Sex and the City 2 Review

It’s been two years since the first SATC movie and even though the sequel - Sex and the City 2 - is a welcome return of the four fabulous women we have come to know and love, I have to question, was it really necessary? New York, aka the “fifth character,” takes a back seat this time around. Why they decided to go that route, I do not know.

Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) is fretting that Big (Chris Noth) wants to snuggle on their expensive couch instead of hitting the town. Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) has a boss from hell who gives her the hand every time she speaks. Samantha (Kim Cattrall) is desperately trying to beat menopause, and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) is going crazy from the sound of her kids' squawking, though, in true form, she'd never admit it. So they escape to Abu Dhabi (stand-in: Morocco), at the invitation of a sheik who wants Samantha to rep. his hotel and make it seem attractive to Americans. How could it not be? It's stunning!

However, once the ladies arrive things aren’t as la-dee-dah as they first seem. As if she can't help it, Carrie kicks up some trouble for herself after finding Aidan (John Corbett), now a married dad of three. And the drama that develops is so been-there, done-that. You kind of have to wonder if she has an emotional imbalance that keeps her perpetually dissatisfied with her life. Things fare better for Charlotte and Miranda, who bond over motherhood in the way most do - through cocktails of course. And it's not surprising that Samantha eventually creates a culture clash (Oh, hadn't you heard? Abu Dhabi doesn't take kindly to public displays of affection.) that leads to one of the dumbest conflict resolutions ever caught on film.

The girls still have hot bods, the clothes and scenery are sublimely sparkly, but that’s it. It’s almost like they reverted back to the first season where everything was all on the surface, shallow and kind of dull. Sure there are a few jokes that definitely make you laugh, and I ‘was’ entertained, but I didn’t feel the tender emotion that the first film had so much of – it didn’t have that deep soulfulness I was hoping for. All this movie gave us this time around was glam-fluff, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I was just hoping for a deeper connection. Intead it was over the top and flat. It wasn’t horrible but it definitely wasn’t great. If you’re a fan of the series and loved the first film, I’d wait to rent this one.

RATING: C-

What did you think?

Life as We Know Trailer

Source: Yahoo

Wow, there sure are a bunch of new trailers this week! I guess the studios really want to show something in front of Sex and the City 2 which comes out today - can’t wait to see it! Anyway, Warner Brothers has released the trailer for their charming new comedy called Life as We Know It starring - Josh Duhamel and Katherine Heigl. I’m not a fan of Hiegl one bit. Knowing she was in this movie made me want to dismiss it right away. However, I'm glad I didn't. The trailer starts out super cheesy, but soon gets emotional and fun and becomes very entertaining by the end. It actually looks like it could be pretty cute, even 'if ' Heigl is in it. I'm looking forward to seeing this in the fall, it might be one of those surprise gems - check it out!

Life as We Know It was directed by TV writer/producer Greg Berlanti, who was originally going to direct Green Lantern, but ended up taking on this project. His previous work includes "Everwood", "Dirty Sexy Money", "Eli Stone", and "Brothers & Sisters" and he directed a 2000 film called The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy. The screenplay was co-written by Ian Deitchman (Border Line) and newcomer Kristin Rusk Robinson. Warner Brothers is bringing Life as We Know It to theaters on Matt Damon's birthday, October 8th.

Look good?

The Last Exorcism Trailer

Source: Yahoo

Holy Hell this looks super-duper creepy! Lionsgate has debuted the official trailer for The Last Exorcism, previously known as Cotton. This film was shot like a documentary, kind of like Paranormal Activity (great movie btw). The story is about an evangelical minister's last exorcism, which definitely ups the creep factor. The style of the movie seems pretty cool, but I'm wondering if it will be received well by audiences. The last couple of exorcism movies have been pretty lame. This definitely looks like it could be scary though, even for someone like me who loves scary movies. I'd say if you're a fan of horror films and/or love exorcisms (because who doesn't?) then check out this creepy trailer.

The Last Exorcism was produced by Eli Roth, directed by Daniel Stamm and co-written by Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland, who together wrote & directed the 2004 comedy Mail Order Wife. This stars Patrick Fabian, Iris Bahr, Louis Herthum, Ashley Bell, Tony Bentley, Caleb Jones, Shanna Forrestall, Allen Boudreaux, Logan Craig Reid and Jamie Alyson Caudle. This film was shot on location very quietly down in Lousiana and it definitely looks like it'll scare the crap out of a lot of people, so bring an extra pair of shorts. Lionsgate is bringing The Last Exorcism to theaters everywhere on August 27th.

Will you be seeing this in theaters?

Going the Distance Trailer

Source: MSN

New Line Cinema has debuted the official trailer for Going the Distance, the long-distance relationship romantic comedy starring on again, off again real-life couple Justin Long and Drew Barrymore, over on MSN. This movie is a big debut for both the writer and director and was hailed as one of the most realistic scripts dealing with long-distance relationships. I think this movie looks pretty cute, light and funny. I'm definitely interested, which is saying a lot since I'm not a Barryomore fan. I love that Jason Sudeikis is in it too - he's one of my favorites on SNL. Enjoy!

A look at the trials and tribulations of a long-distance relationship.

Going the Distance is directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Nanette Burstein, who previously directed the hit documentaries On the Ropes, The Kid Stays in the Picture and American Teen, and is making her feature directing debut with this movie. The screenplay was written by first-time screenwriter Geoff LaTulippe. New Line is bringing this movie to theaters everywhere on August 27th.

Look like something you'll catch in theaters?

Summer Blockbuster *HOTTIES* of 2010

Yep, summer is a great time for movies indeed. Not only do we have great movies coming out this season, but we also have a hell of a lot of delicious eye candy to feast our eyes upon. I started this blog post last year and decided to make it an annual thing - click here for last years Summer Blockbuster *HOTTIES*. In the world of Hollywood or as I like to call it, “wonderland,” everything is glamorous, glitzy and beautiful 24/7. And the movie stars are no different. Below you will see a list of my top 10 lip-smackin' Man-candy & Mouth-watering Bombshells who will no doubt sizzle up the silver screens this summer. Enjoy!




*Lip-smackin' Man-candy*

Robert Downey Jr.

We definitely have Ironman to thank for putting this gorgeous man back on top again, and we're very grateful. With a smile like his, this charming, muscle bound stud is back for good and ready for some A-list action. If you haven't seen it already, be sure to check him out in Iron Man 2! Great movie.

Next Up: Due Date (11/5/10)
Where he plays a high-strung father-to-be who is forced to hitch a ride with aspiring actor on a road trip to make sure he's back on time for his child's birth.

Leonardo DiCaprio
He has this kind of charismatic and super sultry way about himself that one can't quantify or analyze. It has to do with a sincerity and a clarity that makes you see something good in him, and to me that's incredibly sexy. He’s this extremely talented, 6’ tall beautiful man. Three words: DE-LIC-IOUS! Be sure to catch this actor, if you can, in Inception, which comes out July 16th. Click here for the trailer.

Next Up: Prisoners (2011)
He will play a Boston man who kidnaps the person he suspects is behind the disappearance of his young daughter and her best friend.

Josh Brolin
I’m sure if you were to look his name up in the dictionary you would read: Tall, dark and incredibly handsome. There’s no doubt about it folks, his wife, Diane Lang is one lucky lady. This star has talent to back up his devastatingly good looks and incredible sex appeal. Be sure to check him out in Jonah Hex on June 18th, and again in September in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. Click here if you want to view the the trailer.

Next Up: True Grit (12/25/10)
It's a story about a tough U.S. Marshal who helps a stubborn young woman track down her father's murderer.

James Franco
What can be said about this guy other than he's incredibly intelligent, talented, scorchingly sexy, charming, witty, funny and all around gorgeous? Nothing, I guess. Be sure to catch him in Eat Pray Love on August 13th.

Next Up: Your Highness (2011)
James will play an arrogant and lazy prince in a fantasy movie where his more heroic brother must complete a quest in order to save their father's kingdom.

Matt Damon

He is so delish, if I was his wife, I'd be preggers all the time. J/K, but seriously. With a smile that can easily make your legs shake and a solid hard body like his, it's no wonder this down to Earth, gorgeous talent has women all over screaming his name for more. Be sure to catch him in The Adjustment Bureau which hits theaters September 17th. Click here to watch the trailer.

Next Up: True Grit (12/25/10)
He will play a tough U.S. Marshal who helps a stubborn young woman track down her father's murderer.

*Mouth-watering Bombshells*

Ashley Greene
I don’t think there’s a single man (or woman for that matter) who wouldn’t mind sinking their teeth into this Twilight starlet. She’s young and devastatingly beautiful, sweet and seemingly innocent and even though she received her fame via The Twilight Saga, with lips like hers and mouth dropping "assets," we’ll gladly forgive her. I’d say be sure to catch her in Eclipse, June 30th (barf puke vomit), but I’m not going to.

Next Up: The Apparition
This is a story about a young couple who are haunted by a supernatural presence that is unleashed during a college experiment.




Angelina Jolie
As a rule, I would say most men want to date her while most women want to be her (if only for Brad Pitt). This bombshell exudes confidence and strength. With her vivacious sex appeal, those full pouty lips, that husky voice, not to mention her wild side, it’s no wonder people all over are drawn to her. Don't miss her in Salt out July 23rd. Click here to watch the trailer.

Next Up: The Tourist (2/16/11)
The story revolves around Frank, an American tourist visiting Italy to mend a broken heart. Elise is an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path.





Jessica Alba
This stunning beauty is so hot even she's annoyed. I’m sure it must be difficult to be taken seriously in Hollywood with a curvaceous body like hers, but don't worry, I’m sure she’ll be fine. If you ask me, this gorgeous vixen can pull off any look and get away with it. Have you seen Sin City? This sex pot moves like liquid! Be sure to catch her in The Killer Inside Me out June 8th and later this summer in Machete. Click here to watch the trailer.

Next Up: An Invisible Sign of My Own (2010)
She will play a 20-year-old loner who, as a child, turned to math for salvation after her father became ill. As an adult, Mona now teaches the subject and must help her students through their own crises.





Scarlett Johansson
What's not to love about this young, charming lady? She's this sweet girl-next-door type who isn't afraid to vamp it up HOT on the red carpet. This strikingly beautiful bombshell has it all - a gorgeous husband, a good career, curves for days, a sexy husky voice and full lip-smackin' scarlet red lips that just won't quit. If you haven't seen Iron Man 2 go see it immediately if not sooner!

Next Up: The Avengers (2012)

Megan Fox
This mouth watering bombshell oozes sex appeal, whether she’s getting gas at the gas station or sexing it up on the red carpet. We've always known that she's a hit with the men-folk, but I was surprised at how quickly she has made an impact on women - they consider her to have one of the most coveted celebrity bodies around. She's almost too hot. Like they need to come up with another word to describe how steamy-hot this sexy dame really is. This is her 2nd time on this list I might add. Don't miss here in Jonah Hex, out June 18th. Click here for the trailer.

Next Up: Transformers 3 (2011)
Although there have been rumors she may not be returning for the 3rd installment. Stay tuned!

Who are some of your favorite Summer
Blockbuster Hotties of 2010?...

New Promo for Nazi Sci-Fi Film Iron Sky

Source: Quiet Earth

In 1945 The Nazis Went To The Moon.
In 2018 They Are Coming Back.

Yes, that is the actual tagline for this crazy new sci-fi film from Finland, of all places, called Iron Sky. You've probably heard about it before, as I blogged about it last year: Nazi's on the moon. This early teaser/trailer comes to us from friends over at Quiet Earth, and I must say it definitely looks interesting and unique and that's exactly why I wanted to feature it today. Enjoy!

The Nazis set up a secret base on the moon in 1945 where they hide out and plan a return to power in 2018.

Iron Sky is directed by Finnish filmmaker Timo Vuorensola, of only Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning, and who is also the lead singer in Finnish black metal band Älymystö. The screenplay for this was written by Johanna Sinisalo and is based on a story by Antti Hukkanen & Jarmo Puskala. This is apparently shooting in Finland as we speak, so expect to hear a bit more later in the year. This doesn't have a US distributor yet, but will let you know when it picks one up.

Anyone interested?

First Look: Tarsem Singh's 'Immortals' Epic with Henry Cavill

Source: IAmRogue

The gods have returned! which makes me very happy. I am such a HUGE fan of Greek mythology and even though the latest Clash of the Titans was a failure, I still look forward to other Greek god epics. This project titled, Immortals is directed by Tarsem Singh known for The Cell (which artistically I loved!) and The Fall. Originally titled War of the Gods, this stars Henry Cavill as Theseus. I mention him specifically because anyone who knows me knows I'm his biggest fan. I have been waiting for a breakthrough role for him for some time now and I think this could be the one. Tarsem has also been recording video blogs that you can check out right here.

Immortals is a story of a warrior prince Theseus who leads men into battle against imprisoned titans in order to save mankind.

This is going to be a $100 million epic that will be converted to 3D in post-production (rolls eyes) and set for release by Universal late next year, 2011. Also starring in this is Mickey Rourke as villain King Hyperionis Freida Pinto as Phaedra, Stephen Dorff as Stavros, Kellan Lutz as Poseidon, Luke Evans as Zeus, John Hurt as Old Zeus and Isabel Lucas as Athena. "The Gods are like superheroes in the film," Tarsem explains. "So they can kind of do what Batman does — not like Superman — so you can jump from a high things and not get hurt by landing down but he can't fly up." I'm definitely interested in this film and look forward to seeing more from it in the future, however I am annoyed they are making this film 3D in post production no less. Did we not learn anything from the latest Clash of the Titans ?!

Sound interesting?

Robin Hood Review

Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott join forces once again to re-image the tale of Robin Hood - an origin story echoing their first collaboration, Gladiator. Only, it's not as convincing a display this time around. Scott delivers on spectacle, but our hero is more of a Mr. Nice Guy than the determined Maximus Meridius. He lacks real purpose and the film ends up being a jolly ramble through medieval times. I didn’t really feel it was a movie about about Robin Hood per se, but rather about Englishmen and their battles. I mean if you go into Robin Hood not knowing the title and if you don't pay close attention to a couple of the characters' names it's possible to not even realize this is a Robin Hood movie. It wasn’t nearly as good as Kevin Costner's Prince Of Thieves, but it was a good effort I suppose. It was definitely more raw and gritty than any other Robin Hood movies I’ve seen before.

We see the legend born on muddy battlefields as King Richard the Lionheart leads his men back to England after Crusading across the Holy Land. However, after the King is slain during battle, Robin set’s out on his own. On his path, to who knows where, he meet a dying man, Robert Locksely, and it’s here where Robin Hood vows to bring the man’s sward back to his father in Nottingham. Once there, he agrees to help the impoverished community while agreeing to pretend to be married to Locksley's widow Marion (Cate Blanchett). Meanwhile, France is planning a sneak attack invasion on England, masterminded by Godfrey (Mark Strong), a friend of England's newly-crowned King John (Oscar Isaac) who is in fact working for France's King Phillip.

While there are many expectations involved with any Robin Hood movie, Ridley Scott probably wasn't setting out to retell stories we've already seen or heard before, instead he created the groundwork for a version of the story based in the reality of those times. Like I said, it was a good effort, and I was entertained, but I feel as a whole, the movie fell short. It tried to be too many things - an epic action film, a romantic tale, a complex analysis of father/son relationships, a political drama etc. However, it doesn't fall completely flat thanks in most part to the amazing talent and strength of Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett.

RATING: C+

What did you think?

Happy Birthday Cate!

Someone asked the me the other day who my favorite actress is. I've always had my favorite actors in mind, no problem, but when asked that question I had to think for a second, just because they are always changing - Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet. And even though those ladies are amazing at their craft, I have to put them second to Cate Blanchett. I just love this classy lady. She's extremely versatile as an actress who embodies humility, strength and confidence. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Aviator and Elizabeth - she really should have won Best Actress for that role in 1998 - are just a few of my favorite films she's in. And I look forward to seeing her in Robin Hood this weekend. She seems like a very lovely and grounded woman and I'm excited to see what else is in store for her in the near future.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATE!

We love you!

What are some of your favorite Cate films?

The Adjustment Bureau Trailer

Source: Yahoo

Universal has finally released a trailer for George Nolfi's The Adjustment Bureau starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt over on Yahoo. This supernatural-ish romantic drama is based on another one of Philip K. Dick short stories. I think this movie could be really, really good. From what I've seen it looks fantastic! Maybe it's just because I'm a sucker for these modern day sci-fi stories or the fact that I LOVE Matt Damon and will pretty much see anything he's in.


An affair between a politician and a ballerina is affected by "mysterious forces" keeping the lovers apart.

The Adjustment Bureau is directed by first-time director George Nolfi's , who is best known as a screenwriter who wrote the screenplays for Timeline, Ocean's Twelve, The Sentinel, and The Bourne Ultimatum. Nolfi also wrote the script for this film, which is based on the Philip K. Dick short story "Adjustment Team" (you can read more about here). This was supposed to be released this July, but Universal has rescheduled The Adjustment Bureau to hit theaters on September 17, 2010.

I will definitely will be seeing this! You?

**2010 MTV Movie Awards**

Ah yes, another year has gone by, which means another award show is yet to come. On June 6th the MTV Movie Awards will announce the big winners. This award show has always been a very casual night filled with fun, ridiculous silliness with over the top performances. Needless to say, MTV is always looking to push the envelope that much further. Below you will see a list of the all the nominees.

Pink = I think should win

Yellow = I think will most likely win

Best Movie Nominees:
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Avatar (2009)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
The Hangover (2009)
New Moon (2009)

Best Male Performance Nominees:
Zac Efron for 17 Again (2009)
Taylor Lautner for New Moon (2009)
Robert Pattinson for New Moon (2009)
Daniel Radcliffe for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Channing Tatum for Dear John (2010/I)

Best Female Performance Nominees:
Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side (2009)
Zoe Saldana for Avatar (2009)
Amanda Seyfried for Dear John (2010/I)
Kristen Stewart for New Moon (2009)
Emma Watson for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

Best Breakout Star Nominees:
Quinton Aaron for The Blind Side (2009)
Zach Galifianakis for The Hangover (2009)
Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air (2009/I)
Logan Lerman for Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Chris Pine for Star Trek (2009)
Gabourey Sidibe for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

Best Comedic PerformanceNominees:
Sandra Bullock for The Proposal (2009/I)
Bradley Cooper for The Hangover (2009)
Zach Galifianakis for The Hangover (2009)
Ryan Reynolds for The Proposal (2009/I)
Ben Stiller for Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)

Best Villain Nominees:
Helena Bonham Carter for Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Tom Felton for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Ken Jeong for The Hangover (2009)
Stephen Lang for Avatar (2009)
Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Best Fight Nominees:
Avatar (2009): Stephen Lang, Sam Worthington
Obsessed (2009): Beyoncé Knowles, Ali Larter
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010): Logan Lerman, Jake Abel
Sherlock Holmes (2009): Robert Downey Jr., Mark Strong
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds

Best Kiss Nominees:
Avatar (2009): Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington
New Moon (2009): Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart (have you seen this kiss?! It looks painful, like he's about to throw up in her mouth)
The Proposal (2009/I): Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds
The Runaways (2010): Dakota Fanning, Kristen Stewart
Valentine's Day (2010): Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift

Best WTF Moment Nominees:
The Hangover (2009): Ken Jeong(Naked Trunk Surprise)
Jennifer's Body (2009): Megan Fox(Vomits a Mysterious Black Ooze)
The Proposal (2009/I): Betty White(Cops a Feel)
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009): Isabel Lucas(Unexpected Transformation)
Zombieland (2009): Bill Murray(Bill Murray?! A Zombie?!)

Biggest Badass Star Nominees:
Angelina Jolie
Chris Pine
Rain
Channing Tatum
Sam Worthington

Best Scared-As-S**t Performance Nominees:
Sharlto Copley for District 9 (2009)
Jesse Eisenberg for Zombieland (2009)
Katie Featherston for Paranormal Activity (2007)
Alison Lohman for Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Amanda Seyfried for Jennifer's Body (2009)

Global Superstar Nominees:
Johnny Depp
Taylor Lautner
Robert Pattinson
Daniel Radcliffe
Kristen Stewart


Last year the MTV Movie Awards were great ONLY becuase it was hosted by my fav. Andy Sanberg - love that guy! This year our host is Aziz Ansari. Get to know him by watching the clip below:

MTV Shows

Who do you think will take home the Golden Popcorn?

'Super 8' & 'Robin Hood' Trailers

Source: Apple & Hulu

After showing in theaters in front of Iron Man 2 this past weekend, Paramount has debuted the teaser trailer for J.J. Abrams' secret alien project Super 8 online via Apple. I've already seen the trailer (in theaters) and I think it's a fantastic introduction and perfect tease. I'm glad it doesn't show more than this. I only wish this was the only trailer we get until the movie hits theaters. I'm hoping Abrams keeps most of the plot a secret. I hate how trailer these days give way too much away before you actually see the movie. Anyway, if you haven't seen this trailer, you should definitely check it out.

You can also watch the trailer for Super 8 in High Definition on Apple

Super 8 (which is supposedly a tentative title) is written and directed by visionary director J.J. Abrams, who started his career with "Lost" & "Alias" before directing Mission: Impossible III and Star Trek last summer. This is being produced by Steven Spielberg with a budget of ~$50 million and it hasn't even started shooting. Abrams will film this in the next months, most likely in complete secrecy, so I'm not sure when we'll see the next trailer. This is supposedly inspired by Spielberg's films of the 70's and 80's. Paramount will be releasing Super 8 in theaters everywhere sometime next summer in 2011 (a date has not been set).

It's pretty unusual for a brand new trailer to be released just days before it hits theaters. Not quiet sure why Universal decided to go with it. Maybe it's because it hasn't received the best reviews and they wanted to give one more shout out? I hear the movie ends right when the real tale of Robin Hood begins. Hmm... Anyway, here is the brand spanking new trailer for Robin Hood which you can watch via Hulu below (that means only US viewers). I'm seeing Robin Hood this weekend and will keep you posted as to whether or not it's any good. Enjoy!


Follows Robin (Russell Crowe) from his early days in King Richard's army to his return to Nottingham to his creation of a band of mercenaries who challenge the sheriff and eventually try to prevent civil war.

Robin Hood is directed by British filmmaker Ridley Scott, of many classics like Alien, Blade Runner, Black Rain, G.I. Jane, Gladiator, Hannibal, Black Hawk Down, American Gangster, and many more. The script is written by Oscar winner Brian Helgeland, of L.A. Confidential, Conspiracy Theory, Mystic River, Man on Fire, Green Zone, and more. Universal is bringing Robin Hood to theaters this Friday, May 14th.

What movie interests you more?

Iron Man 2 Review

Iron Man 2 is the perfect way to kick off the summer movie season which, surprisingly, is something I didn't anticipate. Why? I was worried they would ruin the sequel by adding too many extra characters - ahem, Spider Man 3, X-Men 3. However, director Jon Favreau takes the reins yet again to prove you can add more heroes and villains without losing sight of what made its predecessor a such a mega hit. I feel Iron Man 2 is just as good at the first.

The original Iron Man introduced us to the playboy billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and how through a cruel twist of fate, became the heroic Iron Man. This second film (like most sequels) didn't need to deliver a back story, thus can leap right into the story.

There's great humor without copy-catting the jokes in the the first movie. Downey is of course his charming best, surrounded by a great cast. Pepper Potts, (Gwyneth Paltrow) is given a much more meaty role this time around and it's fun to watch as she goes from quite and meek to boss lady, taking the corporate world - and Tony - by the balls as a powerful woman in control. Scarlett Johansson is sassy and beautiful and is a real hellcat in fight scenes. It's a different side of Johansson and one that fits her well. Mickey Rourke is tremendous as Whiplash. They say he doesn't know what Iron Man 2 is about, but he did read his part and totally got into playing his role flawlessly. I don't think anyone could have played that role any better. Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) is a slimy businessman and in a way you kind of feel sorry for the guy who always places second to Tony Stark. And then there's the new James 'Rhodey' Rhodes, Don Cheadle. He had the unenviable task of taking over for another actor (Terrence Howard) and handles the pressure with real grace.

What really sets Iron Man 2 apart from its predecessor is Favreau's handling of action scenes this time around. The CGI is in a whole other league, and overall the action sequences are less stagey-looking and more fitting of a huge-budgeted superhero film.

Iron Man 2 is an incredibly fun joy-ride. From Whiplash's fabulous electrical whips to Johansson kicking multiple butts, it's no wonder the movie made an estimated $133,600,000 opening weekend. It's a perfect balance of great action, a little drama and humor. I feel it more than lived up to my expectations. Don't forget to stick around through the credits for a special bonus scene.

RATING: B+

What did you think?