Movie Review: Iron Man
I am Iron Man...
Andrew Scagnelli
Issue date: 8/29/08 Section: Opinion
Originally released in early May of this year, Iron Man chronicles the transition of billionaire playboy Tony Stark from self-centered weapons manufacturer to semi-altruistic do-gooder. The film updates the source comic's origin story by setting the scene of Stark's transformation in modern-day Afghanistan. Following a demonstration of his new weapon to top military brass, Stark's convoy is attacked and he is captured by terrorists. After seeing his earlier creations in the terrorist camp, Stark works with another scientist (Dr. Yinsen, played by Shaun Toub) to build an armored suit in order to break out from the camp. Following his breakout, Stark rebuilds the suit and starts to fight in a capacity the military cannot.
The film's arc follows the standard "hero saves the day" plot line; however, the modern setting adds an anti-war message to the overall campaign that sets it apart from the standard summer fluff Hollywood is so fond of. Downey Jr.'s performance as the attention-grabbing Stark, both in and out of his persona as the titular Iron Man, is one of the most clever roles of the summer, especially when contrasted against the more reclusive alter egos of Bruce Wayne/Batman and Bruce Banner/Hulk, the other two superheroes of the summer.
Iron Man is a huge surprise, and as such is an enjoyable popcorn flick. What it may lack in subtlety and substance is more than made up in its slick style and the flair brought to the film by Downey Jr. and his supporting cast.
Directed by Jon Favreau
Written by John August
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard
Running Time is 2 hours 6 minutes
The film's arc follows the standard "hero saves the day" plot line; however, the modern setting adds an anti-war message to the overall campaign that sets it apart from the standard summer fluff Hollywood is so fond of. Downey Jr.'s performance as the attention-grabbing Stark, both in and out of his persona as the titular Iron Man, is one of the most clever roles of the summer, especially when contrasted against the more reclusive alter egos of Bruce Wayne/Batman and Bruce Banner/Hulk, the other two superheroes of the summer.
Iron Man is a huge surprise, and as such is an enjoyable popcorn flick. What it may lack in subtlety and substance is more than made up in its slick style and the flair brought to the film by Downey Jr. and his supporting cast.
Directed by Jon Favreau
Written by John August
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard
Running Time is 2 hours 6 minutes