Iron Man 2 (2010)

MOVIE SUMMARY:

The sequel to the successful first movie in the Iron Man movie franchise kicked off the Marvel Comics Universe of movies which followed. The premise of this movie is simple: now that Iron Man has been revealed, what can he accomplish and what dangers follow him.

MOVIE THEMES:

Mortality

The first theme continues from the original movie Iron Man, the challenge of living with a decaying power source (iron suit palladium core) in his chest. The device which is keeping Stark alive is also killing him. As Iron Man 2 moves along, Tony Stark has to acknowledge and deal with his own mortality. He has a dangerous power source keeping him alive, but slowly poisoning him at the same time. Stark finds a solution to his dilemma, but not by first dealing with the questions of his own life and death.

The Bible clearly acknowledges that life is a gift, and that eternal life is also possible (Psalm 39:5, Psalm 89:47, Ecclesiastes 9:9, John 3:16, Hebrews 9:27).

1. How does Tony Stark deal with his mortality?

2. How does his attitude contrast and compare with what the Bible says about life?

National Security

The film also puts into the play the difficulties of national (and eventually world) security. During a Senate briefing, Senator Stern tries to get Stark to give his technology to the state. The reason given is national security. Competitors are trying to create their own Iron Man suit. Stark contends that security can only come through him, as he keeps control of the suit. Senator Stern believes that too much power under one person is dangerous.

The Bible reveals that governments with too much power can be a danger to the well-being of society. There are examples of corrupt governments in the Old Testament. Even the great kingdom of David and Solomon were run by a family with personal faults. In the New testament, Paul writes that Christians are called to obey the government when they are God’s servants (Romans 13:4). Although they are instituted by God, they can be corrupt. When a government goes against God’s authority, then Christians are called to resist governments which expect our worship (Revelation 13:4). Any agency which requires a person’s liberty and property in exchange for the protection of the state is corrupt and not to be trusted (Revelation 13:14-17).

1. How can government operate as God’s agents?

2. When do you think the government crosses the line from being a servant to a corrupt agent?