Iron Man 2 (2010)

Iron Man 2 plays like a sequel that got drafted into a recruiting job, and you can feel the studio taking notes. Nick Fury coaxes Tony out of a giant donut for a pep talk, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow arrives with a whole other movie’s worth of setup, and Tony’s real problem, a chest reactor poisoning him, gets treated like a side quest. The birthday party brawl in the suits is the series’ low point. Mickey Rourke’s Vanko has electric whips and a pet bird he cares about more than the plot. Sam Rockwell’s Justin Hammer is the best thing here, a rival so desperate to be cool he dances like he just learned what dancing is. The Monaco racetrack attack is a legit great sequence. It made $623.9 million worldwide on a reported $170 million budget, and audiences handed it an A CinemaScore. A 5.2 because it’s a franchise memo with a few great scenes taped to the front. $58.89 says you try Sam Rockwell’s little dance in the kitchen and somebody walks in.

What works: Sam Rockwell’s needy Justin Hammer, the Monaco racetrack attack, and Don Cheadle stepping into Rhodey’s armor.

What doesn’t: It’s overstuffed with setup for other movies, the villain plot fizzles out, and the climax is another forgettable robot brawl.

Who it’s for: Marvel completists doing a rewatch in order, and Sam Rockwell fans who want to watch him steal a movie.