'Iron Man' enjoys a strong start
By Bruce R. Miller Journal staff writer | Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008
Robert Downey Jr. plays "Iron Man."
All superheroes have to spend time making The Suit.
But "Iron Man" doesn't ignore real drama just to show how The Look matches The Man. It, in fact, has so much going on you'll wonder if this is a film aimed at the popcorn crowd or superhero critics.
Edgy, engaging and utterly entertaining, "Iron Man" lets a boozy, egotistical playboy (Robert Downey Jr.) find redemption after he has been taken hostage by Afghan terrorists. In order to break out of his bunker-like prison, he fashions a suit of armor that makes him almost invincible. A mechanical heart (crafted with the help of a sympathetic admirer) gives him new life and purpose. Back home, the industrialist improves on the suit and comes up with a shell that repels gunfire and allows him to fly.
When Department of Defense officials wonder what this stealth missile is soaring over the sky, Downey's Tony Stark has to rely on his friendship with a man on the inside, Jim Rhodes (Terrence Howard). That sets up a bond that proves impenetrable, particularly when the scientific whiz's right-hand man, Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), is less than supportive.
Like a sci-fi "Amadeus," "Iron Man" dissects the relationship between a genius and his jealous lieutenant. It's a remarkable exploration, one of director Jon Favreau's biggest accomplishments.
While "Iron Man" doesn't have the glossy, high-priced look of "Spider-Man" or any of the Superman ventures, it does have enough bells and whistles to make it on its own.
Even Gwyneth Paltrow (miscast as Stark's personal assistant) has moments that suggest this wasn't the wrong path to take. She's Pepper Potts, a smartie who keeps Stark in line. She'd like his heart, too, but she'll settle for his mind. When she's asked to retrieve important information, "Iron Man" heats up and doesn't waste time streaking to a dramatic finish.
Downey, meanwhile, may have been the most-inspired choice to play the Bill Gates-like raconteur. He speaks as fast as Iron Man flies; he gooses the story just when it seems like it's going to drag. He doesn't just fill The Suit. He makes it.
Obviously, "Iron Man" sequels are in the works. Something this spectacular doesn't stand alone anymore.
If that's the case, Favreau needs to continue to buck convention and reveal more layers of a man who isn't just enlightened, he's remade.
"Iron Man" has the strength to tower over much of this summer's competition.
Rated PG-13, "Iron Man" features some adult talk and violence.
On a scale of four stars, "Iron Man" gets:
3 1/2 stars
But "Iron Man" doesn't ignore real drama just to show how The Look matches The Man. It, in fact, has so much going on you'll wonder if this is a film aimed at the popcorn crowd or superhero critics.
Edgy, engaging and utterly entertaining, "Iron Man" lets a boozy, egotistical playboy (Robert Downey Jr.) find redemption after he has been taken hostage by Afghan terrorists. In order to break out of his bunker-like prison, he fashions a suit of armor that makes him almost invincible. A mechanical heart (crafted with the help of a sympathetic admirer) gives him new life and purpose. Back home, the industrialist improves on the suit and comes up with a shell that repels gunfire and allows him to fly.
When Department of Defense officials wonder what this stealth missile is soaring over the sky, Downey's Tony Stark has to rely on his friendship with a man on the inside, Jim Rhodes (Terrence Howard). That sets up a bond that proves impenetrable, particularly when the scientific whiz's right-hand man, Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), is less than supportive.
Like a sci-fi "Amadeus," "Iron Man" dissects the relationship between a genius and his jealous lieutenant. It's a remarkable exploration, one of director Jon Favreau's biggest accomplishments.
While "Iron Man" doesn't have the glossy, high-priced look of "Spider-Man" or any of the Superman ventures, it does have enough bells and whistles to make it on its own.
Even Gwyneth Paltrow (miscast as Stark's personal assistant) has moments that suggest this wasn't the wrong path to take. She's Pepper Potts, a smartie who keeps Stark in line. She'd like his heart, too, but she'll settle for his mind. When she's asked to retrieve important information, "Iron Man" heats up and doesn't waste time streaking to a dramatic finish.
Downey, meanwhile, may have been the most-inspired choice to play the Bill Gates-like raconteur. He speaks as fast as Iron Man flies; he gooses the story just when it seems like it's going to drag. He doesn't just fill The Suit. He makes it.
Obviously, "Iron Man" sequels are in the works. Something this spectacular doesn't stand alone anymore.
If that's the case, Favreau needs to continue to buck convention and reveal more layers of a man who isn't just enlightened, he's remade.
"Iron Man" has the strength to tower over much of this summer's competition.
Rated PG-13, "Iron Man" features some adult talk and violence.
On a scale of four stars, "Iron Man" gets:
3 1/2 stars
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