When the much-anticipated Iron Man 2 hit theaters in May of 2010 audiences found themselves watching a film filled with everything a good comic book movie needs: heroes, villains and awesome action sequences. There was something missing though, as the sequel, while a thoroughly enjoyable film, was not quite on the same level as the original Iron Man released in 2008.

The plot of Iron Man 2 focuses once again on Tony Stark and his life as the Marvel superhero Iron Man. This time around the fatal intoxication that Tony faces from the arc reactor in his chest, ironically the very thing keeping him alive, does heighten the drama and suspense of the film. The storyline focused around Rhodey, Tony's ever-present military companion and friend, and his good-intentioned surrender of the Iron Man armour to the U.S. military also adds a complexity to the plot and the relationship between the Iron Man and the newly created War Machine. Aside from these elements, not much is new for Tony in this sequel. He is again facing a foe who attempts to use the Iron Man armour against him, his complicated “will they or won't they” relationship with Pepper Potts and Nick Fury's intentions to recruit Tony into the recently renamed “Avenger” initiative. There are some new characters thrown into the mix including Natasha Rushman, a.k.a. Black Widow, as a new ally for Tony, and Ivan Vanko, as the nemesis of the film. Just as the viewer is expecting and anticipating, a series of events unfold that cause Tony to fight multiple battles with Ivan, placing not only his own life, but the lives of Pepper and Rhodey in jeopardy.

The casting of Iron Man 2 is perhaps why the film is somewhat lackluster. While Robert Downey Jr. is once again brilliant and entertaining as Tony Stark every moment he appears onscreen, the recasting of Don Cheadle to the role of Rhodey seems to have been a misstep. Cheadle doesn't have the same onscreen presence as his predecessor, Terrence Howard, nor the wit or comic timing necessary to fully bring Rhodey to life on screen. The other flaw in the casting is that director Jon Favreau had far too much screen time in the role of Happy taking him away from being able to actually direct the film. Some good casting choices were made though; Mickey Rourke does well as Ivan Vanko, Gwyneth Paltrow is excellent returning to the role of Pepper, and Samuel Jackson and Scarlet Johansson do wonders with Nick Fury and the Black Widow, respectively.

All things considered, Iron Man 2 was by no means a bad film. It is a good comic book adaptation with its fair share of impressive special effects and sexy girls in catsuits. There is just something unexplainably missing that leaves the film dwelling in the shadow of its predecessor. It's absolutely worth watching for any fan of Marvel comics or films, it just seems to be not quite what Nick Fury would have expected in a sequel.

Iron Man 2 will be shown for free on Tuesday, September 7 during the FSU's annual Blanket Drive-in movie. You are encouraged to bring your blankets, pillows and lawn chairs for the outdoor showing of this movie on the FSU's large outdoor screen in the SUB Courtyard, with free pizza for all following the film. In case of rain, this will be moved to Forwell Hall. Film starts at dusk (when the sun goes down).

2 1/2 of of 5 stars