Iron Man 2, arguably one of the most anticipated movies of the summer, opens next week. And with its opening, the summer blockbuster season starts in earnest. And I was so excited, I took a relatively long trip to see this movie early.

And what a way to start off the movie season.

The first Iron Man movie, I think, came as a surprise to many movie fans. Yes, as a member of the Avengers, Iron Man is important in the Marvel Comics Universe, but usually takes a back seat to the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, the X-Men, and of course, Spider-Man.

But the first Iron Man movie was comic book perfection. Short of the Dark Knight and possibly Spider-Man 2, it may have been the best superhero movie ever, depending on who is making the argument. It took a relatively unknown character in Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of the self-loathing, narcissistic playboy billionaire Tony Stark, and brought the story t the masses. The introduction story was ideal in every way. And Stark's progression from a selfish genius to a superhero is unlike most we see in movies.

And taking that all into consideration, it is incredible that Iron Man 2 out duels its predecessor.

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