Iron Man

It isn’t often that I feel that a movie is worth writing about. This applies movies that are really great, or horribly bad-either way I usually put forth zero effort. Zilch.

            That changed last night.

            Iron man is a film that accurately and tastefully captures the essence of the comic book, but also is approachable for those who don’t even read comics. It’s a great movie in a time when great movies are no longer made. I know that I’m entering dangerous territory here, because other enthusiasts are no doubt going to try to take me to task on the film. Oh well.

            Let’s start with Robert Downey Junior. This, for some, is an usual choice for a superhero. Taking into his account his past drug battles and all around “bad-boy” reputation, many who don’t avidly follow the Iron Man titles will go into the movie wondering “why him for a hero?” Well, perhaps a brief look at Tony Stark in the comics will clear this up. A Rich playboy who has all that a man could ask for and also, as his story progressed, has a heavy drinking problem. Suddenly, old Robert seems like an ideal candidate and he does great in the movie capturing the essence of Tony. Downey does an excellent job of capturing the essence of a man who is fantastically wealthy but also carries the guilt that his wealth was derived from weapons. This is probably the aspect of the film that non-comic book fans will question going into the film-why such an un-heroic man for a “hero.” Just remember, Stark isn’t an innocent Peter Parker figure or an unquestionably heroic Steve Rogers (Captain America for those who don’t know) figure-he’s a rich playboy with rich playboy demons.

            Now for comic enthusiasts, most of the marvel films up to date have been pretty shoddy. Spiderman 1 & 2 were good and the X-men’s were ok, but otherwise the films have been forgettable from an enthusiast perspective. Fantastic Bores.

            Iron Man is great, conversely, because it really throws in the little nuggets of the true story that make comic nerds swoon. Look at the break out seen-the door blowing off and crushing an enemy! Nice. War Machine set up. Even Better. Nick Fury after the credits. Holy Shit! And there are more but I can only type so much.

            The movie has what movies have been missing in the Marvel titles. It was also tastefully crafted to be a bit more modern in the design of the film. Take for example that there will not be a “Mandarin.” Very outdated character who applied to a Vietnam America. Also notice that the Ten Rings organization is multinational, and does not solely portray a single country as the “bad guy.” Good way to not go overly Toby Keith in polarizing the enemy.  

So, I beg fans of great movies see the film. It appeals to the casual viewer all the way to the hardened comic geek. Its just a goddamned good movie. Hats off.