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The summer’s hottest movie finally hits the local movie scene today, April 30, days before it hits US shores. To say it is the most eagerly anticipated flick is perhaps the greatest understatement that can be made about Iron Man 2. Early predictions estimate that Iron Man 2 might rake in up to a gross of $150 million on its opening weekend. More so, it is believed it has the potential to break the current record by fellow Marvel-based movie, "The Dark Knight," which earned $157 million in its first three days alone.
Only time will tell if Iron Man 2 will shatter box office records, but it seems Filipino fans are already paving the way to a blockbuster. Many have spent up to Php 700 - double to triple the cost of a regular ticket - to secure seats to advanced screenings to be among the very first in the world to witness what happens next to Tony Stark.
An Iron Cast
Reprising his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man is Robert Downey, Jr. In an interview, Downey acknowledged how the film, and its prequel, has changed his life immensely. Touted as Marvel’s ambassador, the actor lends his charm and charisma to to the flawed yet loved protagonist of the film. This sensitivity and lack of perfection is also reflective of Downey’s off-camera battles with addiction. Downey was last seen in the film Sherlock Holmes earlier this year.
Gwyneth Paltrow comes back as Stark’s love interest and partner, Pepper Potts. Paltrow admits that making movies can be emotionally difficult for her because it keeps her away from her children, Apple and Moses. She declares her role as mother to the two young ones as her top priority, so she limits herself to only doing one film a year. She recently opted out of doing the film "The Danish Girl" with fellow big-name star Nicole Kidman.
Award-winner Scarlett Johanssen joins the cast as Natalia Romanova, a Soviet-trained agent who is described as one of the world’s greatest spies. As the Black Widow, she is the master of disguise.
Playing Starks nemesis,War Machine or Lt. Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes is Don Cheadle, who replaced Terrence Howard in the sequel.
The film also features Mickey Rourke as Ivan Vanko and his alter ego, Whiplash, Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Gary Shandling as Senator Stern, and John Slattery as Tony’s father Howard Stark. Also making a comeback to Iron Man 2 is Jon Favreau who reprises his role as Happy Hogan. Stan Lee and reporter Christiane Amanpour make cameos in the film as well.
Clad in Controversy
Terence Howard left the sequel because of contract issues. "[Marvel] didn't keep their word. They didn't honor our contract," he explained in an interview. But he has no ill-feelings towards his replacement, Don Cheadle. "I want him to do better than me. That's what I really want to see. Don Cheadle was the reason I got Crash, so I have a lot of love for him."
Samuel L. Jackson had second thoughts being cast as Nick Fury when Marvel refused to budge over Jackson's demands on his contract. "Maybe I won't be Nick Fury. Maybe somebody else will be Nick Fury or maybe Nick Fury won't be in it. There seems to be an economic crisis in the Marvel Comics world so [they're saying to me], 'We're not making that deal.'" But these kinks have been ironed out as Jackson inked deals for Iron Man 2 and eight more Marvel films
Controversies also surround Iron Belles, Paltrow and Johanssen. Tension between the two reportedly stemmed from the fact that Johanssen was featured in the film’s promotional posters, dressed in a a skin-tight cat suit no less, while Paltrow was nowhere to be found. The lack of love between the two was further pointed out by celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton who shared to his readers how, despite both being in attendance at the Los Angeles premiere of Iron Man 2, the two did not pose for photographs together.
The Sequel to Success
Iron Man 2 has big shoes to fill especially after the phenomenal success that it’s prequel made in 2008. Iron Man was the biggest surprise hit of the summer back then and it grossed over $ 500 million worldwide. Despite being the underdog (behind the better known adaptations of Marvel comic books Spider Man, X-Men, The Incredible Hulk and Fantastic Four), the breakout hit gave Paramount its second most successful comic book adaptation.
Filming began in April 2009 and took place in Edwards Air Force Base and in the 2009 Monaco Grand Prix. Production wrapped up in March of this year and is set for release on April 30 in the Philippines and the UK and on May 7 in the US and Canada.
Early reviews for Iron Man 2 are mixed, with some voicing disappointment about its ability to meet the expectations set by it’s predecessor. As Scott Mantz of Access Hollywood puts it, “It’s not that Iron Man 2 isn’t good. In fact, it’s good enough, but it falls short of its predecessor. Nonetheless, the movie does not fail to enthrall it’s audiences."
Iron Man 2 is produced Marvel Studios, Fairview Entertainment, and Wild West Picture Show Productions and is distributed by Paramount Pictures.
As a child, Ria Tirazona dreamed of breaking into show business. However, after auditioning for Batibot and failing miserably, she realized that even though she loved singing and dancing, they didn't love her back. She fulfilled her acting dreams, however, in a stage play in the now defunct Rizal Theater. She has since hung up her dressing room star and unleashes her inner artista by performing with her preschoolers during circle time and by writing about movie, television and entertainment in her blog, www.yapatoots.com.
Photo credit: Azrael Coladilla. Used with permission.
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