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- First reviewMay 25, 2008
- Last reviewMay 25, 2008
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Snarf's Reviews
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Iron Man
PostedMay 25, 2008
Snarf
from Northern New Jersey
I have no idea what the original story was behind iron man, but this movie is a very clever take on it. Tony Stark, a genius who runs a highly successful weapons manufacturing company he inherited from his father, travels to Afghanistan to demonstrate a new ultra-weapon, called Jericho. On the way back from the demonstration, his convoy is attacked and he is taken prisoner by a warlord who wants Stark to create a Jericho weapon for himself. Instead, he creates a mechanized robotic suit of armor which he uses to escape. When he returns home, he realizes that his company has been supplying weapons to both sides and decides to use his wealth and technological prowess for good, by building a better and more powerful version of the armored suit.
There are several great things about this movie. First and foremost is Robert Downey, Jr's brilliant acting. Second is the amazing special effects. Third is the complex dynamics showing that the arms trade is often an end in itself and that arms dealers will provide them to anyone who can come up with the cash. There are great supporting characters (Gwyneth Paltrow as Stark's assistant, Jeff Bridges as his evil nemesis, the corrupt corporate executive Obadiah Stane and Terrence Howard as Stark's contact in the US Military.
Aside from the evil Obadiah Stane and the Afghan warlord, the story avoids portraying characters as stereotypes. The US Military is portrayed in a positive light, just trying to do their jobs. The conflict in Afghanistan is portrayed realistically (perhaps a bit too realistically) and shows the terrible collateral damage to innocent civilians when they are caught in the middle of a war. Although rated PG, in my view it is too intense for children under 10. There is very little graphic violence, but a lot of implied violence and suspense.
I'm sure there will be sequels.
There are several great things about this movie. First and foremost is Robert Downey, Jr's brilliant acting. Second is the amazing special effects. Third is the complex dynamics showing that the arms trade is often an end in itself and that arms dealers will provide them to anyone who can come up with the cash. There are great supporting characters (Gwyneth Paltrow as Stark's assistant, Jeff Bridges as his evil nemesis, the corrupt corporate executive Obadiah Stane and Terrence Howard as Stark's contact in the US Military.
Aside from the evil Obadiah Stane and the Afghan warlord, the story avoids portraying characters as stereotypes. The US Military is portrayed in a positive light, just trying to do their jobs. The conflict in Afghanistan is portrayed realistically (perhaps a bit too realistically) and shows the terrible collateral damage to innocent civilians when they are caught in the middle of a war. Although rated PG, in my view it is too intense for children under 10. There is very little graphic violence, but a lot of implied violence and suspense.
I'm sure there will be sequels.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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