Random Review #49: The movie "Iron Man"

Directed by John Favreau
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges
Release date: May 2, 2008
Rated PG-13

Being a semi-hardcore comic nerd, I've constantly been let down by Hollywood's lame attempts at bringing fantastic superheroes to the big screen (Daredevil, Elektra, Catwoman, Spider-Man 3, to name a few). But not with this movie. This is hands-down the most accurate representation of a superhero origin story I have ever seen. Of course, some parts were modernized, like Jarvis (Tony Stark's butler in the comics) being an interactive computer system, but still. The message remains the same.
Anyways, as a movie, it was also fantastic. The storyline was interesting and relatable, the script was witty and smart, and the acting and effects were fantastic. Robert Downey Jr. has definitely returned from that blockbuster hiatus he's been on lately. He plays the perfect Stark. He's witty, intelligent, and a douchebag, just like his comics counterpart.
I do have one complaint about this movie though. I don't think Stark spent enough time in the Mk II armor. If you think about it, the only times he was in it were when he was testing it, and during two fighting sequences. It probably added up to close to 20 minutes total. And for a movie with a 2-hour running time, this is disappointing.
So the bottom line is this: if they keep making movies like this, I'll keep loving them. Please, Marvel, stick to what fans like and have liked for years. Don't get flashy to get audiences to come see your movies. This is near perfect.