Iron Man 2 / Infinity War Preparation – 2018 MCU Re-Watch

Week 2 of my Infinity War Preparation – 2018 MCU Re-Watch

This gets a lot of hate and regularly ranks near the bottom of MCU lists but I think it is somewhat underrated. While it is definitely flawed, it also has some quite interesting themes and ideas.

The bulk of the film takes place six months after Iron Man but it begins with a prologue that occurs at the same time as Tony making his shock announcement at the end of the first film.

This prologue introduces Ivan Vanko, the main villain, and draws a parallel between him and Tony. This idea is explored a number of times throughout the film with most of the characters being alternative versions of Tony, either what he was or what he could have ended up as. Howard, Anton, Ivan and Justin Hammer - all represent different sides of Tony, making this film essentially a character study.

The plot is much looser than the first film but the story is a natural progression - exploring the legal, political, financial, physical, and emotional ramifications of declaring yourself a Superhero.

From a wider Universe point of view this is a key film in Phase 1. Nick Fury progresses to a supporting role after two cameos, and fleshes out the history of Howard and Stark Industries. We also get more of a sense of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s place in the world with another appearance of Agent Coulson, the introduction of Black Widow, and further discussion of Avengers Initiative.

So whilst this is a bit of a baggy film and not as good as the first, it works nicely as the next chapter in the ongoing saga when viewed chronologically.

To Infinity: N/A

Post-Credit Scene: Agent Phil 'connective tissue' Coulson arrives in New Mexico in a short scene that will be given context and expanded upon in the next two films in the Viewing Order; a One-Shot and 'Thor'.

Next Up: Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer