Iron Man 2: Okay, Pepper Potts Deserved a Raise (and Maybe Hazard Pay)

Okay, so I just re-watched Iron Man 2. Look, I know it gets a lot of flack for being 'mid-tier MCU,' but honestly, I don't hate it. Is it a rom-com? Absolutely not (much to my disappointment, because Robert Downey Jr. is VERY charming!), but there are layers. Specifically, layers of, like, MESS. Tony Stark levels of mess, which is saying something. He's dying, he's being a total diva, and poor Pepper is just trying to keep the lights on at Stark Industries while also dealing with his, uh, eccentricities. Honestly, Gwyneth Paltrow deserves an award for her ability to deliver withering sarcasm while simultaneously looking like she wants to throw a stapler at Tony's head. Seriously, the scene where she's officially made CEO? ICONIC. You just KNOW she's fantasizing about elaborate revenge schemes involving his arc reactor and a particularly nasty paper cut. And Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow? Whew. She kicks major butt, but honestly, I was more invested in her undercover operations at Happy's boxing matches. Classic rom-com meet-cute potential there, but alas, 'twas not to be. I'll admit, the villain is a bit...meh. Mickey Rourke as Whiplash? The concept was cool, but the execution felt a little underdeveloped. But honestly, the real conflict here is Tony vs. Tony, and Pepper trying not to lose her mind in the process. And you know what? I'm here for it. Plus, the Monaco Grand Prix scene is pretty epic, even if it does feel a little 'fast and furious' for an Iron Man movie. Ultimately, it's a fun watch, even if my romantic comedy-loving heart wants Tony and Pepper to just run away to Italy and open a bakery or something instead of saving the world. Okay now I REALLY want that rom-com. Someone get on that! And can we talk about Happy Hogan being the BEST wingman ever? Seriously, the guy deserves a medal. Or at least a lifetime supply of cheeseburgers.