Iron Man equals pure gold
Who Should See It: Anyone who wants to see a bald Jeff Bridges and explosions
Who Should Not See It: Anyone who has Metallophobia, better known as the fear of metal
Although “Iron Man” is comic book film featuring a character named after a common and easily weathered basic element, this film is nothing but solid gold.
Also, it bears mentioning that the film actually did cost its weight in gold, as proven by its $150 million production price tag. Nonetheless, “Iron Man” begins the summer film season like a magical overpriced fireworks display, and luckily the film manages to create a lot of bang with its buck. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is a big shot weapons dealer that has the attitude and spending habits of Rick James, along with the brilliance of Stephen Hawking. Robert Downy Jr. does justice to the role by oozing a smarmy playboy charm that would make Hugh Hefner blush.
On a routine weapons demonstration in Afghanistan, Stark watches all hell break loose once a rainstorm of bullets and bombs makes mincemeat of his Humvee. Soon, Stark finds himself captured by a ragtag group of terrorists, who demand that he uses his smarts to craft a wicked weapon of mass destruction. Stark does exactly what any pure-blooded American would do – he pulls the old switcharoo and builds a super suit out of a few nuts and bolts. After many explosions, several scenes of superhero self-realization, and a brand new suit, Stark kicks the film into high gear by becoming Iron Man.
Now, I am sure that all of these situations sound familiar if you have seen a superhero movie within the past few years, but “Iron Man” accomplishes everything with such an interesting style.
Director Jon Favreau (“Swingers,” “Elf”) handles the film like a seasoned professional, but also with the energy of an eight year old at Toys “R” Us.
I defy the viewer not to jump for joy when Iron Man races jet planes or blows up tanks without a second thought. This film has the escapist power that most lackluster blockbusters released in the past year wished they had. Also, Downey’s super flashy performance is not the only one worth raising. Terrence Howard (“Hustle and Flow”), Gwyneth Paltrow (“Seven”) and an almost unrecognizable Jeff Bridges (“The Big Lebowski”) all handle their supporting roles with ease.
Above par acting, quick dialogue, and even quicker action make “Iron Man” the perfect summer distraction; plus, everything blows up.
