Since I'm not one for comic book movies, and I didn't even like the first Iron Man movie, you can guess why I saw the sequel. I was dragged to the movie theaters - but believe it or not, by a girl! Yes, you'd think I'd endure more of the Robert Downey Jr. franchise for sake of a boyfriend, but my friend picked it during one of our evenings out. I think she liked the too-cool-for-school attitude of the stereotypical poor little rich guy.

In exchange for an origin story (or lack of real story at all) the sequel has an all-star supporting cast to keep you entertained. Gwyneth Paltrow keeps her job as the overworked assistant, but unfortunately she's not supposed to be the eye candy. Poor Gwyneth! Scarlett Johansson joins in on the fun in her red hair and black leather bodysuit, soaring to the top of every guy's crush list. Don Cheadle (replacing Terrence Howard from the first movie) and Samuel L. Jackson are on the good guy list, and Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell head up the bad guy list. Big surprise, right?

Obviously, I'm not this franchise's biggest fan. But don't hold my recommendation against it. It has incredible special effects, and nearly everyone else liked it. I just don't like comic book movies.