A gripping plot

Robert Downey Jr is back to reprise his role as Tony Stark, aka the heroic metal saviour, Ironman. Is the plot any good? Yes. Are the special effects worth the millions of dollars that were spent? Yes. Is the action gripping and thrilling? Yes. So, was I impressed with this movie ... not quite.

I know that to some people this may sound trivial but I have a huge objection to changing the casting of main characters during a series of movies. For some reason unbeknownst to me, the role of Lt Col James 'Rhodey' Rhodes, has been usurped from Terrence Howard and (shockingly) been handed over to Don Cheadle.

Not to take credit away from Cheadle's two-dimensional attempt at a leading role but the only thing stiffer than the metallic Ironman suit worn by Downey Jr was Cheadle's performance. Aside from that, I really liked this film!

So, to set the scene, the last instalment ended with Stark announcing to the world that he was Ironman (a huge 'no no' in the world of superheroes, and for good reason it would seem). Stark is now under pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military. However, since he is egocentric, cocky and eccentric (not to mention, endearing), he is unwilling to let go of his invention.

This wouldn't be a problem if the world was not facing a series of copycat inventors and arms dealers who are all determined to possess the power of the suit for themselves. Introducing Stark's rival Justin Hammer, a geeky little guy that you'll love to hate, who is so jealous of the invention and the accompanying fame - he enlists the help of a psychotic physicist to build his own suit.

Dangerous Russian Ivan Vanko (superbly played by Mickey Rourke), has a personal vendetta with the Stark family and creates the persona of Whiplash to wreak his vengeance. Rourke really does bring this character to life and certainly can be taken seriously as a bad guy.

Meanwhile, the Palladium that powers Stark's heart is slowly poisoning him and with no cure in sight, he is slowly losing his grip on his noble intentions. This works well and creates a beautiful paradox for the tortured hero, giving his egocentric persona a little more depth.

The only other problem I can point out begins during the second part of the film, when both Vanko and Ironman seem to disappear. Enter Stark's dark journey of hitting rock bottom and learning about his roots. Thankfully the introductions of several characters, including Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury, come at a time when the plot begins to drag and once again ignite the interest.

The film's drawing power obviously comes from Downey's performance which, in case I haven't mentioned, is fantastic. He's the kind of character that you love and hate at the same time, but ultimately you know his metal heart is in the right place.

SHOWING IN: Cineco, Seef I, Saar and Al Jazeera Cineplexes