There's more than gold-and-red painted metal to "Iron Man"
When I left the movie theater at 3:15 pm, there was one thought running through my head: Iron Man is the best superhero film I have seen in a LONG time.
Ironically, it's because Iron Man was more of an actual film than a summer blockbuster. Unbelievably smart casting, humor-ridden dialogue, well-rounded characters, and a coherent plot expand the movie's audience past the die-hard comic book fans. The movie would have done well regardless of its release date; its just fortunate that it was chosen as the kick-off to the summer movie season.
The movie is about Tony Stark, a genius billionaire playboy who runs a weapon production company that helps supply the US military. He is funny, witty, charming, and terribly self-involved, like many superhero alter-egos. His view on life is changed when he is kidnapped by infidels in Afghanistan after a weapons presentation to the Army. The explosion used to kidnap Tony nearly killed him, but the quick work of a European scientist saves him. To keep him alive, the scientist plugs a mini-power generator into his heart. The two work together on a special suit powered by the arc reactor that will aide in their escape, under the guise of developing a super-missile for the infidels. Stark eventually escapes, not before getting back at his captives, of course.
Speaking of heart, it is one of the central themes of the film. After his traumatic three-month experience in Afghanistan, Tony Stark decides to cancel his company's weapons division after witnessing the destruction they cause first-hand. His view of assistant Pepper Potts (played exceptionally by Gwyneth Paltrow) is also altered, recognizing the importance she holds in his life. Although a romance is only implied, the chemistry between Paltrow and Downey is there. She, along with picking up his dry cleaning, helps him replace the arc reactor keeping his heart beating. So, for the romantics, yes, she actually held his heart in her hands.
The middle part of the film deals with Stark perfecting the crude design he cultivated in that Afghan cave. The scenes are both hilarious and captivating at the same time. If you look at another way, it is also a bit sad, considering how isolated the billionaire appears to be. If you didn't love the character of Tony in the beginning, these scenes will definitely do the trick.
The last part of the film is very action packed and CGI-ed, while still maintaining the humor set earlier. I won't spoil the main plot (if you want a plot summary, email me and I'll put one up soon), but it is quite the spectacle. The ending definitely blows a certain superhero cliche into the sky.
Although a skeptical casting choice in the beginning, Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal is the only one that would make sense. His comic timing is key to what makes this film great; I have never laughed so much during a superhero film. His chemistry with everyone (even the computer robots that help him build the suit) is fantastic. His ability to be vulnerable (I'm assuming he drew from his drug experiences) makes his alter-ego more relatable than any other in the superhero franchise. He, quite simply, is the heart of both the film and the suit.
The other performances are great. Jeff Bridges, who plays Obadiah Stane, is fantastic as Tony's co-worker. Even in the beginning, you can see an underlying resentment that will help shape the rest of the film. Terrance Howard is woefully underused, being nothing more than a sidekick. However, there is a scene in the second half that implies a greater role in future films.
Iron Man is a triumph for Marvel Studios, who produced the film alone. The movie breaks free from the stereotypical comic-book flick, becoming a franchise that everyone can enjoy. Despite being a metal suit, Iron Man has brains, brawn, and most importantly of all, a heart.
RATING: 9/10
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