DVD review: Iron Man 2 ****

Iron Man 2  ****
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke
Director: Jon Favreau
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 125 minutes
Action/adventure/sci-fi

Picking up where the original movie left off, the world now knows about billionaire inventor Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) double life as armoured hero Iron Man.

The government is heaping pressure on him to share his technology with the military and a dangerous new foe emerges in the form of Russian techno-genius Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), who dons an elaborate exoskeleton complete with electrified bullwhips to exact revenge on the Stark family for mysterious reasons of his own.

He soon teams up with Stark’s archrival Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) to destroy Iron Man.

Aside from the spectacular fight scenes, excellent huge set pieces and flawless stunt work, the main reason to see this movie is Robert Downey Jr.

The effortlessly charismatic and captivating star commands the screen, flitting easily between flamboyant businessman and all-action fighting machine.

The special effects are as impressive as the original, with the CGI blends seamlessly into the live action.

Fans of the first movie will love it although it isn’t any better.

Watch if you liked: Iron Man, The Dark Knight.