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- First reviewMay 2, 2008
- Last reviewMay 2, 2008
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indiesuperman's Reviews
Overall rating
5
/
5
Just. Wow.
PostedMay 2, 2008
indiesuperman
from St. Paul, MN
Superhero movies don't get much better than this, folks! I can't yet get my thoughts around this film completely. My head is still swirling, and the adrenaline is still in full effect. This movie is that good. I don't even know where to begin the praise.
I will start with the greatness that is Robert Downey Jr. and his flawless turn as Tony Stark. When I first heard the casting, I knew he was a good choice, but I could not comprehend just how great he was until I actually saw the movie. None better. Remember when they said Tobey Maguire was the perfect choice for Peter Parker? Well, image that mentality with the R.D.Jr./Tony Stark/Iron Man idea, and add more perfection to it. The wit, the fast-paced dialogue, the mannerisms--Downey Jr. encompasses everything, and makes the audience believe his character and his performance beyond any doubt.
Then there's Jeff Bridges. Amazing villainous role for him--ranks as one of the best villain performances in any superhero film. I mean, I'm talking Alfred Molina in Spider-Man 2, or Gene Hackman in the original Superman good--if not better (Okay, not better than Hackman).
Gwyneth Paltrow was a great addition to the cast, though she does get much screen time this time around, the chemistry between her and Downey Jr. is strong and undeniable.
Let the next praises go to Jon Favreau's directorial vision. We knew going in that he could do something with a budget, as he proved with Zathura (his under-appreciated gem of a kid's fantasy epic), but he takes that ability to new and more exciting heights with Iron Man. The key to Favreau's excellent film is balance. Whether it's the informative (but never boring or overlong) origin story vs. the main conflict plotline, the witty comedy vs. the serious tones, the dialogue vs. the action, the character dynamic vs. foundational characteristics, or the action vs. the story--it's all done having achieved an equilibrium that's hard to come by in recent superhero movies. Fantastic Four never had it, Superman Returns was barely lacking it, but still came up short of pulling it off successfully, and the Spider-Man films had it, but then threw it away with the third installment. Favreau keeps the balance throughout, and the feat should not go unnoticed.
The film leaves the audience satisfied, entertained, amazed, and, almost more importantly, reminds us that there are still filmmakers out there who can do this thing right. Do not miss this one.
I will start with the greatness that is Robert Downey Jr. and his flawless turn as Tony Stark. When I first heard the casting, I knew he was a good choice, but I could not comprehend just how great he was until I actually saw the movie. None better. Remember when they said Tobey Maguire was the perfect choice for Peter Parker? Well, image that mentality with the R.D.Jr./Tony Stark/Iron Man idea, and add more perfection to it. The wit, the fast-paced dialogue, the mannerisms--Downey Jr. encompasses everything, and makes the audience believe his character and his performance beyond any doubt.
Then there's Jeff Bridges. Amazing villainous role for him--ranks as one of the best villain performances in any superhero film. I mean, I'm talking Alfred Molina in Spider-Man 2, or Gene Hackman in the original Superman good--if not better (Okay, not better than Hackman).
Gwyneth Paltrow was a great addition to the cast, though she does get much screen time this time around, the chemistry between her and Downey Jr. is strong and undeniable.
Let the next praises go to Jon Favreau's directorial vision. We knew going in that he could do something with a budget, as he proved with Zathura (his under-appreciated gem of a kid's fantasy epic), but he takes that ability to new and more exciting heights with Iron Man. The key to Favreau's excellent film is balance. Whether it's the informative (but never boring or overlong) origin story vs. the main conflict plotline, the witty comedy vs. the serious tones, the dialogue vs. the action, the character dynamic vs. foundational characteristics, or the action vs. the story--it's all done having achieved an equilibrium that's hard to come by in recent superhero movies. Fantastic Four never had it, Superman Returns was barely lacking it, but still came up short of pulling it off successfully, and the Spider-Man films had it, but then threw it away with the third installment. Favreau keeps the balance throughout, and the feat should not go unnoticed.
The film leaves the audience satisfied, entertained, amazed, and, almost more importantly, reminds us that there are still filmmakers out there who can do this thing right. Do not miss this one.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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