Now, I am not afraid to own up to being a girly girl. But, there are few things that I enjoy more than an action-packed, explosive-laden, kick-butt Marvel or DC Comics adaptation. Iron Man was simply one of the most entertaining movies I’ve ever seen, and my expectations are crazy high for Iron Man 2. Robert Downey, Jr., reprises his role as billionaire turned super hero Tony Stark. In part two, Stark must contend with deadly issues involving the government, his own friends, as well as new enemies due to his superhero alter ego Iron Man. We talked to Downey about tackling the new Iron Man saga and working with director Jon Favreau.

Let’s start by reflecting on the first Iron Man. Were you surprised by the success of the movie?
I’ll never forget it. It changed my life. I remember Jon Favreau and I were driving around to theatres, and they kept rolling over Iron Man into other theatres, and it was like watching the train schedule change. It was just so palpable. I guess people reacted as much to me and the character, and there was just a tone to it that people enjoyed.

In most of the movies, keeping the “real” person’s identity separate from their super hero persona is crucial. Why did you all decide to tell the world that Tony Stark was Iron Man?
We knew when we did that it kind of took away a bunch of opportunities, but then we thought, well no, it actually affords us more because now we have to explore what does it mean to say something but not really know what you are saying at the time. In other words, he says it because in the moment he feels that he can be direct and honest with the public, and that it’s going to serve him. Truth be told, it kind of does but then it starts bringing some characters from his family’s past looking for him.

No action movie is complete without the faithful sidekick, but there was a cast change between part one and part of the film for the character Rhodey. What was it like having Don Cheadle take over that role?
I have always admired him a lot. Again to up the stakes there, anyone who looks at the poster for Iron Man 2 knows that the story is about two iron men. One of my happiest remembrances is how we actually really were able to craft that taking place. Once again, it could have again been two dimensional. We had to really see Rhodey’s conflict, and the way it unfolds is more interesting than you might think.

In the theatres checking out Iron Man 2 is where we all belong this weekend. The film is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action, some violence and language. For all of this week’s new releases and more of your favorite celebs, check out my show Reel Critics on Time Warner Cable Video on Demand under the North Texas programming tab!