Being the comic book fan that I am, I often find myself skeptical of any new superhero movies. I have pretty much seen all of the movies released in that genre as far back as Tim Burton’s 1989 hit “Batman”. Having suffered through movies like: “Batman and Robin” attempted returning to the Adam West days and failing miserably; “Hulk” which was so bad they’re burying it with a new version; and “Spiderman 3″ thanks to the amazing emo dancing scene and Toby Maguire turning into an even more pathetic actor. What your seeing right now is the middle of the barrel in terms of superhero’s. Granted, they made “Elektra”, but that’s just the tip of what’s to come. When they come out with the “Dazzler” movie, you’ll know their at the bottom.
If you don’t know the story of Iron Man, here’s a quick run down of this retelling. Tony Stark owner of Stark Enterprises, the worlds leader in Military Weaponry, is showing off some new technology at an Air Force base in Afghanistan when it is attacked and he is taken hostage. Forced to build a missile for the terrorist who capture him, Stark is given access to an extensive workshop. With shrapnel stuck next to his heart from the initial attack, he builds a suit of armor, pacemaker, and a flame thrower to fight his way out of captivity. After returning home he upgrades the armor to its current day red and gold, taking on the threats that grew while he was away.
Iron Man is what I would call a middle ground hero. Most people know the name or at least they’re convinced they do thanks to the Black Sabbath song. Either way, Iron Man makes for a great story except for how awful his villians library is. The casting for this movie by Director John Favreau (Zathura, Elf, Made) is amazing, but people said the same about “Mars Attacks”. The cast includes Robert Downey Jr. (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Terrence Howard (Ray) as Lt. Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes, Gwyneth Paltrow (Running With Scissors) as Virgina “Pepper” Potts, Jeff Bridges (The Big Lebowski) as Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D..
It would be hard to say that Downey had to do a lot mentally to become Tony Stark. Where Stark has to deal with his alcoholism in the public eye, Downey had his cocaine addiction. He did however have to get in peak physical shape. While Downey and Stark share similarities, Jackson and Fury are the same person. In the newest Marvel recreation of their universe, Nick Fury was remade in Jackson’s exact image. The only thing Jackson might have to do is learn some military lingo. While I’m not as familiar with Iron Monger, I highly respect Bridges and feel that he will play his part very well.
I’m starting to think that this movie has a lot of potential. With the Mandarin revealed as the main nemesis (but not shown anywhere yet), a hint of Stark’s personal problems leaving room for a sequel, and the intention of utilizing Downey in the new Hulk movie showing a connection between the Marvel Universe, perhaps this will be what makes up for “Superman Returns” and “Catwoman”.
As long as Jackson doesn’t say “I’m tired of these mother f****ing superhero’s, in my mother f****ing city!” we should be set.
