Like Transformers 2. Bigger budget, more big names, more special effects. Less of a coherent story to make it all work.

Shoehorn Scarlett Johansson into the plot like they shoehorned her into a leather suit. Not because it makes sense to the movie. Just because it makes sense to the 18-35male demographic. Figuring out how to use her in the movie appeared to be an after though.

If you go in expecting to be disappointed that it doesn't re-capture that feeling you got from the first Ironman you should not be too disappointed as it will meet your expectations. Just go in expecting to see more special effects and try hard to ignore the seemingly thrown together scenes and rambling dialog.

I think Mikey Rourke gets the award for worst casting here by far. As a bad guy he was utterly boring! He seemed to be phoning it in most scenes. Only showing up at the set to collect his paycheck. This movie could have been much better with a more inspiring bad guy. Just about anyone would have been better than Rourke IMHO.