| Product: |
Iron Man (DVD) |
| Date: |
23/06/08 (148 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Great action, funny, good acting, music rocks!
Disadvantages: Silly ending
*Film only*
Tony Stark, rich weapons-designing playboy, reaches for a burger. He lifts this pleasing meaty sandwich to his mouth and you can't help but notice that it's from 'Burger King'. It seems that in every modern Hollywood film we are bombarded with product placement. It's not enough that a ticket is around £7 and there are 30 minutes of adverts and trailers before the film starts; we also have to be subjected to this. In the case of Robert Downey Jr. in 'Ironman' supposedly it was an inside joke as Downey decided to get sober when he found himself eating at Burger King during the middle of the night. However, most people are not going to know this story and to them its just blatant advertising. Could 'Ironman' overcome this capital nastiness?
Tony Stark is the owner of a leading weapons manufacturer company as well as their top designer. He prides himself on creating the latest weapons technologies that will be used by the US to protect themselves. When out showcasing his new missile his convoy is attacked and Stark is captured by a dissident group. To save his life they place a magnet in his chest that prevents the permanent shrapnel buried there from moving into his heart. Stark is now forced to recreate his new missile for a dangerous enemy, but rather than help them he creates a suit powered by his new chest. Can Tony escape and return back home so that he can investigate why his company's weapons are in the enemies' hands?
Before I harp on about why 'Ironman' rocks it is important to state that I love superhero films. I like nearly all of them including 'Ghost Rider'. Therefore, if you have slightly less enthusiasm for the genre then this film may not appeal as much. It is particularly important in the case of 'Ironman' because it seems to follow all the unwritten rules of superhero origin films. This means that the first half sets up the character, then the second half introduces the actual story and a pay off. In the case of 'Ironman' it works, however, like in many first films it means that the second in the series will be the first true film.
Why does 'Ironman' work so well if it is following a well worn path? It is the casting by director John Favreau that is the bonus. The ace is Downey Jr as Stark. Like in most superhero films the majority of the scenes star the hero and they dominate it. It is vital that a charismatic lead is chosen and perhaps in a world were there are so many similar films, offer something different. Downey certainly fills this criteria. For one he is not a boy, but a middle aged man. Downey looks very good for his age, but it still plays into the role that he has lived a full life. Stark is also very funny in the film. Favreau and Downey worked in a lot of ad libs to make the script more organic and funny. This means that scenes of dialogue in particular are impressive as the actors play of one another in a way unseen in the genre before.
The rest of the cast are not as effective as Downey, but are still ok. Gwyneth Paltrow is reasonable as Pepper Potts only really shining when starring in scenes with Stark. I was not a huge fan of Terrance Howard as Col. Rhodes, as I believe the actor is very limited. In future films his character should play a more central role, unfortunately this is not a good thing with Howard in the job. Finally, Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane is excellent as usual with his laid back, but charismatic, style. His presence added some respectability.
A special mention must be made for the music used in this film. Favreau decided to try and use rock music from the late 70s and 80s to give the film a slightly mature feeling. By aiming most elements at a slightly older audience Favreau manages to make the film more watchable, yet still appeal to the core teen demographic anyway.
The cast and the hero are not the only vital parts of a superhero film, the action must also work. Therefore, it is with relief that Favreau has provided some brilliant action sequences, especially those that see Ironman fight terrorists. Unfortunately, the film does turn into a generic action fest towards the end and supplements its intelligence for thrills. Like in countless action films the final 20 minutes is a slightly dull CGI fight'em up. This scene was very similar to that in last years 'Transformers' film, but not as good.
Despite the lukewarm finish the majority of the film highlights that with the right cast and crew a superhero film can be both intelligent and entertaining. Downey Jr is at his best as Tony Stark being very funny and also an attractive hero. He is flawed in a believable way without ever being too serious about it. I really liked the plot of this film and as an origins picture; it is up there with 'Batman Begins'. If you are a fan of action films, or superhero pics you will love this, everyone else will view a slightly silly, but enjoyable film.
Director: Jon Favreau
Year: 2008
Cert: 12
Starring: Robert Downey Jnr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrance Howard and Jeff Bridges
Summary: An excellent comic book adaptation
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