I've never really been into comics but I've always been fascinated by comic characters. That’s why I like comic movie adaptations; I can get the main jist of a comic without having to read it (I’m lazy). This is also good because I don't usually carry the emotional baggage of life-long expactations to the theater that many comic book fans do. One of the super heroes that never interested me in the slightest was Iron Man, probably because he looks like the original Mighty Morphin Power Ranger. It probably also had to do with the fact that I’ve never heard any of my comic-loving friends ever mention him. So I was surprised when all the hype started to surround the new Jon Favreau film.



Here’s the official synopsis of the film: When wealthy industrialist Tony Stark is forced to build an armored suit after a life-threatening incident, he ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against evil.

There have been so many bad and mediocre comic book adaptations out lately, that it’s hard to expect much. I went on opening night this weekend and was pleasantly surprised at how entertaining and exciting the film was. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a superhero movie this much (maybe Spiderman 2 or Batman Begins?). What was nice is that it took itself seriously enough without being a complete downer or bore like some end up doing (Anyone see The Hulk or Daredevil?), the film balances out the darkness with some really fun scenes (helped by a hard rock score).



One of the smartest moves was bringing Robert Downey Jr. onto the film, whose acting chops really carry the film. He’s a lovably smarmy jackass, not too clean (Superman) and not too grumpy (Hulk). His supporting cast (Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard) is good, but they aren’t given much, just enough to, well……. Support.



The story is genuinely intriguing, maybe one of the most unique origin stories I’ve seen in a while. Some of the best parts of the movie are when Stark (Robert Downy Jr.) is a P.O.W. in Afghanistan where he begins creating his super-suite. The action is great, top notch. There are basically three action sequences in the film, two in Afghanistan and the final fight against the main villain, Iron Monger. I personally enjoyed the style of the first two fight scenes over the finale, which didn’t do much for me. It might have been too fantastic, so I wasn’t as attached. Also, the first fight scenes are more fun, while the last was much darker. That being said, it was still great.

One of the things the filmmakers did right was deciding to hardly ever have him talk while in his costume. This keeps him from having to pantomime his expressions in the style of a Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, the way the Green Goblin did in Spider Man. The mystery of his character in the suit is therefore retained.



While the movie was a blast, when all was said and done I wished we could have seen the suite in action a little more than we did. I guess we’ll just have to wait for the sequel. Speaking of which, make sure you sit through the end credits, because you will not want to miss the tag at the end of this film.

I highly suggest checking out this great action flick that is really kicking summer off to a good start.

Ryan's Rating: A-

Links:
Watch Trailer
IMDB
Iron Man Comic Wikipedia