Film Review #12

This week I decided to take a walk down memory lane and watch Iron Man. The last time I saw this movie was May 2008, a week after its initial release. After viewing Iron Man for only the second time I have to say it may be Marvel’s crown jewel in terms of comic book films. Director Jon Favreau should be very proud of his work. Iron Man is smart, fun, action-packed, aesthetically pleasing, and loaded with great actors. Robert Downey Jr. is the star of the film but Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Shaun Toub are integral characters.

The plot of the film is quite interesting. Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) is a highly intelligent, egocentric playboy who inherited a weapons manufacturing company from his father. During a routine weapons demonstration overseas Stark is captured by terrorists. While being held captive he learns lessons in mortality from a fellow prisoner- Yinsen (played endearingly by Toub). Stark manages to escape his death sentence and decides that Stark Industries will no longer manufacture weapons because of the negative effect it has in the world. This causes a rift with his company partner Obadiah Stane (Bridge) whom Stark later finds out has been double-dealing to the United States’ foreign enemies. Shortly after that time Tony designs an Iron Man suit and does battle with a host of newfound enemies including Obadiah.

He's Pissed

Robert Downey Jr. is perfect in his role as Tony Stark. He embodies everything a sophisticated, billionaire playboy is and more. Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow do not get a lot of screen time but when they do their presence is definitely felt. Jeff Bridges deserves praise for his role as well. His metamorphosis from company pal to murderous, double-crossing cheat is quite convincing. Shaun Toub also deserves applause for his portrayal of Yinsen. He is probably in the film for ten minutes but his portrayal is heartfelt. It had to be. It was a big reason why Tony Stark decides to adopt a new philosophy on life. My expectations for this cast were fulfilled and then some!

Stark & Yinsen

Iron Man uses a variety of film techniques. Special Effects are a big part of the movie. With that said, the director went a long way to ensure this film had top-notch special effects. Examining Stark’s finished Mark III Iron Man suit is all the evidence you need to prove my last statement. Modern rock is a big part of the music. It helps to capture the ‘maverick’ that Tony Stark is [read: badass]. The instrumental musical scores are also very crucial for setting the tone of certain scenes.

If I could only offer one decisive factor for my readers to see this film I would say go because you will love everything about the film. It’s not your average comic book movie. It doesn't suffer from being unrealistic or too cheesy. The actors do a superb job with their depictions of the characters. I promise when you finish the film you will want more. And audiences did. The 2010 sequel to the franchise grossed over $600 million dollars.

9.5 out of 10