Iron Man
Perfectly straddling the line between comic fantasy and contemporary reality, Iron Man is the most gratifying movie of the blockbuster season so far. Unlike so many superhero films, which attempt to layer on the angst – the Spider-Man series grew especially tiresome and whiny over time – the emphasis in Iron Man is purely on fun.
Of course, the #1 reason that the Iron Man movie succeeds is the character of Tony Stark, portrayed with perfect cynical wit by Robert Downey Jr – an unconventional, but spot-on choice for the role.
Unlike billionaire Bruce (Batman) Wayne, that other very human hero with a technology fetish, Tony Stark is not a deep brooder. While Wayne adopts a playboy persona as a façade, Tony Stark IS a playboy, irresistibly cocky and loveable. No scene makes this more evident than an early saki-fuelled sequence on Stark’s private jet. Even after his life changing experience as a hostage in the Middle East, Stark doesn’t lose his sense of humour… or arrogance. His final announcement of the film, at a press conference, positions him in direct contrast to the vast majority of comic heroes. Stark is a complete attention hog.
Downey Jr is supported by a perfect A-list cast that includes Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard as Stark’s frequently frustrated but loyal assistants, Pepper Potts and Jim Rhodes. Jeff Bridges rounds off the cast as Stark’s long-term business partner and fellow weapons developer, Obadiah Stane. All turn in excellent, credible performances.
In terms of storyline, Iron Man isn’t the most original film, with Stark attempting to undo the damage caused by his hi-tech military hardware. However, what the film loses in originality it makes up in pure class – Iron Man offers the best in glossy, action packed, visually stunning entertainment audiences could hope for.
And I challenge anyone to leave the cinema and not want at least one piece of Stark's mind-blowing, impressive gadgetry... or his Audi.
Whatever you do, though, don’t leave the cinema until the credits have rolled. Comic fanboys and girls will be rewarded with a fantastic cameo appearance that hints at the direction future Iron Man and Marvel films will head.
Of course, the #1 reason that the Iron Man movie succeeds is the character of Tony Stark, portrayed with perfect cynical wit by Robert Downey Jr – an unconventional, but spot-on choice for the role.
Unlike billionaire Bruce (Batman) Wayne, that other very human hero with a technology fetish, Tony Stark is not a deep brooder. While Wayne adopts a playboy persona as a façade, Tony Stark IS a playboy, irresistibly cocky and loveable. No scene makes this more evident than an early saki-fuelled sequence on Stark’s private jet. Even after his life changing experience as a hostage in the Middle East, Stark doesn’t lose his sense of humour… or arrogance. His final announcement of the film, at a press conference, positions him in direct contrast to the vast majority of comic heroes. Stark is a complete attention hog.
Downey Jr is supported by a perfect A-list cast that includes Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard as Stark’s frequently frustrated but loyal assistants, Pepper Potts and Jim Rhodes. Jeff Bridges rounds off the cast as Stark’s long-term business partner and fellow weapons developer, Obadiah Stane. All turn in excellent, credible performances.
In terms of storyline, Iron Man isn’t the most original film, with Stark attempting to undo the damage caused by his hi-tech military hardware. However, what the film loses in originality it makes up in pure class – Iron Man offers the best in glossy, action packed, visually stunning entertainment audiences could hope for.
And I challenge anyone to leave the cinema and not want at least one piece of Stark's mind-blowing, impressive gadgetry... or his Audi.
Whatever you do, though, don’t leave the cinema until the credits have rolled. Comic fanboys and girls will be rewarded with a fantastic cameo appearance that hints at the direction future Iron Man and Marvel films will head.
Comments
Basically Tony Stark returns to his mansion where he discovers S.H.I.E.L.D. head Nick Fury (played by eyepatch-wearing Samuel L Jackson) waiting for him.
Jackson asks Stark if he'd be interested in joining the Avengers project, which implies future Marvel superhero team-ups.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avengers_%28comics%29