BAYAREASHOWS.today.com

Movie Review

Iron Man

Directed by Jon Favreau

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jeff Bridges

PG-13 Paramount Pictures 2008

The flashy special effects were expected, but what makes Iron Man superb is the womanizer-turned-humanitarian protagonist Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr. Why? Perhaps it is the conflicted man that Downey appears to be. Perhaps it is the improvisation freedoms that Director Jon Favreau allowed Downey. For any or many reasons, Downey hit the character of Tony Stark on its head. Tom Cruise and Nicholas Cage, who also expressed interest in the film, could not have captured the character of corporate superhero nearly as well.

Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark, a child prodigy who inherited the weapons corporation Stark Industries from his father. On his way back from a weapons demonstration at an American army base in Afghanistan, Stark’s caravan is attacked by terrorists, who order him to build a sophisticated missile for them or die. Instead, Stark creates the prototype for the Iron Man exoskeleton and escapes. This experience changes Stark’s attitudes about Stark Industries’ mission, and his decision to dissolve the weapons manufacturing division of the company creates new enemies back in the States.

I especially liked the incorporation of the War On Terror into the film. Favreau’s decision not to do a period piece—the Iron Man comic book originated around Vietnam—brought a sense of realism that I think hit more close to home. The movie deals with real-life issues, and at no point is the audience compelled to question the practicality of the plot, which is a good sign, especially for superhero films.

When asked about his motivation, Downey explained, “What I usually hate about these [superhero] movies [is] when suddenly the guy that you were digging turns into Dudley Do-Right, and then you’re supposed to buy into all his ‘Let’s do some good,’ that Eliot Ness-in-a-cape type thing. What was really important to me was to not have him change so much that he’s unrecognizable. When someone used to be s schmuck and they’re not anymore, hopefully they still have a sense of humor.”

I’ve always enjoyed Robert Downey Jr., more because of his personality than his acting ability. The delivery and context of his wit has always entertained me (see Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). The flaws of Downey fit well with the flaws of Tony Stark. Only time will tell if this proves true in the sequels, as Marvel Entertainment, Paramount, and the original actors have all signed on to a trilogy. The Iron Man 2 sequel is scheduled for release on April 30, 2010.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS