Iron Man (Two-Disc Special Collectors’ Edition) (2008)
You know you’re going to get a different kind of superhero when you cast Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role. And Iron Man is different, in welcome ways. Cleverly updated from Marvel Comics’ longstanding series, Iron Man puts billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (that’s Downey) in the path of some Middle Eastern terrorists; in a brilliantly paced section, Stark invents an indestructible suit that allows him to escape. If the rest of the movie never quit hits that precise rhythm again, it nevertheless offers plenty of pleasure, as the renewed Stark swears off his past as a weapons manufacturer, develops his new Iron Man suit, and puzzles both his business partner (Jeff Bridges in great form) and executive assistant (Gwyneth Paltrow). Director Jon Favreau geeks out in fun ways with the hardware, but never lets it overpower the movie, and there’s always a goofy one-liner or a slapstick pratfall around to break the tension. As for Downey, he doesn’t get to jitterbug around too much in his improv way, but he brings enough of his unpredictable personality to keep the thing fresh. And listen up, hardcore Marvel mavens: even if you know the Stan Lee cameo is coming, you won’t be able to guess it until it’s on the screen. It all builds to a splendid final scene, with a concluding line delivery by Downey that just feels absolutely right. –Robert Horton
No he hasnt lost his mind, and yes, he can see… he is not blindIf you’re still here (oh ye of little faith), then I’ll try and help you with that tendril of doubt still holding you to your computer chair preventing you to get up and spend the 300 dollars it costs to go see a movie now. 600 if you are taking a date.
Let me first start off with Rob Downey. I for one was hesitant with him being the man who is playing Tony Stark (Iron Man). I rolled my eyes the first time I saw his name a year or so ago when I found out about this movie being made. Even when I saw the first pics for it. But let me tell you right now… the man IS Tony Stark. He’s got this role down. I haven’t seen this good of a Downey movie since `Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ and `Wonder Boys’. At first I thought he was a total jerk at the beginning, but then realized it’s just his way of being funny, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Through the whole movie Rob will have you laughing quite a bit. He’s not only funny, but he’s also quite laid back with his genius. He doesn’t bash your face in with how smart he is. To show you how smart he is the film shows a bunch of scientists trying to create something that just isn’t possible with today’s technology. Though Tony Stark was able to do it an Afghan Cave with spare parts from junk…..
Iron Man Strike Box Office GOLD!!!!!This is one of the best comic to film adaptations produced based upon a literate script, terrific performances, solid direction, and special effects that aren’t over-the-top!
I don’t want to take this kind of entertainment too seriously, so I will not go with the long summary of the plot and simply give a quick recap of it and what I liked best and least about this totally fun-filled film.
Robert Downey, Jr. is NOT the kind of person anyone would expect to play a superhero and that is precisely why this film works so well in casting him as one as his character is the total opposite of a superhero at first. Downey, as Tony Stark, is a self-absorbed jerk who lives for fast women, fast cars and fast money while profiteering off of war. He is the living example of why we don’t want unmanned aircraft bombers. We want the human element. We don’t want war to be reduced to a video game and have lives reduced to a blimp on a screen, but this is how Stark lives when we first meet him. He creates weapons of mass destruction without ever understanding or caring about his weapons’ impact on the world, let alone who ends up with them. It’s the all mighty dollar hidden under the cloak of patriotism.
This all changes when Stark is kidnapped in Afghanistan and sees how his weapons are falling into enemy hands and how the lives of innocent people are affected by his “toys.” Once he escapes, he slowly becomes a new man, in more ways than one and it’s nice that he’s a hero by choice and not some experiment gone. Stark is assisted by a number of people from his glorified secretary well-played by Gwenyth Paltrow to his military connection nicely acted by Terrence Howard. Of course, it is no secret at this point, and very highly predictable anyhow, that his family’s best friend and second in command at his company is out to circumvent Stark’s efforts to stop bloodshed. Jeff Bridges hams it up some in this role, but he’s convincing and fun as the eventual villain.
Tags: Iron Man, Iron Man movies, Iron Man Two-Disc Special Collectors' Edition
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