The Lowdown
Directed by Jon Favereau and starring Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard, and Gweneth Paltrow
What they did Right and Wrong
Comic book based movies typically have a love hate relationship with its audiences. In most cases, the general audience goer somewhat likes the film, while die-hard fans cannot stop complaining about the film....but.... every once in a while, a film can satisfy both groups' appetite. Iron Man is that film.
Marvel Studios has done a wonderous thing, they have finally made a great film based off of a comic book character, I just hope they realize the decisions that led it to be such a great film. Those decisions basically revolve around the core of filmmaking: directing, writing, and acting. Jon Favereau did an incredible thing with the material by fitting it in the real world and by choosing actors who would be able to portray these characters in an interesting and believable way and the script gave the actors enough substance to explore and expose on-screen. Jeff Bridges is especially brilliant and embraces his physical transformation and takes command every time he is on the screen
Even more impressive is the action and special effects used in the film. The CG is seemlessly integrated with the practical effects and suit looks like it jumped off of the pages of the comic.
A final comment on the film is that Robert Downey Jr. was made to play the part of Tony Stark. A cocky heir to an empire who is as smart as he is conceited suits him well and brings a weight and interest to the character.
The Verdict
While some people do not like the political and social commentary of the film, they are quick to forget that the original franchise was created with that purpose in mind.The result of this film is a resurgence of confidence in comic book films and in the Marvel brand.... Make sure you stay until the end of the credits and ponder the possibility of an Avengers movie.
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