The world knows Stark is Iron Man and the government don't like it and want to take control. Howard Stark's ex partner's son and scientist in his own right (Rourke) wants revenge for his father being left out and Stark's competitor Hammer (Rockwell) recruits Rourke. Meanwhile Stark is dying - his heart gadget won't last and he starts behaving like a idiot accordingly much to the annoyance of love to be Paltrow. Scarlet Johansson puts in her first appearance as Black Widow.

This is the synopsis and indeed it is overly complex and baggy compared to the wonderful simplicity of the first one. That said Downey Jr's performance and humour plus some good set pieces still make this a lot of fun. It is though the weakest of the 3 Iron Man films.