05.01.08
Review: Iron Man (2008)
Iron Man sure sets the standard for summer blockbusters this year, a level most won’t be able to achieve or top. That being said, it also sets the standard for modern superhero films too, and puts many that have come before it to shame. It is far from revolutionary but delivers on its promises. It doesn’t even seem like a superhero film most of the time, and its main success is that it does not stoop to using overblown sound and visual effects to obtain the viewers attention. At its centre lies a sturdy character and narrative driven plot that has just the right combination of mature humour, solid acting and topical issues with its fantastic CGI effects incorporated appropriately. If nothing else, I dare you not to be entertained.
Swapping the setting of the original comic book for a more contemporary perspective, the film opens in Afghanistan. Only a few minor tweaks of the comic are apparent, so few that the number of outraged comic book fans will be most probably be lower than usual, and it has a broader appeal because of the minor alterations – one does not have to be a nostalgic fan of the comic books to take pleasure in the film.
Before Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) became “Iron Man,” he was merely a rich, obnoxious playboy type individual following his father’s legacy, becoming “Stark Industries” most revered arms maker and avid inventor along the way. We figure all this out thanks to a series of flashbacks.
While in Afghanistan, he is to unveil his company’s latest mass killing machine, a previously unsurpassed lethal weapon called “The Jericho.” He is abruptly ambushed and taken captive by rebellious Afghan forces. Upon waking, he is stuck in a cave, with shrapnel fragments in his chest that would make their way to his heart in a matter of seconds if it were not for the electromagnet he is forced to wear. While in captivity, Stark is expected to build the very same lethal weapon he exhibited earlier in the day. Instead, he uses the materials he has available to him to assemble an impenetrable suit of armour – and in effect, becomes “Iron Man.” He is able to escape his confinement, leaving the desert terrain of Afghanistan for his comfortable, high tech pad in Malibu, California – his eyes now wide open, and his plans on how to build the “Iron Man” prototype left behind…
When he realises that the very weapons he invented almost got him killed, his naïveté is gone for good. He plans to dismantle his company’s weapon construction all together, causing a public uproar and a rift between him and his adviser, Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). Among the films few ironic twists, using the prototype plans he left behind – including scraps of the initial “Iron Man” suit – the guerrillas plan to build a prototype of their own, and use it against American troops. Faced with the dilemmas of his past and the plausible difficulties in the future, Stark has to overcome his internal battles before he can right his, and his company’s, wrongs. Stark, like many other Marvel creations, is not a typical “hero,” hardly even a “superhero” – rather a man with a plan, and with a perceptive eye and sharp wit. He is not handed his abilities and will to do good on a silver platter, he learns the hard way. What is born out of the will for sheer self-preservation turns into a force for humanity.
Downey offers the most stylish, witty and commanding superhero performance in ages, nothing short of riveting. Clichés and stiffness are nowhere to be seen and his evocation of a psychologically torn man is credible, and if there could have been another actor in the role of “Iron Man,” I cannot think of him. For a change, an older, mature actor is cast as a superhero, not an upcoming unknown, and his complexities shine through. He seems to have had a blast, so to speak, as Stark, and the casting gamble that got him the role has no doubt paid off big time.
More time has been clearly spent contemporising the film’s storyline and building up the role of Tony Stark than developing all the supporting characters to an exemplary ideal, but it does not make much of a difference with Downey Jr’s mesmerising screen presence. Nonetheless, the supporting players do their best with what they are given, especially the ever-consistent Jeff Bridges. It is also a pleasure to see Gwyneth Paltrow as Virginia “Pepper” Pots – Stark’s love interest and liberated personal assistant - and Terrence Howard, in a horribly underwritten role, as Lt. Colonel Jim Rhodes, have fun with their respective roles, that are just short of being three dimensional.
Several actions sequences are put together with such visual brilliance and the special effects never overpower the story or the actors – the way it should be. Sure they are important and integral to the story, but there are not the main focus which is where other superhero stories fail dismally. Director Jon Favreau steers well clear of this, and his surprisingly crisp remodelling of stale stereotypes and formulas lives well up to the tremendous build-up and publicity the film has had over the last few months. The iron robots that are easily identifiable and even ones we can actually feel something for are a breath of fresh air. Favreau takes time involving the viewer’s imagination in the story and developing his characters, and in turn creates a film that is current, and “hip,” enough to appeal to the masses as well as more concerted film fans, but doesn’t congratulate itself in the process.
As a stand-alone crowd pleaser, Iron Man more than hits the mark. It also allows for equally impressive sequels to be made, with even more fascinating developments, in what –and I am willing to bet money on this - will become a marvel of a franchise.
Fatac Rating: ****
Iron Man. Directed by Jon Favreau. Written by Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway based on the Marvel graphic novel. Edited by Dan Lebental. Visual effects supervised by John Nelson. Music by Ramin Djawadi. Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub, Faran Tahir, Leslie Bibb, Clark Gregg. Running Time: 126 minutes. Age Restriction: 10 V. Rating out of five stars.
Released in South Africa on the 1st of May 2008.
Viewed at a public screening with an audience of ordinary moviegoers.
MikeM said,
May 1, 2008 at 6:18 pm
yet another great review, by the promising and talented Nick Plowman
Nick Plowman said,
May 1, 2008 at 6:24 pm
MikeM said,
May 1, 2008 at 6:38 pm
J.D. said,
May 1, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I mega-ditto that sentiment.
Nick, *god* you’re such an incredible writer.
Nick Plowman said,
May 1, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Aw, shucks, while that is awfully nice of both of you, just go see the damn movie as soon as possible, won’t ya?
By the way Mike, I think I saw our head-boy and his brother at the screening….so random, but it was weird.
Craig Kennedy said,
May 1, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Can’t wait to read your review Nick-o, alas, no reviews until I see it and write my own. Glad to see you gave it 4 stars though!
Nick Plowman said,
May 1, 2008 at 7:39 pm
I wanted to say to everyone “DONT READ MY REVIEW UNTIL YOU SEE THE FILM” but I am glad you did not.
I hope it lives up to the hype for you, it sorta did for me.
Caitlin said,
May 1, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I can’t wait to see it! Seriously, I’m so bummed that I can’t find anyone who wants to go with me…
Nick Plowman said,
May 1, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Really?
It is so much fun, like so different from other superhero movies, I bet you will find someone eventually. I will be there in spirit
Alison Flynn said,
May 1, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Looking forward to reading this, Nick, after I’ve seen it.
Nick Plowman said,
May 1, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Yeah, that is good that you did not read it, I cannot wait for you to see the film and then read my review, I sure hope you enjoy it
Rob said,
May 2, 2008 at 4:51 am
Tell me you waited till after the credits?
BIG WARNING FOR EVERYONE WHO HASN’T SEEN IT:
There is a scene after the credits, and hell yeah it kicks ass (if you’re a comic fan - if not you could probably give it a miss)
IRON MAN « typical me!!! said,
May 2, 2008 at 6:53 am
[...] Nicholas mentioned, ” ..I dare you not to get [...]
soorajrox said,
May 2, 2008 at 6:59 am
hey nicholas. Long time since I came here.
I loved the movie. Somehow I hope they don’t make a sequel, cos I don’t want it to suck.
good review.
Nick Plowman said,
May 2, 2008 at 9:10 am
I didn’t stay until after the credits, but then I overheard some people talking about it, and I snuck in to the second showing and watched the final scene.
I cannot wait for the sequel
but I agree soorajrox that I don’t want it to suck either…only if it is as awesome as this film.
MikeM said,
May 2, 2008 at 11:27 am
yes, I heard he was there and he said it was everything he expected it to be…
Nick Plowman said,
May 2, 2008 at 11:50 am
Well, then he has good taste, who would have thunk it?
Matthew Lucas said,
May 3, 2008 at 5:19 am
Agreed on all points! “Iron Man” is a blast and I can’t wait to see Terrence Howard’s role get expanded in a sequel. I really wanted him to put on that suit! But I guess they didn’t want to steal Iron Man’s thunder on the first outing. I liked that it was pretty much free of the usual superhero emotional baggage that has identified most recent superhero films. This was just pure fun, and a breath of fresh air.
Nick Plowman said,
May 3, 2008 at 7:20 am
And I agree with you too, I too cannot wait to see Howard suit up and show us what he is made of, I mean, we know he can act and all.
It was different from other superhero films, so true, and people who see it as just another “superhero” film are missing out; poor them.
robellie said,
May 4, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Very nice review of the movie. I really was impressed, as you mention, with the main character development. Thanks for leaving a comment on our site as well, we appreciate it.
Nick Plowman said,
May 4, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Thanks, I am glad you enjoyed the film and my review, thanks for the visit
Alison Flynn said,
May 5, 2008 at 12:58 am
Great review. I really loved this film. It was pure entertainment, the casting was perfect and I love Robert Downey Jr.
I woke up thinking about this movie. It’s really stayed with me. I’ll have to see it again.
Nick Plowman said,
May 5, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Thanks, I loved it too - and I am glad I am not the only one who would not mind {or would actually love} to see it again.
Daniel said,
May 5, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Though I didn’t find as much to love about it as you did, Nick, I have to say that a.) I hope you don’t hold it against me, and b.) this is a remarkable review for a film that doesn’t have a lot of elements to study. Great writing, especially this bit: “Downey offers the most stylish, witty and commanding superhero performance in ages, nothing short of riveting. Clichés and stiffness are nowhere to be seen and his evocation of a psychologically torn man is credible”
That’s totally true. Downey was great for the role. Anyway, onward and upward with the summer we go!
Nick Plowman said,
May 5, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I would never hold such a thing against you! Hey, you loved My Blueberry Nights {I just read it over at LiC}, which I did too - cannot wait to read your review.
Thanks, I really enjoyed the film, and it is not very often I get to review things from 2008 like the rest of you in the US - so I jumped at the chance.
I think this summer is going to ROCK, and I have never thought that before.