PRINTMovie Review: Iron Man
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Robert Downey Jr. transforms from a rich, cocky industrialist to a superhero with a powerfully armored suit in Iron Man after a close encounter with terrorists.
May 8, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Batman Begins has the serious comic book movie concept down, but Iron Man is the perfect example of what a fun superhero can be with the right cast, script and direction.
Weapons manufacturer, genius and wealthy playboy Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) lives a lavish lifestyle until he is kidnapped in Afghanistan after a weapons demonstration. Stark’s captors ask him to make a missile, but he creates a powerful suit of armor instead and escapes with his life. After realizing the consequences of producing bombs and missiles, Stark has a moral breakthrough and develops a high-tech suit to battle terrorists and other bad guys.
Other characters include Stark’s personal assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Stark’s business associate Obadiah Slade (Jeff Bridges) and military officer and friend of Stark’s, Jim Rhodes (Terrence Howard).
Iron Man is a fun movie chock-full of action, special effects and laughs. Downey Jr. makes a character like Stark appealing to the audience by using his well-known snarky humor. The action and special effects are well done. They are sometimes over the top, but it’s a comic book movie. Unlike others, Iron Man doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Be sure to stay after the credits to catch a scene hinting at the future of Iron Man.
Vox Rating:
