David O'Connell
Iron Man
April 29th 2008 00:18
The latest comic book to be adapted into a film is Jon Favreau's take on Ironman, a Marvel comic that started in the 60s and has been a popular figure since, though not on the level of Spidey, Bats or the X-Men.
Favreau's "Iron Man" is one of the better adaptations, staying remarkably close to the origins of Tony Stark, the brilliant industrialist that owns a massive arms development corporation, then sees the error of his ways, building himself a suit of iron to save the world.
Robert Downey Jr. plays Stark, a fantastic casting choice, using his dry wit and playboy image to bring out the worst qualities of pre-Ironman, making his turn towards justice even more incredible. The only thing better than Downey is Jeff Bridges, otherwise known as "The Dude", who nails the role as Obadiah Stane, one of the board members of Stark Industries.
Bridges is the best thing about the movie - he's become even more natural as he's aged, playing Obadiah Stane with such casual ease that it rivals Lebowski. This is the man that Pauline Kael remarked "may be the most natural and least self-conscious screen actor that has ever lived'. Favreau frames both Downey and Bridges in closeup, a common trait of comic book adaptations, but a technique that flourishes here with these two capable actors.
"Iron Man" disappoints on many levels, all of them predictable, sadly. Like nearly every other comic book adaptation, there's the token romantic subplot, the fallen comrade scene, the overuse of CGI and the dialogue, which is witty, but ultimately one-dimensional.
"Iron Man" is elevated, though, despite these flaws, by touches that were perhaps brought on by Favreau, who is a fanboy's choice of director. The tone is definitely cheeky - though Stark surrounds himself with fabulous wealth and beautiful, objectified women, it's all rendered useless when Stark is captured and held captive in a cave in Afghanistan.
The original comic by Stan Lee was, apparently, an anti-Communist figure with a playboy flair, helping America defeat the North Vietnamese. Soon after, though, with the public turning the streets of D.C. red with anger, Lee turned Stark into a more complex character, burdened by his past.
It's a movie that takes advantage of the cinema setting, with fantastic action set pieces, larger than life materialism, and long-legged women. "Ironman" is definitely a cut above the average comic book movie; the destruction and the action will definitely keep fans well entertained.
I say: Better than a lot of other action movies, "Ironman" is a decent watch, though Favreau loses hold of the humanistic thread in the latter third of the movie. It's definitely the start of a trilogy. Personally, I'd save my money for one of the truly excellent movies coming out in Sydney at the moment.
See it for: I'm happy to watch robot-on-robot violence, but the CGI just irritates me. Still, there's enough humour in the movie to keep you laughing, especially as Stark tries to develop the suit.
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Nice review though.
Comment by Nomad
Awesome Food
Maybe they could make a movie about George W Bush and call it War Pigs, I'd watch that for the song.
"Evil minds that plot destruction"
Nomad
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Ultimo? All I know is that Favreau is planning on bringing in Mandarin into the sequels?
Nomad - that's not bad. "In the fields, the bodies burning..."
Comment by Louie
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Hmmmm, I thought so... but I will go and see it anyway, who knows it may turn up as another filmsfound classic (not holding my breath on your review though)...
Lilla ...
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Lilla, another filmsfound classic? Perhaps... these movies are so over-the-top with the budgets, though, that it hardy seems likely that they'd be rediscovered...
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
This movie totally rocked. I have to say as much as Robert Downey Jr. irritates me, his performance was superb. You are so right about Jeff Bridges...he stole the show. I think RDJ knew it and was cool with it. Overlooked the CGI misuse... so much more to enjoy.
Mis
Comment by Anonymous