It wasn't perfect and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences probably won't be giving it an Oscar nod for 'Best Picture', but make no mistake; 'Iron Man' was damn good.
Since 'Spider-Man' broke box office records in 2002, Marvel Productions has released a steady stream of hits and a few misses - anybody remember 'Daredevil'? Ugh, what a bloody tragedy that was? 'Iron Man', like the first two installments of our favorite wall-crawler, may have just broke a new mold.
It's not without its plot holes. Late in the film, the main character - Tony Stark - played by Robert Downey, Jr., is caught unaware in his own home that has more gadgets than the Bat-cave. It's hard to believe he didn't have the latest security with no less than a 50 yard perimeter detection system installed for such situations. As a comic book movie, though, there is really nothing to complain about and much to laud.
The action was excellent. The character development - specifically regarding Tony Stark - was spot on. The technology, though a bit unbelievable at times, was outstanding. Hey, man! It's a superhero movie. The special effects; well, let's just say it's possible we're seeing the beginning of what truly great computer graphics can do - nearly flawless. The fan boys should be dancing in the streets and the general public should at least be thinking about seeing this gem a second time. Initial estimates put the box office take at $100.7 million domestic and over $200 million worldwide, making it the second biggest 'non-sequel' opening weekend in history. Of course, at 10 bucks a ticket, that's getting easier to do.
I won't ruin the plot, but if you're on the fence, JUMP OFF! Get out there and see it. Take in a matinee like I did. It's worth the coin. Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark perfectly and his comic timing just seems to get better with age. Gwyneth Paltrow plays the capable Pepper Potts - okay, so this comic was first inked in the '60's - Tony starks assistant. The film includes Terence Howard as Col. Rhodes and Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane.
Whether you're into comics or not, this film is going to cross over in a big way. I haven't had this much fun at the movies since 'Batman Begins', and with all due respect to Indiana Jones, I don't expect any film except 'The Dark Knight' to unseat 'Iron Man' as my favorite film of the summer.
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