Iron Man 2

There isn't really any need for a plot summary of a comic book sequel. New, stronger, more able opponent causes mayhem. Hero takes journey of self discovery. Bigger stuff explodes/implodes more often than before. People cheer. End credits roll.

Importantly, director John Favreau hasn't messed with the formula of the first installment which so entertained. Keeping a lighter tone and allowing the excellent Downey Jr plenty of banter the focus is on entertaining.

Where I worried that a much larger cast would lead to too many story lines, many of them are kept to supporting roles to keep the admittedly baggy plot muddling along. Alongside Downey Jr and Paltrow are now Scarlett Johanssen, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L Jackson, Don Cheadle and Mickey Rourke.

If you didn't like the first one this will be a waste of time. If you did, this will be a welcome return to a comicbookland where there doesn't need to be a lot of Emo angst to justify the hero's journey.

The Ghost

Not in fact a spooky horror film but instead a slow burning thriller with Ewan McGreggor taking up the ghost writing duties of Pierce Brosnan's former prime minister Adam Lang after the previous incumbent mysteriously falls off a boat.

The script is tight, wasting few words. Almost everything said seems to carry relevance. When combined with the slow pace of events unfolding largely in a single isolated house this gives the film a sense of foreboding that should keep the heart if not racing, then at least trotting while the mind is occupied second guessing the outcome.

Brosnan's imbued his PM with just the right blend of charm, smarm and hubris, convincing as a thinly veiled copy of Blair. McGregor plays his part well once you get around his strange accent and they ably supported by the excellent Olivia Williams as an undrappreciated wife.

With little by way of actual action, this won't be to everyone's taste but those who enjoy a more Hitchcockian yarn should be engaged.