Perhaps my inner pedant won’t allow me to label Iron Man 2 an outright ‘bad’ movie; I’d say it was closer to ‘below average.’
On second thought……
However, given the rousing success of Tony Stark’s first adventure in the summer of 2008, Iron Man 2 was an unquestionable letdown.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy some of it – Sam Rockwell chewing up the scenery as Justin Hammer remains one of the overlooked delights of the MCU.
While the film wasn’t great, it did have a couple of great scenes, one in particular - The Senate Hearing sequence that takes place somewhere in the first act. [1] [2]
This scene represents the absolute pinnacle of the ‘genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist’ facet of Tony Stark’s persona.
In this scene, Robert Downey Jr imbues Stark with perhaps the most bravado and cocksureness we have ever seen.
It’s understandable too; Stark is at an all-time high. He has come out as Iron Man, which of course feeds his rapidly bulging egomania.
He is loved, adored and seen as America’s saviour. And similar to all wiseasses who are quick to quip, Stark loves an audience.
And the Senate hearing provides him with one. And Stark goes to town.
First up, it’s the Senator’s turn.
Stern: My priority is to get the Iron Man weapon turned over to the people of the United States of America.
Tony: Well, you can forget it. I am Iron Man. The suit and I are one. To turn over the Iron Man suit would be to turn over myself which is tantamount to indentured servitude or prostitution, depending or what state you’re in. You can’t have it.
Stern: Look, I’m no expert…
Tony: In prostitution? Of course not. You’re a senator. Come on.
He nails Justin Hammer.
Stern: I’m no expert in weapons. We have somebody here who is an expert on weapons. I’d now like to call Justin Hammer, our current primary weapons contractor.
Tony: Let the record reflect that I observed Mr Hammer entering the chamber, and I am wondering if and when any actual expert will also be in attendance.
Soon, Hammer begins a presentation showing how Stark’s technology is being recreated by the likes of North Korea, Iran and the likes.
Stark hijacks the presentation and shows the world that everyone is light years behind his tech, Hammer being the furthest back.
It’s all very macho. And it’s great fun to watch unfold. In terms of sheer ‘cool’ value, this is the most currency Tony Stark has carried in the MCU.
And then comes his coup de grâce:
Tony: The point is, you’re welcome, I guess
Stern: For what?
Tony: Because I’m your nuclear deterrent. It’s working. We’re safe. America is secure. You want my property? You can’t have it. But I did you a big favour.
[Stands up and turns around to face the crowd]
Tony: I’ve successfully privatised world peace.
Drop the mic, get out of that joint.
Footnotes
Thanks for Reading
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