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That Is An 'Iron' Hot Superhero

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

Friday, May 2, 2008

Who would have thought that the guy who wrote ‘Swingers’ could deliver the most entertaining comic-book action hero film to date? Jon Favreau has without a doubt become a multi-talented director standing behind other hits like ‘Zathura’, ‘Elf’ and ‘Made’. Now with ‘Iron Man’ he cements his name onto the pavement of many great Hollywood entertainers and filmmakers. ‘Iron Man’ delivers the action, the story and the amusement that comic books have; which is why many fans follow the heroes within the pages faithfully.

Now, the Iron Man superhero is not one of Marvels’ most notorious characters; like let’s say Spider Man. But he certainly has been around – and in the background – for some odd 40 years. If memory serves me right Iron Man was first introduced with The Avengers and from then on moved into different stories across the Marvel universe; yes the X-Men, and The Fantastic Four are some of his good friends. So if you were never a fan of Iron Man – no worries I wasn’t either – this film adaptation will not only impress you but will reflect on the early beginnings of the comic book superhero.

In the film, like in the comic book, Tony Stark – brilliantly performed by Robert Downey Jr. – is the all time rich playboy. All the money, toys, women and luxury are at his fingertips. And he continues to build his wealthy empire through Stark Industries and his military weapon creation; which consequently leads to a fatal accident and the rise of a superhero. Stark is by no means like most super heroes before him, he was never bitten by a spider, he was not born with mutant genes or came from a far away planet. Basically, he is a rich spoil genius – flawed to no end – who ultimately finds the hero within. The central story of ‘Iron Man’ is about redemption and the new chapter in Stark’s life. Favreau and the talented script writers have crafted a very solid story within the film.

Aside from the story, ‘Iron Man’ also carries a thunderous wallop in the action department. The gadgets, the cars and the technology are beyond impressive; which undoubtedly mirrors a close future. The jaw dropping action sequences will definitely keep everyone at the edge of their seat. One of them is the final scene between the Iron Monger and the super Iron Man – not only a great CGI animation sequence but also acting wise. Downey fits perfectly into the Stark persona and Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane is simply remarkable too. Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts is odd-defying because who knew the Oscar winning darling could deliver the quirky and smart character to perfection. As much as there are technological aspects to the film there is also the humanity – paired with great acting – of all the characters in ‘Iron Man’.

All of these elements not only will satisfy the comic book fans but also the movie going audience. ‘Iron Man’ is the perfect – and most amazing – superhero film to date.