Robert Downey Jr back with a vengeance

Iron man 2
Cast Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson
Director Jon Favreau
rating PG13

Iron Man was first seen as a Marvel Comics character in Tales of Suspense in April 1963. People of all ages related to the human side of this superhero's character, said executive producer Stan Lee. But more fan mail came from women.

Till now, more than 600 issues of Iron Man titles have been printed. He was so popular that eventually he had to leap ontothe big screen, and this happened in May 2008. The movie wasa big hit. Now the billionaire industrialist Tony Stark, akaIron Man, is back in theatres in Iron Man 2.

The movie reunites Robert Downey Jr with director Jon Favreau. They are joined by Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson.

With his identity unmasked, everyone knows who Iron Man is, but Stark intends to continue to help anyone in trouble.

The American government meanwhile wants to get hold of Stark's suit as it is a revolutionary weapon, a weapon that could be used for mass destruction. At the same time someone from his past creates another devastating weapon based on Stark's technology, posing a threat to the superhero.

Unable to control the situation on his own, Stark summons his well-wishers to help him.

Favreau admits that staying true to the Marvel character and to what audiences liked about the first movie was a big challenge. At the same time, fans would also want to see the bar raised.

A big fan of Iron Man, Justin Theroux, was selected to write the screenplay. He had co-written the script for Tropic Thunder which turned out to be a big hit and Downey Jr wanted Theroux to tap into that experience.

The movie begins six months after Stark reveals who he is. He is always in the spotlight and feeling emotionally insecure, but people love the eccentric billionaire as the world is peaceful because of him.

Paltrow again plays ‘Virginia' Pepper Potts, but now she is the CEO of Stark Industries running the day-to-day routine while Stark is in his workshop building new suits. It is at this time that Natalie (Johansson) joins Stark as his new assistant.'