Iron Man Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
Mark 1. Mark 2. Mark 3.
Launching May 2 2008
Armor Up.
Armor Up. Fully Charged.
Suit Up.
Fully Charged.
Tony Stark is the complete playboy who also happens to be an engineering genius. While in Afghanistan demonstrating a new missile he's captured and wounded. His captors want him to assemble a missile for them but instead he creates an armored suit and a means to prevent his death from the shrapnel left in his chest by the attack. He uses the armored suit to escape. Back in the U.S. he announces his company will cease making weapons and he begins work on an updated armored suit only to find that Obadiah Stane, his second in command at Stark industries has been selling Stark weapons to the insurgents. He uses his new suit to return to Afghanistan to destroy the arms and then to stop Shane from misusing his research.
| Robert Downey Jr. | Tony Stark/Iron Man |
| Terrence Howard | Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes |
| Jeff Bridges | Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger |
| Gwyneth Paltrow | Pepper Potts |
| Leslie Bibb | Christine Everhart |
| Shaun Toub | Yinsen |
| Faran Tahir | Raza |
| Sayed Badreya | Abu Bakaar |
| Bill Smitrovich | General Gabriel |
| Clark Gregg | Agent Phil Coulson |
| Tim Guinee | Major Allen |
| Will Lyman | Award Ceremony Film Narrator |
| Marco Khan | Insurgent #4 |
| Kevin Foster | Jimmy |
| Garret Noel | Pratt |
| Jon Favreau |
8.00 out of 10 (161361 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Iron Man's real suit is iron clad Robert Downey Jr's performance.
posted on 30 Aug 2009Iron Man, being generally regarded as a second tier superhero was a startling surprise for me as I happened to like it very much. The performance of Robert Downey Jr., who fits comfortably into the role of Tony Stark with his charisma and his intro as a superhero is among the best I've seen. The movie does an amazing job of not alienating the audience unfamiliar with the comic background. Tony Stark's background story and characters are introduced reasonably well. His witty and sarcastic behaviour embodies the Tony Stark from the comic books along with his irresponsible, rash, and womanizing behaviour is all captured well in the movie. That is why I feel Robert Downey Jr. propels this film so well and no other actor alive today can contest his performance as Tony Stark.The film's pacing for most of the part does move along and in no way I felt bored a moment. Even though the story may seem slight in depth when compared to Batman's origin, it still is effective in this context. The action scenes were outstanding and though some may feel not enough I think seamlessly blended with the story with just the right dosage. The visual effects were superb and well done in almost every aspect and was pretty much void of any campiness or overtly done scenes. Iron Man's armour suit experimentation scenes and transformation are well worth the price of admission alone.As for the supporting cast, Jeff Bridges was great as a bad guy even though the motive behind wasn't compelling but understandable as a plot device to further the story for future sequels. Terrance Howard seemed pretty much at ease in his role but I expected more of him in the whole scheme of it which I believe he's being set up for something later. Gwyneth Paltrow was good for most of the part except she seemed to lose some spark near the last hour of the movie.The score of the film had a different feel for the film and I did not quite enjoy it from that perspective, it was as though something lacking in punch. Also the dialogue and script was fine with some funny lines but nothing memorable for me stood out except for few of Tony Stark's delivery.Overall, a very well balanced film that is full of exuberance and it is Robert Downey's iron cast portrayal that soars this movie in a similar vein as it did for Christopher Reeve in Superman and Christian Bale for Batman Begins.
Rock 'n' Roll...
posted on 30 Aug 2009Up until now, my all-time favourite superhero movie was the superb Batman Begins - but Iron Man trumps it. Other critics have mentioned that it doesn't have enough action scenes. Well, it didn't seem like that to me. In fact, it's a long time since I spent such an enjoyable 2 hours in a cinema. What carries this film along between the action scenes (spectacular and funny when they come) are the smart, snappy script - full of brilliant, laugh-out-loud one-liners - and the excellent performances. I even found Gwyneth Paltrow watchable, which is a bit of a first. Jeff Bridges, too, turns in his usual goods. But the star of the show is, of course, Robert Downey Jr. At first, I couldn't imagine him in the role of a superhero - but he carries it off brilliantly. I was reminded many times of his character in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. He plays it with that same blend of quirkiness and sass. After this, other superhero movies (Batman Begins aside) fade into the background. None of the bum-aching tedium of the Spiderman or X-Men franchises. And not a whiff of taking itself too seriously, either. Excellent soundtrack, too. A superbly entertaining movie.
not bad!!! downey made it
posted on 28 Aug 2009this movie is predictable at times and i didn't like the pacing,but it doesn't mean its a bad movie, i liked it!!! being marvel studios first attempt at producing their own franchise into film... i think they did a good effort, although i think this movie was made not only to tell of ironman's origin but also serve as a prequel to an avengers movie. great visual effects although i wanted to see more.. robert downey jr. is tony stark!! he did the part so well the same way chris reeve did superman or michael keaton was batman.. i did wished for mandarin to be in it but i guess they wanted it to be more realistic but there were the terrorist group called the "10 rings", i think this sorta represented the mandarin or a kinda like a reference to the villain, well anyway right now, im more excited about an avengers movie than an iron man sequel just bec of ultimate nick fury's cameo..
Best of the bunch
posted on 28 Aug 2009I'm a great fan of superhero-films. After watching Iron Man I was convinced this was the best one in his league (cfr Super-, Spider-, Bat-, ..., man). But to be sure I started watching all of them (the ones I bought) again. I even got me F4 and Silver Surfer (rather reluctant to buy them) and imo Iron Man is the best one. Not only superb effects (I WANT THAT SUIT!!) but also funny as hell one-liners, a decent story for its kind, great cast and acting. Not everyone will be a fan of this one, but not one single film has made this happen. But if you like the whole superhero-genre, then the change of merely liking, if not adoring Iron Man, will be rather big.
Marvel entertainment at it's best!
posted on 26 Aug 2009There's not much to say about this film without spoiling it, so I'll keep my commentary brief. There will be some spoilers, but nothing that will spoil or reduce your movie viewing pleasure.I'll start by saying that this film had so much potential to flop, but thankfully, it didn't!The script writers and director did an overall fantastic job on this film. I really enjoyed the fact that they avoided the typical Hollywood route of brandishing all Middle Eastern people as terrorists. I was shocked to see them show innocent refuges and speak very compassionately about them during the television newscast. That in itself is rare, and when Ironman saved the refuges, nearly everyone in the audience cheered and clapped. Wow.I found it humorous that they mixed Arabic, Farci and Urdu together in the same sentences. Most of the audience was probably clueless about this, but those of us who speak these languages picked up on it. And being able to understand Urdu and Arabic, I knew that something else was up when Stark was being videotaped by the "terrorists" in the beginning of the film. Being able to understand the other languages made it a little more fun to watch. Robert Downey Jr. really redeems himself in this film; his portrayal of Tony Stark/Ironman is top notch and he fits the bill perfectly! The director did an incredible job of filming the entire film, especially the action scenes. All too often in other films, the camera moves too quickly, and we end up missing out on the action taking place. This certainly is not the case in this film. Not only is the action easy to watch, but it's well balanced as well.The CGI is very believable and subtly adds (as opposed to taking away) to the film without being overbearing. In my opinion, some of the coolest scenes were Tony Stark getting into the Ironman suit.The script is entertaining and enjoyable, and the cast and crew (on and off screen) all did an amazing job on this film. The last scene after the end credits lets us know that some kind of sequel will take place. I can only hope it will be something new, yet still as enjoyable as this one.9/10 - go see it!
The Best Marvel Screen Adaptation To Date
posted on 26 Aug 2009Ironman was always one of my favourite Marvel characters. Alongside Spidey and Wolverine, Tony Stark and his snazzy titanium Deathsuit ranked highly in my list of superheroes. Thats why I was initially aprehensive of Marvels latest big screen venture. I was excited to see what Ironman would look like in full CGI and whether Marvel would hit the nail on the head with storyline. At the same time however, I was terrified that they were going to slay a classic character like their previous Hulk incarnation had.After a bit of further research, I decided the Cast looked solid enough and the trailers looked impressive and so my mind was eased slightly. I waited anxiously for the day I would be able to feast my eyes on the shiny new comic book caper and kept my fingers crossed that Marvel wouldn't balls it up.I can safely say they did a stunning job of bringing Ironman to the big screen.Robert Downey Jr. played the role of slick playboy Tony Stark flawlessly. From start to finish his perfect portrayal of the woman eating studmuffin kept me captivated and his sleazy one liners kept me chuckling like a besotted school Girl. His On-screen connection with the lovely Miss Paltrow was electrifying, and made for a believable and quirky relationship. The supporting cast were all superb, and Colonel James "War Machine" Rhodes, was also cast brilliantly.The storyline was as close to the comics as it could have been, and kept me on my toes throughout. It was well constructed, well planned and had an excellent screenplay to boot.The Visuals were none less then breathtaking and the action scenes were high octane and adrenaline injected. A beautifully made concoction that Marvel should utilise more often.This is by far the best recent Comic Book to Movie adaptation since Batman Begins, Lets just hope Marvel keep this winning formula for any further big screen escapades they splash out on.Ironman is one of the few films I cannot pick a fault with. This was 126 minutes of sheer entertainment and I recommend all filmgoers to go and check it out as soon as you can.
Bravo!
posted on 26 Aug 2009I can honestly say that this is the best movie i have seen in a long time. Their was a good mix of everything, good acting, good effects, good directing, i cant find one flaw.If you compare Ironman to some of the other comic books turned movies(Incredible Hulk, Spiderman etc..) I would have to say that Ironman was done the best by far. All of the others use to much special effects it gets to bogus, Ironman keeps it simple and in this case, it works.One of the many good things about the movie, is it gives you a little background info so even if you haven't read the comics you can still follow the story line just fine.Acting wise, id say all of the actors did a pretty decent job, Robert Downey Jr.(Tony Stark), was the cocky, entrepreneur that stark is supposed to be. Gwenyth Paltrow portrayed Pepper Potts excellently, and frankly, all the actors did a good job no over acting, and no underacting.The directing was surprisingly good, no stupid computer graphics when it wasn't needed, no ridiculous views, and no real dead spots in the movie, there is always something that makes you want to watch on.I would just like to end of with Bravo Jon Favreau, Cast, and crew thank you for the great movie. I cant wait for the Sequel! Biehn.
Marvel Studios produces another gem.
posted on 24 Aug 2009First off let me say one thing. As a basic rule of thumb with any Marvel movie, never EVER leave before the credits are done rolling. I will not spoil anything for those of you who haven't seen it, but those who have and didn't stay may want to pay the price of admission again.As for the movie itself, WOW! Well casted, well written, well designed. Downey Jr. was the best Tony Stark possible and the character development over the sequels should be amazing. The armor was beautiful, I forgot I was looking at CGI in many of the scenes.Overall one of the best, if not the best, installment in the ever growing Marvel library.
Tries very hard, but fails to come off as truly memorable
posted on 24 Aug 2009STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is one of the world's most renowned arms manufacturers/sellers, who is able to live a funky, eccentric lifestyle on the back of the success of his Stark Industries company. But this all changes when he goes to Afghanistan to show off his latest weapon and is taken hostage by terrorists and forced to build a weapon for them. Instead, he builds a super-hero suit and uses it to break free and go back to America, where he reveals a change of heart in relation to his profession and tries to aim his talents more at peace than war. But this doesn't go down well with his boss Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), who's only worried about the profits they will lose now Tony no longer wants to make weapons. And when Tony learns that his company has been making under-handed deals with the men who held him captive, he uses the super-hero suit he made once again and becomes Iron Man. But his corrupt boss has ideas of his own in regards making his own super-hero suit...You can always count on a good super-hero film to fill in the obligatory summer blockbuster slot in the filmic year, and this year we have this adaptation of one of Marvel Comic's truly lesser known creations, which just shows how far towards the bottom of the barrel we're scraping. An ambitious piece that seems to have caught onto the trend of making extra long summer blockbusters, this tries to invest a lot of unnecessary depth and characterization into a story that's ultimately not worth the effort.It just feels overlong instead of something really special. Okay, Iron Man isn't your typical action hero. He doesn't just magically get his super powers like Superman or Spider-Man, we see him struggle to get his super-suit to work, failing to guide it properly and make the special gadgets work, but the whole piece just feels overly labourious, with an uninvolving, predictable script that fails to rise out the ground.Cast wise, in the lead role, Downey Jr. is an odd but admittently effective choice, a snazzy, cynical anti hero who slowly sees through his own BS but he's just not enough to keep the whole boat afloat. Bridges is also a decent choice as the villain, but the weak script fails to make the most out of him, while in support rising star Terrence Howard goes through the motions as a comic relief Air Force colonel and Gwyneth Paltrow is noticeable as a personal assistant with a ridiculous name.All these type of films just seem so manufactured nowadays, with so much back story stretching them out so long and enough publicity to guarantee a great opening weekend and an obligatory equally inferior sequel a year or so later. For all it's quantity instead of quality, Iron Man truly has an Iron Soul. **
Don't over-analyze it you cynics!!! It was only a movie....a very very good movie!
posted on 24 Aug 2009It was an awesome film, brilliant script, action-packed and brilliant cast. Why can't people just accept that? I don't understand all these naggers on here. I guess you just can't please everyone.Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark, a billionaire weapons engineer who is kidnapped (during a trip to Afghanistan) to showcase his latest weapon of enemy destruction. While in captivity, with the help of a kidnapped fellow machinist, Stark is able to build a robot (his first prototype for Iron Man) to enable him annihilate his oppressors and escape. Upon his successful mission and given his 3-month stint in a hell hole, Stark decides to re-assess his priorities by changing the image of his company. That does not sit well with his investors and board of directors and Stark's obstinacy only reveals and re-opens more cans of worms as the movie progresses. Gwyneth Paltrow is along for the ride as Pepper Potts, Stark's trusty assistant as is Terrence Howard who plays Stark's best-friend. Leslie Bibb also co-stars as a pesky reporter, all under the wonderful direction by Jon Favreau who does not miss a beat. Iron man is engaging, riveting and filled with the pulse pounding fun we've come to expect from bona-fide Hollywood blockbusters such as this one. A++++
another bad start to this year's blockbusters
posted on 22 Aug 2009beware spoilers from the very start. where do i begin to say how bad this film is, i thought that the scripts for the spider man and xmen film were bad, this makes those films look like masterpieces. the plot does not make any sense and has more holes in it than the yorkshire moors. nothing adds up or has any logic to it. our hero gets attacked and captured by taliban baddies, and is asked to construct his latest weapon for them, instead he starts constructing his firs iron man suit, right under their 24 hour surveillance cameras, with bits and pieces he makes a super nuclear powered suit that can fly, on his escape he conveniently leaves the detailed plans for the suit, he by the way, is established as a genius. he then notices that the weapons his company makes are all in the baddies camp, and wonders how they got there, once back in the USA he promptly forgets about finding out how and who is supplying his weapons to the bad guys. if they could get their hands on what stark industries make before even the company can get them out, why did they need him to build the new one. of course we then find out that his old mentor and the company guiding light is the bad guy, as if we the audience did not know that from the first second the character appears. paltrow is totally wasted in a bimbo role, the dialogue is trite and b movie standard. and worse was at the end of the show all the easily pleased audience applauded. total waste of time clichéd and predictable from start to finish
Ironman, a naive special effects showcase
posted on 22 Aug 2009I didn't really know what to expect, and having never read the comic, knew nothing about the plot. The movie was mostly a boring series of naive events, "cool" American style tech idolization and flat one-liners.The special effect displayed through out the movie were admittedly bleeding edge, and acting was mostly good considering the awkward script.Undoubtedly if you are a fan of the comic, the movie was probably your dream come true. For the rest us, just a brainless special effects showcase. 4 out of 10.Disclaimer: I haven't really liked any of the marvel comic movies
Iron Man, a Great Summer Blockbuster
posted on 22 Aug 2009When I saw Iron Man, I expected to see something that I would like just as much as other comic-to-movie adaptions (Spiderman, for instance). However, I was not expecting what I got. About half-way into the movie you can tell the Director did not do what most summer blockbuster directors do; he did not focus only on action. The story that this movie maintains is very entertaining and well-developed. I have heard people complain that this movie was doing nothing but disrespecting Arabs, but I did not see this. If this movie featured all Caucasian people, all African American people, all Hispanic people, etc. as bad guys nobody would be saying anything racist was going on. The fact is that the people who made this movie just wanted a villain familiar with people today and that villain is terrorism. Even with that point aside, it should not detract people from seeing that this is a great way to spend 2 hours.Pros: Well told storyline Great Acting Seeing Tony Stark transform from egotistic to a caring individualSuperb CGICons:Horribe climax The last line (I won't say what it is), in my opinion, ruined the ability for a sequel to reach the heights this movie did.
Unexpectedly Great Movie
posted on 20 Aug 2009Back at the time, when I was small, I remember playing one of my favorite games ever, the marvel super heroes fighting game, and I usually use IronMan and SpiderMan as my team. They're as marvelous as ever. But still, as everyone know, IronMan is not as popular as Spiderman, or Wolverine, or any other super heroes character.And here we are, watching one of the Marvel super heroes character being made into a movie, and I have to say, it turns out real great. Too great perhaps, thinking that this is one of the not-so-popular super heroes.The story itself is about a millionaire (Tony Stark a.k.a Iron Man), who is an expert in building weapons for dealing (or people called it, weapon manufacturer). He is a genius one, I told you. And I will say, that he is a rather unique...And the story about Iron Man, begin, when Stark was held captive by a group of terrorist, and in that event, he sees something, that make him realize, that what he's done this whole time, was not just for peace, but rather for war that ended up in taking a lot of casualties. After he realizes that, he then try to develop an armor suit (and later on, will be recognize as the Iron Man), and used it to do some protecting work for the people who suffer because of weapons (especially in this case, his own weapons, his own products) The story is well developed, and all of the actors and actresses are great. The visual effect is just like the mini version of transformer, although not as complicated as the transformer, but still a magnificent one.A nice movie for kids, adults, and all super hero freaks. It got the action, drama, comedy, and some awesome fighting scene.I rate it 10/10.
One of the best comic book movies of all time!!!
posted on 18 Aug 2009I went to see Iron Man on Saturday afternoon. I truly believe that this is one of the best superhero movies ever! It certainly is an improvement over some of the other comic book movies to come out of Marvel's lineup, like the disappointing Spider-Man 3.Robert Downey Jr. makes one of the greatest performances ever as Tony Stark/Iron Man. He is hysterical and is the best part of the whole movie. It's almost non-stop laughter with him, except of course when he is in danger and when he gets into fights with the bad guys. The rest of the cast is also very good. Jeff Bridges is amazing as the villain of the movie Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger. The character is wicked, and Daniels does a great job at playing the role. Terrence Howard is good as Jim Rhodes, while Gwyneth Paltrow proves to be a good love interest for Downey Jr. as Stark's assistant Virginia "Pepper" Potts.The special effects are incredible and the action is fun and awesome. Sometimes I couldn't tell when the suit was real or not. The comedy is very good, way better than I expected it to be. I do agree with critics who are saying that the one thing to complain about is the length of the movie: WHY DIDN'T THEY MAKE IT LONGER!? Hopefully Jon Favreau will release an extended edition when the theatrical cut comes out on DVD or shortly after that.Great job Jon Favreau! You proved yourself to be a great director when it comes to comic book movies. Do another one! 9/10
Wonderful Movie
posted on 18 Aug 2009I was incredibly surprised by the wonderful story that stayed true to the character of Iron Man and the comic book. Robert Downey Jr was the right and only choice for this film what a great actor.Jeff Bridges I have never seen in this type of role is awesome along with GP come on a natural for sure. Nice cameo by Stan Lee. Although after the movie I think I was the only one who stayed threw the credits as I always do. I feel everyone missed out on the plug at the end and thats all I have to say about that. Movies take a lot of people to make them thats why there are 200 to a 1000 credits of thanks. Iron Man was worth waiting for and the sequel will be even more so. Thanks for a great time very enjoyable movie Iron Man Rocks. Smiles and Thanks James Vallo
Number 2 on my list...
posted on 16 Aug 2009Not on my all-time favorite list of course, just a specific list for this specific genre.Iron Man has dropped down from cinema heaven as a gift by the gods. Since Hollywood has been torturing us with the the past few superhero outings, Favreau stepped up to the plate and must have first thought to himself about creating something original and just damn fun instead of pondering from the start off about only major commercial success.And what do we get, one helluva of blockbuster! Just like the man Tony Stark himself this movie is a bolt of lightning. It is awesome, spectacular, somewhat innovative, funny and a plain damn pleasure to watch.It balances the seriousness and playfulness so brilliantly that one isn't lost throughout.Robert Downey Jr. is terrific. The man has excellent timing and can switch through different emotions with such ease and believability...for of course, that is most important.The story is pretty basic I guess, but it is for the best I think.The CGI works marvelously.The acting is top notch.The action sequences are original and raw, just the way I like it.In short, a must-see.
Stronger than most marvel films
posted on 16 Aug 2009When sitting down to watch this movie there was only these thoughts on my mind - how disappointed i would be once again from a Marvel film and the feeling of how they could have done so much more.But once the film had ended there was no feeling of relief that it does the Marvel icon satisfaction but actually a lot lot more.Iron Man, maybe not as popular as the Incredible Hulk and Fantastic Four, but this film delivered so much more than the latest instalments of both Fantastic four movies and the dreadful last Incredible Hulk ( will have to see how the new Incredible Hulk turns out before can compare) Iron Man has never had the popularity of Spiderman or X-men but this first Iron Man is better than X-men 3 The Last Stand by a long shot and with it concentrating on Iron Man and his development is for me better than the huge budgeted Spiderman 3 where too much is going on and there is not enough for each character development within the film.I would go as far and say that so far it is one of the best Marvel films released - ever, i rank it alongside the original feeling i had from X-Men and Spiderman, when they we're released i was blown away, maybe because i had no expectation for this film it was even better for me, with something like Spiderman and X-men we all have high expectations. Iron Man has strong competition from Batman this year for the best superhero movie of 2008 and if bettered by the Dark Knight then we are in for one hell of a year for superheroes, Iron Man has set a new height for marvel films, lets hope they do a sequel without ruining it.
Fantastic!
posted on 16 Aug 2009Billionaire arms manufacturer Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is kidnapped by terrorists during a visit to Afghanistan. Stark is held captive and is told by the terrorists to build them a missile. As he begins work, Stark sees first hand his legacy of death and destruction. What's funny is that just the day before Stark was rebuking claims of being a war profiteer by saying, "As soon as weapons are no longer needed to keep the peace I'll start making bricks and beams for baby hospitals." Let me come right out and say it. Iron Man may not be Marvel's most popular superhero, but he's officially my favorite. This film had the usual summer comedy and action but strangely enough, Robert Downey Jr. was able to bring a lot of soul to the role of Tony Stark. He's the hero with a heart, and considerably more dialogue than Peter Parker ever had in any of the Spider-Man movies. You see, back home Tony Stark was just another genius billionaire playboy (Bruce Wayne anyone?). His world consisted of his assistant Virginia "Pepper" Pots (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Colonel James "Rhody" Rhodes (Terrence Howard). After his return to the United States, he immediately shuts down the weapons manufacturing division of Stark Industries. I know you're thinking this is problematic. "Didn't you say he was a weapons manufacturer?" Yes, and that's what makes it problematic for Stark's board of directors headed by Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). Stane ends up having his own agenda with Stark, but I'll save the rest of that for those of you who haven't seen the film yet (and if you haven't, stop reading and go watch it now!).The entire cast turns in terrific performances, and not just by comic book standards. Tony Stark is the wisecracking, womanizing, filthy rich and absolutely brilliant weapons manufacturer who chooses to undo his legacy and destroy his weapons. Any movie that comes out in the summer is usually bound to be one of those mindless action movies with no plot; just a series of excuses for more action. Lately, the summer action film has been somewhat reinvented. They've been getting smarter, wittier, and they even try to capture a more human side of story telling. This is part of why Iron Man wins our hearts. The other part being that the film addresses so many issues of our time while maintaining the summer movie spirit. Stark spent his life following a few basic rules. In his own words, he became comfortable with a system that had zero accountability. His decision to shut down his company and use his vast ingenuity to help people is what makes him a noble hero. It's not Superman, who was born to do the job. It's not like Spider-Man, who had the responsibility thrown on him. Iron Man is a lot like Batman since they both chose to do the job. Both are filthy rich and both use everything at their disposal to save the world, one city at a time. The only downside to the development of the characters is the fact that Rhody was somewhat underplayed. I'm guessing this was so the movie could focus more on Stark. In the comics, Rhody dons the Iron man armor and eventually builds his own suit of armor to become War Machine. The little hint in the movie with Rhodes and the Mark II armor was something of a well placed teaser.The only thing that kept me from giving this movie a perfect four stars was the action. Don't get me wrong, the action was great. I just wish there had been more of it. At just two hours long, I never once felt like Favreau was trying to rush through the movie. It never felt like he cuts scenes and took short cuts with the script to get to the ending. I did feel "jipped" with the action though. I wish there had been just one more big action scene, and that all the other scenes had been extended. In the end the lack of action is somewhat inevitable. With the film debut of any comic book hero, the makers always have to spend a considerable amount of time introducing the character and their microcosm to audiences that might not be familiar with the source material.Early on I read that director John Favreau wanted to make this film somewhat politically ambitious. For the average American it probably was just that. Trying to paint a somewhat respectable image of Muslims, especially in Afghanistan has to be a difficult job. But for someone like me, being the child of a couple of Bengali Muslim immigrants to America, I think the end result was more like being politically ambiguous. While held captive in Afghanistan, Stark's cell mate Yensen (Shaun Toub; a Jewish actor from Iran) tells Stark of all the different languages that the terrorists speak. He goes down a list including Urdu, Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Russian, and Hungarian. My interpretation of this was that the terrorists come from all countries and not just Arab speaking ones. How you interpret the implications of such a claim is up to you. But in a later scene, Favreau aptly shows that the majority of the victims of terrorism and radicalism are in fact, Muslims.I think Iron Man has a highly successful and highly lucrative future ahead of him. This is the first official movie of the summer 2008 and I can't wait for the sequel!
Shiny, entertaining and a great cast, but this is nevertheless a disappointing experience.
posted on 30 Aug 2009IRON MAN is the latest superhero-movie in cinemas, and it's another round of man-turned-into-amazing-powerhouse with CGI, love interests, a full on CV-cover-up and mayhem. And this is the first Marvel-child that's fully financed by Marvel Studios, and being a blockbuster it's surprising how they've chosen such a bold casting and choice of director; surely, casting Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man is interesting even before you've seen the teaser, Gwyneth Paltrow as the smart and sexy assistant Pepper Potts and Jeff Bridges villain Obadiah - and director Jon Favreau seemingly came out of nowhere.The film opens up with twinkling ice-cubes in whiskey, and soon the high-flying main character Tony Stark gets blown up by his own weapons as he gets locked-up for three months by Afghanan guerrillas to build a missile, instead he and his temporary sidekick makes Stark RoboCop 2: the Rusty & Deserted Sequel, as Stark shoots his way out of danger and returns to his glossy everyday - but now, as a changed man. The near-death experience kick-starts his goal for becoming Iron Man - but as soon as Stark adds the hot-red colors to his suit, the movie loses momentum; this is where Iron Man actually starts, so we're expecting something spectacular, but instead we get messy. Director Favreau is funky, and he knows how to squeeze every little drop of cool and swagger from Downey Jr., but as the action-bits starts coming, they're too brief and feels like a lackluster. IRON MAN's surely got potential, and the soul of the movie is surely in here, but a sequel that's right-on explosive is surely the right way to go from here.