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The first of a planned trilogy, this science-fiction superhero film was released in May of 2008,
and quickly quadrupled its 140-million-dollar budget. Controversial leading man Robert Downey
Jr. leads his suave style to the title character, a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist
arms-dealer who is forced to build himself a futuristic battery to keep himself alive
after an explosive kidnapping in Afghanistan. This technology eventually leads to Downey
building himself an advanced and powerful suit of armor than can fly, shoot missiles,
and stop the bad guys. Quickly making a name for himself as a competent director of big-budget
action-films, Jon Favreau carefully builds the tension in this picture from Downey's
close-quarters escape from an Afghan cave to Iron Man's beautifully impressive flyover
sequence above Santa Monica pier. Although fascinating, and well acted by all those involved,
the 45-minute origin story that kicks off this film is paced rather leisurely, and at
times feels more like an expositional chore than a proper awakening of this badass hero.
Admittedly not someone you'd ever picture as a village-saving superhero, RDJ is outstanding
in the lead role, brining to life a charismatic and redeemable character men will want to
be, and women will want to be with. Even in her limited supporting role, merely existing
as a romantic foil and ground to Downey, Gwyneth Paltrow is feisty and lovable as Iron Man's
assistant. But as the selfish and head-strong villain, Jeff Bridges lacks any subtly...
resulting in a rather one-dimensional character, even if he is devilishly evil. Once the plot
settles in, and the characters find their rhythm, the movie really takes off: from Downey's
humorous failed attempts to pilot his Mark II Iron Man suit, to his constant womanizing
at social events, to the thrilling mid-air battle between the supersonic playboy, and
aggressive military jets hell-bent on figuring out what he is. A post-credits easter-egg
playfully teases the upcoming "The Avengers" films, so die-hard fans will surely be delighted
by this Marvel-universe crossover. A worthy modernization of a comic that was never particularly
well-known to begin with, this is a by-the-numbers adventure that confidently delivers on the
high-octane action and suspense, but lacks a certain punch of originality or consequence,
diminishing the importance of it all. "Iron Man", an "Ordinary concept, but stylishly
executed" Here's the rate-o-matic for "Iron Man"...
an EIGHT and a NINE. Your praise for Robert Downey Jr.'s performance was unanimous...
citing him as the best aspect of the film. Sporadic action and an unfamiliar universe
were reasons held off on the top score, rating it "Awesome". The visuals, characters, acting,
and music were all top-notch... but the familiar package, and drawn-out origin story prevented
this film from really taking off. What's worse is that the great potential scored here was
underutilized in the lack-luster sequel. "Iron Man" gets a strong great from me.