“Iron Man” a heavy hitter
Robert Downey Jr. is back. Playing international arms manufacturer and dealer Tony Stark a.k.a Iron Man, Downey Jr. offers a compelling portrayal of the iconic superhero that is at times both hilarious and gripping.
"Iron Man" is a particular tour de force for Downey Jr., who was sidelined from the film industry in the late 1990s following his slide into drugs and depression. As "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau remarked, "Downey Jr. wasn’t the most obvious choice but he understood what makes the character tick. He found a lot of his own life experience in Tony Stark." In the film, Stark undergoes a life-changing experience when nearly killed and taken captive in Afghanistan. There, in the dust, Iron Man is born.
Unlike other recent superhero epics (The Spider Man and X-Men series come to mind), "Iron Man" doesn’t overextend itself. For the most part, the dialogue is far more believable than the awkwardness of Toby McGuire & Co., and the visual effects and fight sequences - while amazing - aren’t overcooked.
In other words, go see "Iron Man" for two reasons: 1) Robert Downey Jr. is brilliant; and 2) George Lucas didn’t direct it.
Rating: 5/5
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Woah woah woah. Ok, I agree that Iron Man = amazing. You are not giving Robert Downey Jr. enough credit there, slick. He’s absolutely amazing! After his discovery of cocaine, he did keep working. Granted, he was distracted by the powder and made such choices as Gothika and Bowfinger, but he still was working.
You are correct in saying George Lucas didn’t direct it. And, I do agree that Jon Favreau was a perfect fit for Iron Man. Yet, don’t sell the chubby Lucas short. I mean come on — the man made American Graffiti.
I’m just kidding Dan. Great film, great article.
Sincerely,
Matt