Rating:
4.5 out of 5
Short version: While not perfect, it comes pretty damn close - Iron Man is one of the best superhero movie adaptations to hit the big screen so far.
Finally. It’s here.
And yes, you can rest easy - especially if you’re a long time Iron Man fan, this movie will rock your world. If you’re not, get ready to witness the launch of the next big superhero franchise.
Believe it or not, this is one of the more difficult reviews I’ve written. I’ve been a huge supporter of this film, the production and Jon Favreau since day one, and I’ve also been looking forward to it probably longer than most of you reading this have been alive. 
So it was difficult to balance the fanboy love for the character and the fact that I want it to do well, with an objective look at the film as a whole.
So, without any further delay, here’s my review, free of any major spoilers…
The movie opens with the very familiar scene of Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) riding in a Humvee with some soldiers in what is presumably Afghanistan. Although we’ve seen about a minute of this scene in trailers and clips, there’s much more to it that’s very funny and serves to start giving us a sense of who Stark is almost immediately. He’s a billionare, but he’s very engaging and as far from “stuffy” as you can imagine. Within a couple of minutes he puts the intimidated soldiers at ease.
Of course just as that happens all hell breaks loose when an explosion takes out the vehicle ahead of theirs and brings their convoy to a stop. They’re obviously outgunned and the vehicle (and soldiers are peppered with armor piercing bullets. Stark manages to get away from the vehicle and behind cover where he tries to call for help, but (as we’ve seen) he gets hit by shrapnel from another explosion.
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The movie then cuts to a recent flashback, less than two days prior, giving us a look at Stark in his own element: Partying hard in Vegas and charming the pants off ladies (quite literally, actually). Here we’re introduced to his long time friend and military liason Rhodey (played by Terrence Howard), his father-figure Obadiah Stane (played by Jeff Bridges) and Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), his ever-on-the-ball personal assistant.
It doesn’t take long for director Jon Favreau (who also plays Stark’s driver, ‘Happy’ Hogan) to establish the dynamic between Tony and those who surround him: Stane is the ‘responsible’ one who handles the details of running the company, putting up with Tony’s impetuous personality; Rhodey also suffers Stark’s personality, but at his core we almost see that he wishes he could be as carefree; finally Pepper is Tony’s rock: she keeps him on track and grounded and we see the playful sexual tension between them that is very close from boiling over into something serious, but has been held back to maintain their working relationship.
When we cut back to Stark in Afghanistan, we see his cocky attitude even in business as he demonstrates a state of the art missile system to the high ranking officers in the field. From here we move back to the explosion and then him as captive, where we meet Professor Yinsen (Shaun Toub), who has jury rigged a device to keep Tony alive. Stark is completely disoriented but Yinsen has been there for quite a while and instructs him on how to act in order to not be immediately killed by his captors.
The terrorists (known as “The Ten Rings”) want him to build them a version of that very same missile, which for reasons revealed in the film will not be as difficult as you might think in his cave environment. Instead Stark has an epiphany regarding his role in conflicts around the world and decides instead to construct something that will allow him and Yinsen to escape: The Mark I armor.
The scenes that follow are very well done and it’s no cakewalk for Stark and Yinsen to get away with building this right under the video-watching noses of their captors. Within the context of a superhero movie, I actually found this part of the film very effective and even believable. When we finally get to the escape itself, it is nothing less than absolutely thrilling as they run out of time and Stark finally gets to take his vengeance on his captors. Actually, in the notes I took down during the film I used the following as a reminder: AWESOME!
Stark makes it back to California where he makes an announcement that does not sit well at all with Stane or even his pal Rhodey, and he sets out to create a more streamlined version of his first prototype armor. He utilizes the help of his A.I. “butler,” Jarvis (no it’s not a robot) to construct and test the suit. Some of the funniest moments in the film take place here during his initial attempts at flight and when he takes the Mark II armor out for it’s first spin.
From here Stark feels the weight of the responsibility of what his company has contributed to conflicts in the Middle East and at least briefly takes matters into his own hands. Things get complicated and eventually as you must know, he has to confront Obadiah Stane in the Iron Monger armor which was based on the Mark I.
Yeah, yeah… but what’s the bottom line, you ask? Is it any good? The short answer is it’s not good - it’s great.
If you’re a long time Iron Man fan from the comics who’s been waiting for this movie forever, your fanboy geek meter is going to be pegged, no question. If you never heard of Iron Man until you started seeing commercials for this, you, too will think it’s awesome.
At the screening I attended, every time Downey Jr donned a new set of armor the crowd went nuts. The reaction was extremely positive with cheers coming from the audience three or four times during the course of the film, lots of laughter and applause at the closing credits.
One of the absolute best things about this film as far as comic book fans will be concerned is how faithful the movie is to the spirit of not only Tony Stark/Iron Man, but of the supporting characters as well. Favreau reached back to classic Tony Stark instead of depending on the more recent incarnations of the character: Impetuous, a bit older, risk taker and charming as hell throughout.
On the other hand he incorporated more modern-day elements into the technology of the armor, taken from the more recent comics. While purists may be annoyed at not having the skin-tight, Oscar-shiny armor in a briefcase, that just would not have worked nearly as well on the big screen.
The action sequences were awesome, and it was quite difficult to distinguish the practical suits from the CGI versions. Loved the way they made Iron Man fly, with slow, gentle takeoffs and super-fast landings (quite the opposite of Superman), and the in-air flight sequences were shot in a way that also made them very believable. The bells and whistles contained in the armor and used during various fights were very cool. In particular a scene where he faces off with terrorists using civilians as human shields.
I loved the chemistry between Downey Jr. and Paltrow. I’m not a big fan of hers as I usually find her kind of cold on-screen, but here she was business-like but also emanated a warm glow that made her vulnerable and appealing. I thought Jeff Bridges was a bit under-utilized, but for me the weak link and character chain was Terrence Howard as Rhodey. Maybe for those unfamiliar with the comics it won’t be an issue, but for me he didn’t work. As someone suggested earlier someone more like a way toned down Wesley Snipes would have fit the character better in my opinion.
So what kept it from getting a solid 5/5? After the first incredible, awesome first hour, it seemed like the film kind of lost its direction a bit. Like Tony didn’t really know what to do with the armor. A lot of time was spent in the building of it, but it didn’t seem like there was quite enough payoff from all that time spent. A lot of people were concerned that Iron Man wouldn’t have a long enough running time, but I really think that it could have used some trimming to tighten things up from it’s just over 2 hour length.
Also, yes, we all crave footage, trailers and images prior to a movie opening as we froth at the mouth from anticipation, but the fact that every action sequence in the movie was hinted at or partially shown in released footage took something away. It would have been fantastic if there had been at least ONE action sequence in the film that we had no clue about. Paramount, please take note of that for the next film.
On the other hand, even having seen so many clips, when the action hit, it was AWESOME to behold. And fans will love the reference to “The Ten Rings” and I’ll be damned if we haven’t seen the Mandarin in this movie.
All in all though it more than lived up to my expectations and I can’t wait for a sequel now that the origin story is out of the way!
P.S. Yes, you need to stay through to the end of the credits for a brief, but fanboy-cool scene.
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71 Comments
Yeah. I watched the movie and my friends all say that the first hour was weird. For people who know the plot, the movie is just cool. You would be sitting there and knowing what to see in the movie, it feels awesome. But in the end there are swists that you didn’t espect to happen. But it would be nice if Mark2 got a longer screentime. We don’t even know what else it can do. One question…. Are there anything after the credits???
Nice review! Just got back from the premiere, and it was AWESOME! I went with a bunch of friends, and some of them are new Iron Man fans now… (And don’t forget to stay for the credits, everyone. Really.)
This movie rocked. It met all my expectations and, IMO, was cast perfectly. RDJ was FANTASTIC as Tony Stark and SHOULD (but won’t) be nominated for a Best Actor Oscar. Easily one of the 5 best superhero movies ever made.
Daniel, you should have stayed past the credits.
*****MAJOR SPOILER DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS*****
After the credits, Tony Stark enters his house and waiting for him is Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and he talked about the Avengers!!!
****END SPOILER*****
I already watch the movie twice here in my country! (the first one was on the very first day it was aired in the cinemas) and the second one - the day after that. I am a long time, avid iron man reader since volume 1. And I am so very proud of this movie that all of the elements that made Tony Stark/Iron Man are really There! Great Job to Robert Downey Jr. He really steals the MOVIE! By the way, to the guys who have not yet able to watch it - stick with it through the end credits and you will not be Disappointed! Promise! Now I’m really ready for Iron Man 2!
One of the better comic to film efforts. Aimed at a much broader audience than say, the Fantastic Four, this flick really has something for everyone. The end scene after the credits was GREAT.
Good review Vic. This is also the first time in 3 days I’ve visited…
I’m still soaking in it right now and thinking back on it… Several things popped out at me during the movie but I’ll only touch on a few.
It could have had “more”. I can’t explain that right now. I just hush the little voices in my head by saying “they’re saving stuff for the sequel”.
The chess set in front of Stane was a nice touch.
The “front page” picture at the end looked suspiscously like one of the set pictures that was leaked early on. Anyone else think that?
The after the credits scene had me thinking “Kathy Dare” but had all of us all who held over in the theatre going “oh ____, yea…”
The ending… This is what makes me only give it only a 4/5… AHHHH… How do I put it without spoiling it… I have the urge to track down Joe Quesada and kick his dog.
SEQUEL! SEQUEL!
*****SPOILERS….maybe?********
Zipper, I thought the last line was great.
If Favreau is only giving us three films (and he’s only talked about three so far) then they need to move as quickly as possible. I think the last line of the movie will make the sequels a lot more interesting. I think the films should mix things up more than the comics anyway.
I give it…4 and a half out of five repulsors. So I’m copying Vic.
havent seen the film yet,
But I wanto go on record .
Iron Man will make $85 million dollars this weekend.
If not it will be in the ballpark.
Anything above that?
May the Gods of Marvel be praised!
each new armor was so cool! if peter parker spent this much time and attention (or had jarvis), maybe his suits wouldn’t ride up in the crotch so much!
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there are two pull-the-tube-out scenes that i could have done without. the second one involving pepper was just unrealistic. i mean is tony stark part TARDIS?
Yeah, that massive cavity on his chest is a bit unrealistic because it would have meant that his sternum had been cut away in the middle!! And then, after Pepper accidentally removed the electromagnet, why didn’t they put it back in? Tony just asked her to attach the new arc reactor’s cables to some innards in the cavity and off he goes.
Great review, Vic.
The fight with Iron Monger, however, was quite short and formulaic. Unfortunately Stark’s armor was terribly under-utilized in that fight, mainly due to power constrains.
I liked the way humor was injected into the movie throughout.. with fast cuts. There were no slapstick humor or crude jokes, but purely situational comedy that worked really well.. like that part when Rhodes said that there’s someone he needed to call. The cinema burst out roaring with laughter 3 seconds later. And of course, check out the banter between Stark and Jarvis.. that AI assistant had a dry British wit to go with the accent!!
One thing I didn’t get, though.. why wasn’t Jarvis aware that Stark’s house had been compromised?…
It was a great movie. Maybe the best comic movie ever and I have seen them all. It was a mature movie not much “comic book” at all. I would not call it “realistic” but you may get the idea what I mean.
I agree we have seen a lot of the action in the trailers already but I also like the “human” aspect of the movie very much. The characters interaction were just great.
Lets hope this is the start of a great summer of comicbook blockbusters!I’m seeing it next week.
then Roll on HULK,HELLBOY and DARK NIGHT.
Ok, I’ve been thinking about this since I got home from the early showing of IM last night. These are my top 5 favorite superhero movies:
1. Superman
2. Batman Begins
3. X-Men 2
4. Iron Man
5. *TIE* Superman 2 & Batman with Keaton.
I kind of surprised myself by not putting any of the Spidey movies in there, although I think that Spidey 2 was better than the 1st one.
Just seen the movie with my 9 year old son and we both thought it was excellent, fun,funny,beautifully made,great bright colours and plenty action. But really happy when we saw the hulk trailer too, that’s the big one for us.
But yes,well done Marvel with your first full movie. Daddy and son both left cinema very very happy.
I’ll be seeing it AGAIN tonight with my wife and a few friends.
BTW, attached to it were BOTH the new ‘Dark Knight’ and ‘Indy 4′ trailers!
Vic
Great review, Vic.
I’ll try not to turn this into my own thread (hee hee), but here are my thoughts on Iron Man (please note, everything in this post is my opinion, I thought saying this before hand would be easier than typing “in my opinion”, or “IMO” in every other sentence) :
WARNING, THIS POST IS FILLED WITH ‘EM! (SPOILERS, THAT IS)
First, my criticism:
Unlike what some people said in the early reviews, I thought the film’s original score, when we FINALLY heard it, was actually quite good. The problem is, is that it is missing in some scenes. I feel the film would’ve definitely benefited from an opening title sequence, ala Spider-Man, Batman, etc. I believe, like Tim Burton said, that the opening title sequence (score) in a film helps set the tone/atmosphere of the story, it helps us make the transition from our world into the movie’s world. It felt rather awkward watching the Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios logo and some credits appear without any sound/score at all. I wish they would have taken the film’s original score and played it with the ultra cool, stylized “armor design” credits sequence that was shown at the end of the film, at the beginning of the film.
END CRITICISM
While seeing more of the protagonist in action in any superhero film is always welcomed, we see more of Iron Man in action than we see of Superman in Superman Returns, the Fantastic Four in Fantastic 4, and even Batman in Batman Begins. I was worried that we’d seen all of Iron Man in the previews, but there were still more than a few surprises that the film had in store that nearly knocked me out of my seat with AWESOMENESS.
The special effects are beyond EXCELLENT. They are better than the SFX we’ve seen in any other superhero film thus far. The only other film that could possibly rival Iron Man in that area is Superman Returns. There was not one scene in the film that made me think “that looks fake” or “that’s too CGI looking”.
The armor in the film was fantastic. It had the believability of the armor in the current comics’ but had the charm and a tip of the hat to the classic suit. (I am glad that they used the circular chest battery/uni beam projector instead of the Superman symbol diamond shaped one)
The MK 1’s escape was unbelievable!
Loved all the references to the Mandarin. (sequel!!)
The scenes where Iron Man fought the terrorists were excellent.
The fight with Iron Monger at the end was great!
Iron Man sounded great, so did Iron Monger.
The plane scenes were great.
Every scene with Iron Man was GREAT!!!
Stan “the man” Lee’s cameo was very funny, however very short.
As mentioned, the film’s original score (when we finally heard it) was great. It was much better than Batman Begins’ score (which was droll, monotone, and in musical terms didn’t really seem to go anywhere, it had a tremendous buildup and that was about it).
The story was absolutely excellent.
The script was OUTSTANDING.
I did not feel as though the film was too long at all. The pacing was fine and the film was very well developed. (Besides, I’d rather have the film go too long than too short)
The cast was phenomenal. Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark is everything I thought he would be and more. He is excellent, he is better at Stark than Bale and Maguire are at their respective characters, and THAT’S saying something. He is absolutely perfect as Tony Stark, he leaves nothing to be desired. Any other actor in the role would not have achieved this (I’m looking at you, Cruise). Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pepper Potts was excellent. I realize this has something to do with how her character was written but it was GREAT to FINALLY see a female member of the supporting cast who did NOT come across as winy, bitchy, petty, or a distraction. Paltrow’s Pepper Potts beats the hell out of Dunst’s Mary Jane, Bosworth’s Lois Lane, and Katie Holme’s Rachel Dawes. She played her character very well. I thought Jeff Bridges’ Obadiah Stane was great, he also played that part very well, he was fantastic at pulling the back stabbing, right hand man with a hidden agenda off. His Iron Monger was good too, he seemed very menacing and at times reminded me of wrestler Jesse Ventura. Terrence Howard’s Jim Rhodes was good, he seemed like a very real person as opposed to the typical, “cool” stereotype that most black characters are usually reduced too. I think if he gets more facetime in the next film he will shine more. Shaun Taub as Ho Yinsen, even in his comparatively smaller role, I thought he was just fantastic. Everyone in this film was great. This is quite possibly the best casted superhero film of all time.
Finally, Jon Favreau. I never thought the guy who made Elf (not that that was a “bad” movie) would make what is quite possibly the best superhero film of all time. He has an amazing repect for Iron Man in every way, he did not tweak the story like X-Men or Fantastic 4, he did not decimate the Iron Man comics’ status quo by making him an illegitimate father or some other idiocy like Superman Returns, or even drastically change/ridiculously revision the Iron Man suit like all the Batman films have done with Batman’s suit. No my friends, this is IRON MAN in all his comic book glory, majestically transferred onto the big screen. It is Iron Man. My hat is off to you, Mr. Favreau. There are no words to describe the outstanding job you’ve done with Iron Man. One thing I must ask though; could you do it again?
Unbelievably, after seeing all that, the only thing that I could talk about the first ten minutes after the film was completely over was how AWESOME Sam Jackson’s Nick Fury scene (or cameo, whichever you prefer) was, and that he mentioned THE AVENGERS INITIATIVE!!!!! How freaking AMAZING was that!!!!!!!
To sum it all up, I need say no more than that the film is excellent, incredible, fantastic, and outstanding. Iron Man is a prime example of what a good comic book movie AND a movie should be. A 5 out of 5 rating is usually reserved for a film that is “absolutely perfect”, a film that, by all accounts, does not exist. Iron Man is as perfect as could be realistically expected, and for that, I give it a 5 out of 5.
I saw the new Indy trailer AND the new Incredible Hulk trailer, Vic, but they didn’t have the new Batman trailer attached last night. Also, I thought the trailers for the new Will Farrell movie and the new Adam Sandler movie looked pretty funny!!
Drudge reports declaring, Iron Man is the first blockbuster of 08. Highest rating on Rotton Tomatoes ever!
Critics are calling it the best comic book superhero film ever. Robert Downey’s best performance,and also that this film will be one that people go back and see again and again. WOW!!!!
And its only friday evening. ??!!!??
I expect Iron Man will be in theaters for a long time.
Its clear that GTA has had no negative effects on this film. If anything I’m betting fans have dropped there controllers and are right now in line for Iron Man. (Haha)!
I’m seeing this on Sunday so I’ve skipped over the review and all the comments but I just want to say I’m happy for Vic and Downey Jr.
Really excited to see how this franchise takes off! :_/
(Check out)
http://www.advancediron.org
For all things Iron Man!
Now how ’bout that sequel?
If I were Marvel, I’d want my movie schedule to look something like this:
2009:
Captain America- The whole movie’s set in WW2, we learn Cap’s origin, etc, and at the end of the film and WW2 a plane Cap’s on explodes over the ocean, killing everyone on it except Cap, who is frozen in the icey, watery grave. Cliffhanger ending…..
….we pick it up in…..THE AVENGERS!
Just like in the comic books!
Anyway, 2010:
Iron Man 2, Enter the Mandarin. Nuff Said!
Possibly Incredible Hulk 2, if it SMASHES B O.
Avengers - Cap is discovered by S.H.I.E.L.D. and brought into contemporary times, he will lead an ensemble team set up by S.H.I.E.L.D. under the supervision of Nick Fury, enter the Avengers Initiative! Audience is introduced to Thor (classic comic book version, Doc Don Blake and all, NOT some norse mythology crap, Make Mine the MARVEL Thor), Ant Man aka Giant Man and his fiance/wife, the Wasp, along with a reluctant Iron Man who’s used to doing things his own way and Doc Banner/the Hulk, who will either be one of the team’s greatest assets or adverseries, all on a team together with the legendary Captain America (Steve Rogers); they are the Avengers.
It would probably be tough to shoot Iron Man 2 and Avengers at the same time, but I can dream, right?
Last night, I did not see the new Batman trailer either. I saw Hulk and Indy 4, but NO Batman.
The new Batman trailer is actually better than the December released one, IMO.
I’m seeing IM again tomorrow.
I went to see it and the NEW dark knight trailer was attached. Anyone have a link?
KEL there allready talkin 2010 for the next Iron Man!!!!
Also Marvel Studios if your reading this, you guys need to hire KEL!!!!
hi,
Last night when I saw the movie they had the Dark Knight trailer that was released back in December, but NOT the NEW one, which, I’ve seen, BTW, via dubious bootleg.
haha, 790! That’s great! I can’t wait for IM 2!
What up, man! I hope you see the movie soon…
Yeah KEL, I was invited to a screening on Sunday but sheesh I’m tempted to go sooner.
From the sound of this I’ll prob catch it also again during the workweek if its slow.
Since I’m going to a sold-out show it will be nice to see it in a less crowded theater.
Seriously,, DC and Marvel should be in bidding war for your creative knowledge of all that is Superherodom. You would fit right in there. You should try to get an internship or do something in that direction with your artwork.
(This kids gots skillz)!!
LOL, 790!
Thanks, bro.
Do yourself a favor and see the movie ASAP.
…forgot to mention, I wore my Iron Man helmet and gauntlets to the premeire.
You shoulda seen the looks I got lol.
Very cool tho.
Classic……
Lol KEL.
Rock on bro your dedication is awesome!!!
haha!
Thanks, man.
I got pictures…
You got to post those on advanced iron!!
:_/-|You got to post those on advanced iron!!
:_/-|<
Will do.
i have been scrolling through the comments to avoid spoilers.
do we know how much money the advanced screenings made last night?
Advanced screenings made 5 mil Gary. And that’s a huge amount. !!!!!
Fantastic movie. Vic, you were right on this one all the way. Nice job of calling this one as an awesome movie.
I can only hope the Captain America, Thor, and Hulk movies will all be as good as this one, but I unfortunately doubt it.
I saw the Iron Man movie last night with my brother, and it was aw….. wait for for it… some!!!
I have seen some stuff, first trailer and stuff, but have been tryning hard not to see to much, like the first test of the flying boots- had not seen it and it was funny ass… -And Robert was just the perfect tony stark.
Must admit that i did not see the agentcy beeing S.H.I.E.L.D even do I know that it is the secret superhero-dealing military agency in the marvel universe…
and sam as nick… man…. that rocked….
Yes!!!!!!!! Awesomeness!!!!! I so can not wait for # 2!!!!!
I can tell is that this is the best marvel adaptation ever made. My husband had to drag me to see Xmen 3 (I had a baaaad feeling with that movie and sadly it became true).
Here in PR the theater was packed! I had luck to find a ticket for the english version (don’t stand translated movies) and just had to refresh my hubby small details like who’s shield, jarvis and what not. My kid is more up to date (he reads my comic collection) about Iron Man. Thank God who thought about letting Kirby and Lee participate in co-writing the script. It made a lot of different. Good introduction film with a open ending, of course preparing for a sequel.
Good action, good laugh. And Jeff Bridges looked sooo bad! He surprised me, always pictured him so sedated. I’ll surely buy the dvd when it comes out.
Now I know I’ll have to suffer Speed Racer, FF, Dragonball but thank God I have a mp3 player.
Here the previews in Puerto Rico theaters were the new Mike Meyers movie about a indian guru (it looks very promising), Indy 4 (even in the trailer Ford looks tired), Speed Racer (love the anime, I’m not sure about the flick), Get Smart (funny s h i t), Ashton Kusher/Cameron Diaz New Film (will surely NOT see, hate ‘em both).
I’ve always been a marvel gal and is good to see good work done with some of my fav comic characters. Here (my local theater) if you came with Iron Man comics gifted you with some promotional things.
I missed the scene after the credits (I always stay after the credits but this time I couldn’t), would have love to see Nick Fury!
Marvel is eating out DC. One word: Sweeeet!
BTW, happy Internation Free Comic Book Day to y’all!
Greetings LadyAmbar from Purto Rico!
I knew the ladys love Iron Man!!!
I never thought I’d live to see an Iron Man movie for the simple reason that - Avengers membership notwithstanding - he’s always been a bit of a B-lister, not even as popular as Daredevil. However, Marvel have been pretty astute in placing him centre-stage for the last couple of years during this Civil War phase, and they’ve timed this to perfection.
It works because it’s not really a superhero film. Just as Tony Stark doesn’t possess superhuman abilities, the story’s presented in a straightforward, no-nonsense way. No tricksy Tim Burton title sequence, no Ang Lee split screens, no Sam Raimi acid-trip backgrounds. And REAL acting! Some people have criticised Jeff Bridges and Terence Howard for not bringing enough to their parts, but I really appreciated their restraint. Bridges in particular was far more menacing in Dillinger-in-Tron mode than he ever would have been as some goggle-eyed megalomaniac. Same thing goes for Shaun Toub as Yinsen: his death came across far more for having been preceded by such a quiet, dignified performance. Pepper Potts could easily have been either forgettable rescue fodder or that staple 21st century upgrade: the gun-confident uber-babe. Which is no less of a cliche. Gwyneth Paltrow worked a treat, bless her 8″ heels. Touching and sweet rather than girlie and pathetic. It’s all in the face. Little looks, little expressions. Best thing I’ve seen her in since Sliding Doors.
Now then… Robert Downey Jr. What a genius bit of casting. BORN to play Tony Stark, and he is superb. Flawless. Arrogant but likeable, cocky without being irritating or over the top. It’s a witty, well-written part, though regardless of the actual lines sometimes his mere delivery was laugh-out-loud funny.
In fact I found myself cackling like a beached idiot quite a lot throughout this film, for all the right reasons. Stan Lee’s cameo; the notion of a SHIELD agent sitting around meekly waiting for an appointment; RDJ being bolted into the suit like a medieval knight off to battle. Actually that suiting-up sequence looked fantastic, but also weirdly archaic in view of how Stark does it in the comics these days post-Extremis. Total cybernetic interface and all the suit sections leaping up onto him, as Hunter S Thompson would put it, “like frogs in a dynamite pond”.
Iron Man was the only superhero comic I used to buy as a kid, from the end of the Gene Colan era through George Tuska to Bob Layton. Stopped reading it in the ’80s when they changed his armour to that red & silver Lord Buckethead travesty, and looked on thereafter in horror, each subsequent makeover worse than the last. Then I saw Adi Granov’s take on the suit and immediately wanted to rain kisses on his eager little upturned face. So that was one hurdle the film cleared for me straight away (though the Mk III still looked a bit clunky from the waist down). Loved the graceless, jerky, haven’t-quite-got-used-to-it-yet flying sequences; loved the helmet-cam view of RDJ’s face with all the Head Up Displays (I’d wondered how they were going to do this); loved the Mk I and the whole idea of the arc reactor device being physically inside his chest.
Minor gripes: the plot itself wasn’t great, though on the plus side they did manage to shoehorn a hell of a lot in there from 45 years of continuity, and hats off to them for even attemting to tackle the ethical ramifications of the arms industry. Also the final scrap (ho ho) with Iron Monger reminded me a bit too much of the end of Robocop 2. And that final line. Um… not entirely sure what I feel about that at this stage. Could save some messing around in the sequels, I suppose.
Nevertheless, I thought it was one of the best comic book adaptations yet. Easily up there with Batman Begins, Hellboy and Spider-Man 2. If the same people are involved with the sequel(s) both behind and in front of the camera then I trust them with it. Ten rings to rule the world!
According to (Box Office Mojo) Iron Man has taken in 38.000.000 as of yesterday.
Its tracking to go past 70.mill by Sunday.
(Made of Honor) brought in a whopping 5mil. So far.
I think its safe to say that Iron Man is bringing in the ladys.
Iron Man should break 100mil by next weekend easy. :_/
oh, 790 I also introduced my kid to Dr. Strange, Stars Comics, Brave and the Bold, JIM, Westerns Stories, and my first love of all the amazon princess. But I had to stop there, ‘cuz my kid is only seven and he’s too young to see my golden age collection.
My relationship with Iron man has not been easy, with comics is like a marriage, they’ll be good and bad days but you have to stay firm and have some amount of faith. IronMan gives me a lot of good memories, he’s one of uncle fav characters. He would have love to see that movie.
What I like most of Marvel is that everyone of this characters has at least one flaw; they’re not perfect but thrive to help and improve humanity in some way.
At Kaisen 3 (cosplay/comic/anime con) they were a LOT of people on the Iron Man table. And now I’m crossing my fingers for a live action version of Dr. Strange or Spiderwoman (the 70s version, because the 80s one suck). The Avengers will be an interesting one if they don’t put boyband bubblegum people like they do lately in all movies.
…and you know Tony Stark will charm off the undies of anything female, 790!
Thants awesome LadyAmbar, being raised on excellent comics in Purto Rico is unique childhood indeed!
What’s it like down there right now?
With the kind of temperature and humidy is an amazing feature to collect ‘em, that’s for sure.
I hope to see the movie again this week alone (will go to the first matinee, 12 pm), it’s not the same going with a lot of nieces, nephews and my kid that going alone.
Big Dentist, those are 7 helluva great paragraphs! Post more often sir / madam!
I am afraid the next movie will have Stark all drunkified and Rhodes taking over the armor for the middle. A rehash of Spidey 2, full of angst and self-doubt. Identity Crisis.
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Don’t understand why 2 lines didn’t get more comments from fans. The first, from Rhodes, saying to the armor, “Next time, baby!” Giving a direct signal for the sequel. Then “I’m Iron Man” setting Stark apart from many other heroes. Did he give away his identity in the comics? I don’t remember that. I stopped reading in the early 80s though.
I thought it was a great film.
Jeff Bridges wins the prize for best marvel villain on film.
was the suit Tony used for his first flight test based on the silver centurion armor?
Thats what it reminded me of .
http://www.advancediron.org/iron-man-timeline/iron-man-timeline-list-of-milestones
Vic
Gary, Jeff Bridges was awesome as Stane/Iron Monger!! I think you may be correct that he is the best villain in any Marvel film, maybe tied with Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus in SpiderMan 2. Although Doc Ock redeemed himself and Stane was evil right to the end.
I sure hope that the next film doesn’t get all whiney and angst-filled like the Spidey films. It should just be a great action film with IM kicking evil doers butts!! Although I wouldn’t mind seeing War Machine come into the picture…
Over $200 mil worldwide in the first weekend. Pretty good for a superhero not many people ever heard of!!! I think we will DEFINITELY be seeing a sequel or 2…Let’s just hope that Favreau is back for the sequel!!
This has to be the best superhero film I have seen thus far, and I have seen them all. ILM (Idustrial Light and Magic) did the CGI so you know it has phenominal VFX, and the acting (especially by Downey) was great, which many films of this type lacks. The film was soo good that you can overlook some obvious flaws, like a cavity in Stark’s chest where his heart should be (Pepper Potts replacing the old magnet scene).
My son from W. Virginia hasn’t seen it so that gives me a reason to see it again.
“I knew you’d like it!” - Stark
Vic
Hey guys at Fantastic Four land. This is how its done!
(Flame on, yourself ghssesh).
Hard to believe there both Marvel films after seeing Iron Man.
Notice to all production companies planning on doing a superhero film.
If you can’t at least match Iron Mans script and vfx. Don’t even bother!!!!
The bar is set Batman 2 will reach it but Hulk,,, ???
Hulk would add about 50 mil to their B.O.gross if there’s a Iron Man cameo. That’s how big Iron Man is now. And if there is a Iron Man cameo you better show a brief glimpes in the next trailer. This is common sense marketing folks.
Yeah Vic they kinda blew it with the chest cavity but it hardly matterd the script and action was soo brilliantly done.
I wonder if that (chest vfx) was considered a rating point prob. and was changed last min.
{{that “heart” scene was the one thing I really disliked in the film.}}
Q. What material was the wire that came out of Stark’s chest made of?
A. Elastic credulity.
I would just like to say that I was very surprised and greatly pleased with how well this movie turned out. We all know the history of Hollywood botching up comic book films as well as videogame films. I want to give Jon Favreau a freakin’ high five a million times over because this movie just turned out to be that damn good!
Robert Downey Jr. is the most believalbe comic book character that I’ve seen in a while. I don’t know how he did it, but he did it and it was fantastic. I’ve already seen it twice and now I’m just going to have to wait for the sequel. I loved how they didn’t go completely over the top by throwing in War Machine when they could have done so for that would have been just stupid. The hints to the Mandarin were excellent so I’m thrilled at how well this was done.
If they don’t keep the same production team and director and everyone else who made this a success, then they’ll just shoot themselves in the foot and come away with some garbage. I hope they recognize this.
Also, did anyone else catch that Ghostface from the Wu-Tang Clan was playing in the background when they were on the plane? I loved that part since Ghostface refers to himself as Iron Man or Tony Starks on his albums. They went all out and did tons of research to make this a success.
Fair enough with the cavity thing! I liked the concept of sticking the device inside Stark’s chest rather than him having to wear the breastplate all the time - in the same way that the Spider-Man movies having Peter Parker generate web fluid from his body instead of strangely invisible web canisters just made more sense to me. But you’re right Vic, it was way too deep. An inch would have done it. And not many antibiotics out in the desert, you’d think.
Talking of the soundtrack, I couldn’t believe I was hearing “Institutionalised” by Suicidal Tendencies in there. Yet another thumbs-up for that.
I do hope they lock down a better score on the next one.
I would like a theme. Like Superman or Indy. I need an Iron Man theme.
I don’t need hardrock blended in throughout. It worked with “Back in Black” but I need a theme.
A real good Stark Industrial theme.
I never thought that I was charmed with Iron Man very much. I think that this film is #1 Iron Man is the best!!!
Really do not be how to explain what me pleased the movie, but a thing if I say to them … really they have to see this film!
Iron Man was practically flawless as a super hero flick; it drops pretty obvious hints that would indicate a sequel as well… i’m thinking the next one should be equally great
790 - I thought the first two Blade movies had great (and appropriate) soundtracks without much of a score, but I’m with you that Iron Man needs one. It’s a shame Jerry Goldsmith’s dead. What about Howard Shore? Or Graeme Revell, who did Spawn and Daredevil, plus the likes of Sin City, Planet Terror, Dead Calm and Pitch Black. He used to be in a band called SPK who were all scrapmetal tribal percussion and sampled loops. Get him back to the junkyard, or maybe that’s not quite what you had in mind by industrial…
OOOOOh, Big Dentist, would love if Howard Shore do the score. Graeme Revell is a very good choice too, love his work in Sin City, Planet Terror and Spawn.
I finally saw it tonight… I’d put it up there with the first Spidey, but not quite as good as the S2 or X2.
I loved Bridges in the movie, but his character didn’t seem to me to be the type to don the Ironmonger suit.
The movie (and RDJ) did a great job showing Stark’s transformation from cocky businessman to hero (or cocky hero)- much more believable than I expected.
it was good, but i must to see it again.
i was in a theatre with just too many kids yapping away and crying. it was a mess. too all the parents out there - yeah, that really bothers people.
other than that from what i saw it seems like the best comic to movie adaptaion so far… with the exception of sin city. in my opinion NOTHING can sin city.
ALSO, if you havent seen it yet stay until the VERY end of the credits! theres an awesome bonus!
I’ve seen the new Iron Man movie twice now and it gets better each time I see it. Its rare thing these days when a movie combines a great plot, established actors, and awesome special effects. Basically this movie has everything your looking for. Although I was reading Iron Man comic books since I was a kid, even those who don’t know who Tony Stark is will enjoy this ride.
Vic, I agree about the previews and how IM’s showed or hinted at all the action scenes. These days, if I know I’m seeing a movie, I crawl under the couch and dodge every preview and review out there until I see a movie so I can come away surprised as opposed to a movie filling in blanks between all the previews.
This movie is good for IM and non-IM fans alike. Heck, I saw the thing with a raging migraine, and I still staggered away liking the experience, believe it or not. That’s how good it is folks!
Vic
I know this is kind of late, but I am new to the site and wanted to know what the writers here thought of this movie. Glad to see it was you Vic.
Prior to this, I have not seen a single Iron Man comic. In fact, I’m not a comic book guy at all. The recent trend toward comic book movies that are not corny would make me seem like a comic book guy since I’m jumping on every comic book movie coming out. But in all reality, I’ve never read any comics growing up.
But I would have to say that Iron Man was my favorite movie of the year, and I’ve already preordered the special edition DVD. And once I get a HD tv and blu-ray player, I’ll buy the blu ray too, along with a Blu-Ray version of Terminator 2, lol, top of my list.
I think the most badass part of the entire film was when he first put on the Mark III, just seeing how it looks all put together was just amazing. I wish I had one of those… (I will come November when the Hot Toys 12″ figure is released, lol, you should check it out Vic, the detail is amazing, your site here advertises a place that sells it.)
And how he went to Afghanistan and took out an entire group of bad guys in less than 30 seconds was just classic. No hesitation, no trying to avoid killing at all cost, none of that. It was fly in, OWN everyone, fly out. That’s what I’m talking about, that’s how you get things done. I just wish there was more of that in the film.
But the second one will definitely have more action since they don’t need to get that whole origin stuff done. The Mark III will be up and running the second the movie starts. I would like to see Iron Man fly in and take out an entire armored column by himself and be back home in time for dinner. Although finding an unfriendly nation that actually has an organized armored division would be difficult…
Vic
There is Bond and Punisher, lol. But I HIGHLY doubt Punisher will get anywhere close to Iron Man, The Dark Knight, or The Incredible Hulk. But I’m sure it’ll be a blast anyhow.
What's your opinion? Leave a comment!