was a great Tony Stark with plenty of memorable lines. Don Cheadle brought a presence to the War Machine character extending beyond that of simple comic relief. Gwyneth Paltrow and Samuel L. Jackson were great additions to the cast, while the movie also provided an excellent introduction to Black Widow. The action packed finale was a delightful finale to this solid superhero movie.