(Sorry if this is stealing any of your thunder, Steve. I just got home from the movie and was so geeked up -- literally -- that I had to share some thoughts.)

Let me just cut to the chase: GO SEE THIS MOVIE.

IRON MAN is a FANTASTIC summer movie, a real popcorn flick worth the money and the two hours.

It is fast-paced, fun, smart and frequently laugh-out-loud funny, a welcome surprise in the comic book genre that sometimes takes itself a bit too seriously.

The writing is sharp and clever but not fake and cloying "Juno" clever; characters actually sound like real people here.

The acting is superb. Robert Downey, Jr. is an EXCELLENT Tony Stark and pulls off the uber-rich and brilliant a-hole persona perfectly. He really nails the feel of the guy that everyone hates but still wants to hang out with at the same time because he's just that cool. Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow also do great playing background characters who inhabit Tony's world but ultimately and unfortunately aren't given much to do. Jeff Bridges actually does villiany really well and the funky bald head with beard look suits him. In fact, if there's a weakness to the script it's that there's not quite ENOUGH of these three; the only really memorable character is Stark and that's a shame because with actors of this quality on board, they should have more opportunity to show what they can do.

The good news: we're almost guaranteed a sequel (or three) to flesh these characters out because this thing is a certifiable blockbuster. It has enough authentic geek factor for the fan boys but is funny and light-hearted enough to bring the girlfriends and wives.

Jon Favreau's direction is smooth and assured as he balances the action, drama and humor expertly throughout. I especially like that Favreau will let scenes develop instead of using quick cuts or heavy edits. He also seems to be an "actor's director" in that the performances are all natural and relaxed; the actors seem to be having fun and that comes through in the scenes.

Most of all, Tony Stark/Iron Man is just a damn cool character and this movie does him justice. It's obvious that Favreau has a real respect for the character and the history of Iron Man because the details -- technical and story-related -- are excellent and the whole film stays true to the classic storylines.

But what will make this movie rival Spider-man -- and I promise you it will rival or superpass Spider-man -- is that respect is not confused with slavish reverence. This is a movie that stays true to the character while still having enough confidence in itself to open the door to casual fans.

Oh, but it does not leave the geek boys -- myself included -- without plenty to drool over. First of all, the suit and the whole developing of the suit is incredibly satisfying. With Iron Man, the suit is supreme, even more so than Batman, and this movie does not disappoint in the detail. There are also references to the comic book throughout, especially some tantalizing references to possible future storylines and characters. I can't say more without ruining some of the fun, but let me just finish by saying: if you are a Marvel geek, stay until the credits finish for one of the best teasers of all time.

All in all, IRON MAN is a smart, fun summer film that should appeal to both the fanboys and the casual comic book film fan.

quote:

(Sorry if this is stealing any of your thunder, Steve. I just got home from the movie and was so geeked up -- literally -- that I had to share some thoughts.)

Couldn't have said it any better Dama.
And I didn't!


WSS

I LOVED this movie!
I'm buying it the second it hits dvd, might even go watch it again!
Hands down best movie I've seen this year.

Okay, I already know that I am going to like this movie even before going to see it. Robert Downey Jr, saynomore saynomore. I will take the kids and they will have no IDEA how much I am enjoying the view! ha ha ha.

quote:

Originally posted by LisaSpicer:
Okay, I already know that I am going to like this movie even before going to see it. Robert Downey Jr, saynomore saynomore. I will take the kids and they will have no IDEA how much I am enjoying the view! ha ha ha.

Hey!!
Welcome aboard Sis!!!!
WSS

I enjoyed nearly everything about this movie. Robert Downey Jr. actually acted...rare for a film in this genre. Great fun!