In some ways I liked this one better than the first one. Instead of just action and explosions this one added some plot and character development.
Scarlett Johanssen is a definite plus and easy on the eyes, but my one major criticism is that Gwyneth Paltrow is wasted in this version. Downey is seriously over the top steeped in the arrogance that is Tony Stark. Don Cheadle is a great straight arrow and Mickey Rourke does mad genius really well.