‘Iron Man 2’ rules with iron fist

If you had any question about how “Iron Man 2” was going to do, well, that’s been pretty much answered. According to boxofficemojo.com , the sequel to 2008’s hit original has struck with near- “Dark Knight” authority.

No surprise. The same  director is back, as are t wo of the main stars . Only Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges are missing, replaced, respectively, by Don Cheadle and Mickey Rourke. Additions include Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell (of one of my favorite guilty pleasures, “Galaxy Quest”).

As for the critical reception, here’s what Rotten Tomatoes has to say . I haven’t yet seen it, having taken the time to see a couple of other smaller films - “The Yellow Handkerchief” and “Babies” - before they disappeared from Spokane’s moviegoing schedule.

I doubt my reaction, belated or otherwise, will have the slightest effect on the film’s ultimate success. Of course, neither will, say, A.O. Scott .

Below : One of the more impressive scenes from “Iron Man 2.”