Movie Review-Iron Man 2

Iron Man 2 is finally out and I went to see it. Here's what I thought about it.

The first movie was a light-hearted fun telling of the origins of Iron Man. This time around, the movie has taken a darker tone in storyline and visually. Alot of the bigger action scenes in the movie occur during the night time hours. Behind Tony's carefree persona is a man who has to face his non-invincibility and failed expectations from his father. And, to pile things on top of that, the government wants possession of the suit for the defense of the the country. Another person is seeking revenge for what Starks father wrought upon his family. If that werent enough, his competitor, Justin Hammer, is seeking to usurp as many government contracts to bolster his own company. As you can see, there is alot going on in this movie and some may think too much and that it looses a bit of focus

It still keeps its funny bone well intact but it seems quite a bit muted than before. Stark gets alot of the best lines. The banter/arguments between Stark and Pepper provide some relief from the more serious moments. Rhodey pitches in with a few lines of his own. Gary Shandling, where has he been, plays a wonderful foil in the character of a Senator leading the attempts to procure the suit. Justin Hammers flamboyant protrayal adds a bit of levity.

But, most would come to see the special effects and the action scenes. Again, these are more muted and less prevalent than in the previous incarnation. It waits to deliver the big bang at the very end of the movie. The CG is done well but, at times, the odd motion of the characters reveals the true source. As I recall, there seemed to be only 3 major action packed moments. Also, stick around after the credits for a special trailer and keep your eyes out for cameoes and special references

For diehard fans, this would be a must see. However, I think this would be worth the bargain matinee but not necessarily full admission.

On The Job-Fisherman's Wharf

One of the iconic spots to visit in the city is Fisherman's Wharf. From this location, many a tourist have set upon the bay to visit Angel Island, Alcatraz, or take in the views from the water

Dungeness crab is the food of choice in this area and many a crustacean has been either eaten or sent home from here. Pots of boiling crab toil along with workers who crack open their shells to ease the work of getting to the meat.

Tshirt vendors and fast food/restaurant chains are also a staple of areas such as this. Need a digital camera? Want something to eat? Need a "My parents went to SF and all they got me was this sh***y tshirt" tshirt?

The fishing has not died out in this area. Many fisherman still make a living from the bounties of the ocean just outside the Golden Gate. Aside from crabs, salmon is a big source of income.

However, due to overfishing, environmental and economical concerns, many boat owners have taken the route of offerig tours of the bay

On The Job-Aquatic Park

Near Ghirardelli Square is a patch of green that sits on the shores of the bay. There is a circular pier that juts into the bay and serves as a breakwater as well. There are other locations of note that border this area that has served as the scene of many local events.


This is the terminus of the Hyde Street cable car line. Here, the cars are turned around for their return trip to Market Street. Along the way, they pass by Chinatown, the winding Lombard Street, and Nob Hill

Across the street from the turnaround is the Buena Vista. The beverage of choice is an Irish coffee, particularly nice on a foggy chill day. Notably, it is rumoured and debated that this blend of whiskey and coffee originated from this location.

To the northeast on the Hyde Street Pier is the Maritime Museum. Visitors can experience a link to the city's maritime past as it explores the grandeur of this once port town

In a bit of movie trivia, the movie What's Up Doc with Barbara Streisand and Ryan ONeal ended their chase scene through the city with a plunge off this pier in an attempt broadjump onto a ferry. All parties to the chase subsequently followed suit into the bay. To the east of the museum is one of the city's biggest tourist attractions, Fisherman's Wharf.

On The Job-Ghirardelli Square

Some may recognize the name from the chocolate products that they are known for.

This tourist location in the city used to manufacture chocolate at this site very many years. That operation has since closed down but the complex still affords many retail shops and restaurants for all the visitors who drop by

One of the many shops they are known for is their ice cream parlor. Their signature offering was the Earthquake. A humongous bowl of various ice creams and a just as substantial pile of toppings to satisfy your sweet tooth. Alone if you dare, but its meant to be shared.

In the middle of it all is a nice open courtyard that provides a sunny rest area on nice day like today.

North of the square is San Francisco Bay across from Aquatic Park. Angel Island and locations beyond peak through the stairway that meander their way around the surrounding structures.

Another bombing attempt in New York

So, this concerns me. My sister and mother will be travelling on holiday to NY in a few days. I thought they would just have to worry about the usual pickpockets and purse snatchers. This adds a whole new dimension of worry. If fortune is on our side, this will have been the work a some lunatic in an isolated incident. From what I have gathered from the news, the device malfunctioned and may not have worked as intended. There was a suspicious SUV that had a timer, some firecrackers and propane tanks rigged to go off while Time Square was laden with tourists. Smoke from the vehicle aroused attention and the plot sniffed out.

I feel like we are being left out here on the west coast. If this was linked to a terrorist group from the Middle East, they may have done it as a stand against the our freedoms and way of life. But are we not as decadent and free thinking, if not more so, than NY? After all, Hollywood is our backyard. We've had our financial meltdowns with the whole savings and loan scandals of a few years ago. The west is as big a symbol of America as NY. What, are they just too lazy to travel the distance?

In all seriousness, I dont mind if they leave us alone.