OT Movie Review: Iron Man

Rating: 3 Tubs of Hot Buttered Popcorn with a Cherry Coke!
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow. Directed by Jon Favreau. (PG-13. 120 minutes).

Now, let me start by saying that I am, traditionally, always been a DC Comics loyalist since I was a little kid watching reruns of the old 50's Superman starring George Reeves and the 60's Batman starring Adam West.

I considered myself a DC guy and that "other" kids liked Marvel. Now looking back, I realize that I have loved Marvel just as DC. In the 80's my favorite show was....The Incredible Hulk starring Bill Bixby. Now comes Iron Man and I have to say that it's an awesome time to be a "fan-boy" or just a person who really appreciates this genre.

Iron Man is exciting on so many levels. How do I know this? I didn't find myself anxiously waiting for him to come out in the suit. The suit is incredible, but I was so wrapped up in the plot and the energy to get there! I have NEVER felt that way for a superhero movie before.

The movie tells a story grounded in real world 2008. The scene is Afghanistan, and Tony Stark (The Invincible Robert Downey, Jr.), a billionaire arms dealer, is coming back from a successful demonstration of his latest weapon (missiles that flatten mountains, thus making it difficult for terrorists to hide in caves).

He's chatting with soldiers in an armored truck, when the bad guys attack, and he's taken hostage. This, of course, gives the film it's most realistic feel.There's an element of social commentary at work in this.

The Iron Man suit is the product of necessity. The terrorists give Stark the equipment to reproduce the superweapon - they want it for themselves. But he tricks them, and instead of building missiles, he builds an armored suit that shoots fire, bullets and missiles and that flies through jet propulsion. He comes back from the experience a changed man, a pacifist, but not a boring pacifist. An ass-kicking pacifist!

His first venture in the suit in short but very sweet. He gives some hurt back to the guys who kidnapped him while saving a village. It definitely left me wanting more and of course, there will be! Downey is superb in the role. He made the movie all the better. Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow were also excellent. Terrence Howard was cool as always! Director Jon Favreau has scored a masterpiece. "Iron Man" is an action sci-fi blockbuster extravaganza that provides cartoon thrills for thinking people. It's the best movie of its kind since "Superman" The Movie (1976), Tim Burton's "Batman" (1989), and the second "Spider-Man" movie four years ago. Bravo to Marvel, Now, I can't wait for DC's response...The Dark Knight!!

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