Monday, October 27, 2008

Iron Man

I'm one of those fortunate people to have a good friend who likes the same kinds of films I do. She recommends films for me to watch and vise versa. I've never once been disappointed.



I admit that I'm a fan of superhero movies, but I'm selective. Superman, Batman and Spider-Man...YES! Hulk, Hellboy, Hancock...not too crazy about.



At her suggestion, I just finished watching "Iron Man." I didn't know anything about it; I've never read the Iron Man story so my imagination was wide open for whatever Hollywood could throw my way.



My first spine-tingling thrill was realizing that Robert Downey Jr. starred in the movie. I did a double take. WHAT!? I've been a fan of RDJ for years. Loved him best in "Only You" with Marissa Tomei (who wouldn't?) Now he's a SUPERHERO? You've got to be kidding.



His character, Tony Stark, is a wealthy ego-maniac who just happens to be a brilliant scientist. Yes, they're a dime dozen.



I was also pleased that Jeff Bridges was in the movie. Another fave of mine. Loved him best in "The Fabulous Baker Boys" and his hilarious supporting role in "The Muse" with Albert Brooks who just happens to be the funniest man on earth.



I was surprised that Jeff was the bad guy. I hate it when he's the bad guy. Sigh. And why on earth was he BALD?! The bald wig was a big mistake. Looks great on Mike Meyers, but Jeff looked like Daddy Warbucks with a goatee.



Best scenes:



RDJ in the cave in Afghanistan creating the Iron Man prototype.



RDJ in his laboratory testing the new Iron Man prototype.



RDJ dancing with Gwenyth Paltrow.



GROSSEST SCENE: RDJ pulling that wire out of his nose. To tell the truth, I didn't even see it all the way through...had to close my eyes and peek through my fingers.



First Runner Up for GROSSEST SCENE: Gwenyth pulling the chest power plug out of RDJ's chest and replacing it with the new and improved one.



Most Satisfying Moment: RDJ is just about to die because Jeff stole his chest power plug. RDJ crawls to his lab to get the spare and can't reach it. He collapses and his robotic arm machine, sensing his need, gives it to him. The robot thingy should be nominated for best supporting actor.


Naturally, the theme song at the end was none other than Black Sabbath's "Iron Man."

In conclusion, I rank this one of the best superhero movies of all time.

2 comments:

Inkpot said...

Very good comments on Ironman. I LOVE that movie. Saw it in the cinema during the summer and was blown away, watched it at the weekend on DVD again and was... wait... blown away again! The only thing I think was a little weak was the big fight at the end. The rest of the movie was so interesting and well thought out it annoyed me it was so formulac (Jeff even had a deep monsterous voice in his suit) but other wise brilliant film and I agree about your pick of best bits. I love RDJ carrying around his battery in the cave at the beginning - and how good does he look in the movie! :) It is good to see him working again. I love Only You too, and 'Hearts and Souls' is sweet as well, if you know it. Only thing - I understand Hancock and Hulk, but not keen on Hellboy!!! Come on, who doesn't love big Red? :D

Luana Krause said...

Honestly, I never would have watched Iron Man if my friend hadn't suggested it. I agree with you that the end was a bit far-fetched. As a writer, I know how difficult it is to write a good ending. I think the reason they chose this ending was because of what they perceive superhero movie fans want: special effects and a big finale in which Iron Man battles it out with the villain. After all, in Hollywood, it's all about money. Sigh.