IRON MAN 2(2010)

Iron Man 2 is the MCU's first major misstep. Interesting ideas are buried within convoluted worldbuilding, Cold War stereotypes, and glossy power fantasy for a passive, middle-of-the-road summer blockbuster.

Iron Man 2 is preoccupied with themes of legacy, as well as American capitalism, as reflected in the characters of Tony Stark and Ivan Vanko. Tony Stark is the embodiment of the military-industrial complex, while Vanko is the victim of American capitalism.

However, Iron Man 2 mishandles its legacy theme, failing to offer a coherent reading of whether Howard Stark is a mass murderer or a visionary hero. Hence, its thematic ambitions feel muddled and tonally deaf.

Iron Man 2 plays into Cold War Russian stereotypes with Vanko as a one-dimensional villain with vengeance. The film's problematic stance pits Tony Stark's sophisticated American capitalism against the Eastern "Other" descending into villainy without nuance.

This exoticization of Russian characters extends to Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), with her being subject to the misogynistic male gaze - sexualized and objectified. It's problematic and underscores depictions of Hollywood's problematic stance on femininity and foreignness.

Likewise, Iron Man 2 is steeped in military propaganda. The military, on receiving Tony Stark's suit, is framed as an act of patriotism, and the military is portrayed as a neutral yet necessary force for privatized power, sanitizing the military-industrial complex.

Tony's arc in Iron Man 2 is muddled with overstuffed plot threads and convenient resolutions. The film doubles down on the power fantasy, framing any form of regulation or accountability as an intrusion on it.

Likewise, Tony's flaws are ignored and conveniently redeemed, resulting in an unearned sense of growth. Overall, Iron Man 2 is a bloated mess, demonstrating the pitfalls of prioritizing a shared universe approach.

Technically, Iron Man 2 is competent yet average. The glossy yet sterilized lighting contributes to the film's synthetic and industrialized feel while lacking visual identity. The flashy yet uneven editing broadens the spectacle yet leaves little time for character moments and growth.

The bombastic, high-energy score blends rock and electronic motifs, remains flashy yet exhausting. Needledrops, explosions, and mechanical bass sounds contribute to a propulsive sound design filled with spectacle.

The sleek production design produces a high-tech world with visual extravagance. The cast brings fame and star power; however, they remain underused and minimally developed.

The visual effects convey heightened spectacle alongside functional suit, stylized action setpieces with stunts, gore; however, they remain excessive and draining. Overall, Iron Man 2 is technically competent and an average blockbuster.

Writing: 3/10

Direction: 6/10

Cinematography: 5/10

Acting: 6/10

Editing: 5/10

Score: 6/10

Sound: 7/10

Prod Design: 7/10

Casting: 6/10

Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 5.8/10