Iron Man User Reviews

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Comic book movies seem to have worn out their welcome in the last two years. It just feels like everyone is throwing out a comic book movie simply to have it as a bragging right. It seems like since Spiderman 2, most super hero movies have tried too hard to claim the top spot, and usually fall flat on their faces. Most are entertaining, none of them are truly special.

I went into Iron Man with mild anticipation. Iron Man is one of those heroes that works great with a wonderful writer, but, much like Daredevil, most don't know what to do with them. I've always loved Iron Man. However, with the recent movie track record of comic adaptations, I had my doubts.

Iron Man throws in the proper balance of origin story, humor, and emotional connections to make it work. It doesn't just work, it works surprisingly well. Of all the doubts that were cast originally about this film, all of them where thrown out the window.

Robert Downey Jr. was perfect as Stark. He had the right touch of overpowering pressence, intellegence, and sharp wit that are symbols of the character. Listening to him talk to a press interviewer is a riot. A "spin doctor" would be the proper term needed, but it really doesn't do the character justice.

The story of movie is simple. Weapons inventor Tony Stark is captured. Forced to build his latest invention for a rebel faction, and living off of a car battery that is keeping shards of metal from branching into his heart, Stark must find a way to escape.

Working hard, he comes up with a new system for his chest based off an old theory his company used as a public diversion. From there, he then builds his escape. A suit made to enhance strength, allow flight, and give him all the protection needed to keep him alive.

Since the rebel faction was using his weapons, upon arriving home, he closes down the weapons branch of Stark Industries. This is the set up for the rest of the film.

Its hard to take much away from Iron Man. It wasn't a CG fest like Ghost Rider. The cast it held was rather small, as compared to the X-Men films. Everything just seemed to mesh, and mesh well.

Of the few complaints I have, the biggest seems to be Paltrow. I couldn't tell if it was the script, or her that mixed up the "Pepper" character. However, a script is only as good as the actor bringing it to life. Pepper went from strong and intellegent to unsure and frightened in the course of a minute about half way through the film.

My other real complaint is the seemingly random use of shaking cams during the captive scenes. The shaky cam is heavily over-used in today's cinema, and here it just felt completely out of place. Thrown in because, well, "everyone else is doing it."

Overall, its hard not to like this movie. The humor is great. The action is top-notch. The effects are spectacular. Downey Jr. IS Stark. This is what I've been waiting for in a comic book movie, as well as a lot of people. A film that doesn't treat the audience like they are ignorant, and yet, doesn't expect you to know everything.

If you love comic movies, or are just wanting a good time, Iron Man is an easy suggestion. Its got a little something for everyone, and a little bit of everything will just make you smile. There is a reason we go to see movies in theaters, and this movie shines for all those reasons.