Iron Man 2 Review

Why It's Worth Seeing: Iron Man is back and this time he brought some friends with him. The first film was a huge success with both fans and critics. Knowing this, the filmmakers did not change the formula too much, just added to it (this is not new Coke, it's Coke Classic in a bigger bottle). Tony Stark has come out to the public as being the man behind the suit. I find this refreshing compared to the typical "secret identity superhero scenario" we normally see. The U.S. military wants Tony Stark to give them the secrets behind the Iron Man technology, but Mr. Stark thinks this could only lead to inappropriate use. Meanwhile, in Moscow Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), the son of a scientist who worked with Tony Stark's dad is hard at work harnessing similar technology to use against Iron Man. Besides some spectacular action scenes the film is filled with perfectly written characters and witty dialogue. Sam Rockwell in particular shines as Justin Hammer who is working for the Defense Department. I must also note that Gary Shandling shined in his small role as Senator Stern (I'm a closet Shandling fan). Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson both pop up as characters that the comic book fans will enjoy even more than the casual fan.

Why It's Not: To be honest the movie does very little wrong. The only knock against it would be that the story and characters do not feel as fresh as they did the first time around. They did not take too many risks with pushing the Iron Man story-arc in a new direction.

Verdict: The summer movie season gets off to a fantastic start. This is a pitch-perfect summer blockbuster that mixes high octane action with fun, well written dialogue.

Rythemovieguy's Grade: B+

If this movie had parents they would be: Iron Man & Rocky IV

The Ghost Writer

Why It's Worth Seeing: Roman Polanski directs a political thriller starring Pierce Brosnan and Ewan McGregor. Early on in the film I thought this might be one of those plot lines that is difficult to follow, but in the hands of Polanski the story flows effortlessly onto the screen. McGregor plays a ghost writer hired to finish the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister (Brosnan). Shortly after taking the job, the Prime Minister finds himself under investigation for war crimes. As the ghost writer digs up facts about the Prime Minister, he uncovers secrets that are extremely classified, with indications of a major conspiracy. Suspense builds as the ghost writer now finds his life in danger.

Why It's Not: You might not want to support Polanski considering his bouts with the law.

Verdict: This is a near perfect thriller that gives off a "Hitchcock" kind of vibe. It has a smart storyline, it is suspensful, and the acting is spot on. I am a big fan and believe you will be too!!!

Rythemovieguy's Grade: A-

If this movie had parents: Secret Window & All The President's Men

The Last Station

Why It's Worth Seeing: An extremely strong cast headed by Christopher Plummer as the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. Playing his confidant Vladimir Chertkov is the always reliable Paul Giamatti while Helen Mirren gives a spectacular performance as Tolstoy's wife Sofya. Plus we have James McAvoy playing Valentin Bulgakov, an admirer of Tolstoy sent to observe the relationship between the author and his wife. The strong cast is complimented by a strong story. It takes place in Tolstoy's later years, much after he has written Anna Karenina and War and Peace. There is a struggle between Tolstoy's confidant and his wife as to who should have the rights to his published works after his death. Meanwhile the Tolstoy movement is in full swing, yet Tolstoy's relationship with his wife of 48 years challenges the beliefs of the movement while giving us an understanding of what love is all about.

Why It's Not: All the actors are speaking English with an English accent, yet they are suppose to be playing Russians.

Verdict: This is an interesting and entertaining look at one of the world's greatest authors. The story is multilayer and filled with complex characters. It is a movie that gave me something to chew about.........and that is refreshing!

Rythemovieguy's Grade: B+

If this movie had parents: Shakespeare In Love & Doctor Zhivago

Shutter Island

Why It's Worth Watching: Leonardo DiCaprio teams up with Martin Scorsese for the fourth time and they do not disappoint. Ben Kingsley also pours in a fine performance as a doctor to the criminally insane housed on Shutter Island. Like many psychological thrillers, the plot will keep you guessing until the final few scenes. However what is different about Shutter Island and what I believe makes it standout, is that the revelation at the end is not the ultimate payoff. Instead, the revelation helps us relate to an already mysterious and tragic character.

Why It's Not: How many more movies can we see in a mental hospital. While the film supplies a couple of creepy moments, I would have liked to been scared a bit more.

The Verdict: You should not go in thinking this is some M. Night Shyamalan guess what is going to happen kind of film.....because it is not. The revelation at the end is a haunting understanding of the character being studied.

Rythemovieguy's Grade: B+

If This Movie Had Parents: One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest & The Game