Iron Man

In my estimation the new Marvel Comics character Iron Man has translated to the large screen in an absolutely excellent fashion -- in fact, I'd wager it's the best Marvel comic character movie yet created, considering the crew of Spider-Man, the Hulk, Fantastic Four and the Punisher. Director/actor Jon Favreau (who, at 6'2" plays Happy Hogan, Stark's Rolls-Royce Phantom driver) did well with his choice of Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Terrence Howard as Lt. Col James Rhodes, and Jeff Bridges as co-Stark Industrialist Obadiah Stone.

I found Iron Man to be actually entertaining -- a primary element so sadly lacking in so many films today. Robert Downey Jr. (his past antics notwithstanding) does quite a fine job with central character Tony Stark, leader of a huge military corporation whose production includes missiles, warheads, etc.

However, once Stark comes face-front with his own mortality somehow, magically, mystically, his corporate worldview manages to change and, for a number of reasons (I don't wish to be a spoiler, you see) decides to utilize a powerful armored suit he's created for Good. And more.

As opposed to a few recent movies, the CGI is absolutely excellent. There were "real world" versions of the Iron Man armor created for the film, and the meshing of CGI with the "real" armor was completely seamless. And I mean seamless.

Iron Man actually had a plot, a script, great actors, sterling CG effects, a number of laughing points (and I seldom laugh outright in movies any more) and managed to delineate characters you truly cared about.

For the parents: I cannot even recall one swear word in the film. It's entertaining and clean. Yes, violence included however. You can even watch the movie online, here.

Want to acquire a taste of the future for the franchise? Wait until the credits have entirely played. Don't leave your seat. Then you'll see.

BZ