Keeping the Marvel Comic train running, while I have already covered both Thor, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk in past reviews or posts, Iron Man needs to get some post time. For me, the first film is the superior film of the series and while the second one dashed because of the need to tie everything together for the upcoming Avengers film, I have high hopes for the upcoming third film. The first Iron Man was incredibly entertaining, not only because it’s fucking Iron Man kicking ass, but they managed to cast the perfect version of Tony Stark with Robert Downey Jr. Smarmy, charismatic and brilliant, Downey made the film for me and he also had the dubious honor of setting up what would be the groundwork for The Avengers film.
From Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures comes Iron Man, an action-packed take on the tale of wealthy philanthropist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), who develops an invulnerable robotic suit to fight the throes of evil. In addition to being filthy rich, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark is also a genius inventor. When Stark is kidnapped and forced to build a diabolical weapon, he instead uses his intelligence and ingenuity to construct an indestructible suit of armor and escape his captors. Once free, Stark discovers a deadly conspiracy that could destabilize the entire globe, and dons his powerful new suit on a mission to stop the villains and save the world. Gwyneth Paltrow co-stars as his secretary, Virginia “Pepper” Potts, while Terrence Howard fills the role of Jim “Rhodey” Rhodes, one of Stark’s colleagues, whose military background leads him to help in the formation of the suit. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Who didn’t see this in theaters and think, “damn that was badass.” I mean Iron Man is inherently amazing cause he is a billionaire playboy in an honor suit that can do almost anything. I will grant that in our computer generated film age, the magic seems a bit dilluted with so much visual effects, but the without the advancement, we wouldn’t get to see Iron Man come to life. The visuals in the film are impressive, from how the suit comes together and to the aerial combat that Iron Man engages in. It was the right amount of comic book visuals with the practical realism that didn’t take you out of the story and visuals.
The biggest draw of the film, other than seeing Iron Man himself, was Robert Downey Jr. He played the role of Tony Stark perfectly from the mannerism to the conflicted nature that drives him to create the Iron Man suit. He has the sort of Han Solo like charm and snark that makes he sort of unlikeable but likable enough to get involved in what he does. The character of Tony Stark in the comics is a selfish man, only being compelled to do something after witnessing death and destruction. His character might have selfish motives to doing what he does, but his brilliance doesn’t allow him to sit on the sidelines. Downey fits very nicely into the role, not only as a great actor, but also embodying the essence of Stark. I think this film, rather than the second film, captures a lot of conflict that he internally battles, while expanding him as a full bodied character. Even if his character is meant to be a cavalier playboy, he is still a connectable playboy to us.
I wouldn’t say that Iron Man is in the pantheon of Nolan’s Batman legacy, but Jon Favreau did create a comic book film that feels like a comic book. The characterization are spot on, the casting for the characters and villains were great, especially with Obidiah and Jeff Bridges playing the part. So much of the Dude still resides in his roles that it is funny to try and separate the two. The ending battle wasn’t as spectacular as it could have been, but there are still some satisfying set pieces that showcase what the Iron Man suit can do. Even with that armor on, you can’t mask the sarcastic wit that Stark exudes. He is that lovable rogue that we shouldn’t like, but secretly do. The interactions and mannerisms are perfectly matched and played off each character, from Rhodes to Potts, it all seems to work so well. One might say that is works like a finely tuned Iron Man suit. sigh…I can’t believe I went there with that comment.
*images via RottenTomatoes