The robot is the disguise
Iron Man is a movie that I did not have much idea about because I never really followed any of its comic or cartoons. However, I was expecting some metal vs. metal bashing and smashing, and I wasn't disappointed! The best part about it: I’m pretty sure it's better than Transformers! The movie is nothing short of amazing. Detailed, superbly designed, marvelous engineering and very creative technology... impressive stuff! If this movie had been released when I was young, I would have bought the suit from the supermarket and a few of the 6-inch figurines!
The beginning
There was a good balanced between humor and action in this movie, which I thought they did pretty well. (This can be compared to the perfect balance of humor and action in the Spider-man movies.)
Introduction was pretty good, with playboy Tony Stark showing off his flamboyant lifestyle and great sense of humor. There was a sudden, major change in his life, with all his luxuries taken away in just minutes, and being forced to live in a situation worse than poverty. I like this because it shows the differences in the character in both scenarios.
Iron Man prototype
Robert Downey Jr. really shows his acting skill in this movie, especially when he was still under captive. But the least expected part was that he actually built the prototype of Iron Man while under close observation of the kidnappers!
There was some intense moments when he was actually close to being caught… really dramatic! The Iron Man prototype was quite ok, although a little like Robocop and Tin Man from Wizard of Oz. Still, I give them credit for being able to use a bit of the Doom style action during his daring escape from the terrorists.
Building the Iron Man
After his escape, the audience was left craving for more. I was totally awed by the super and highly detailed design of the new Iron Man suit! Actually, I didn’t know that Iron Man could actually fly until I watched the movie. Like I said earlier, I have no idea of what this character can do because I never followed the comics or cartoons. But even so, I’ve become a big fan of Iron Man. Talk about great influence, Iron Man has done it!
Metal vs. Metal
The fight between Iron Man and Super-sized Iron Man (Jeff Bridges a.k.a. Kojak) was a bit boring and sort of like Superman vs. Nuclear Man type of action.
But nevertheless, it didn’t put the show down and I’m already expecting something better from Iron Man 2. Probably he will be fighting off more fearsome nemeses that I have never heard of.
Therefore, I’ve no choice but to give Iron Man only 4 out of 5, or one-and-a-half thumbs up from me! A better ending would have gotten it two thumbs up and a Badass from me, but it’ll have to settle with Good, which is still very close to Badass.
Anyway, I’m also expecting something great from Hellboy 2 because the trailer was awesome! I like the ‘badass’ feel of that movie, especially the music and introduction to Hellboy’s new friends. Damn cool! I hope Hellboy 2 kicks asses!
Directed by Jon Favreau (Zathura, Elf) and screenplay by Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby (Children of Men, First Snow), Art Marcum (Shadow of Fear) and Matt Holloway (debut). Stars Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Shaun Toub and Faran Tahir. |
