When the movie does not take shortcuts with the story (the villain is too skilled in science/engineering and also too strong; the Don Cheadle character was able to use the suit without training), or being annoyingly-stupid (why the fuck did Pepper Potts drive with bodyguard to deliver the suit), it gets the delightful direction and dialog of its predecessor. The rivalry between Stark and Hammer is lots of fun to watch. The villain is also fun to watch, even though his motivations were given lazy treatment. All three are given very good performances.