In case anyone was wondering...

[connielane]

Iron Man (2008)

Yes, Iron Man is the bomb. If you like superhero movies, if you like testosterone action-fests, and most importantly, if you like Robert Downey, Jr., you will LOVE this (see pic above - tank top and ripped abs, for the win).

Not being a big comic book aficionado (just what I could find as far as background on Google), I didn't know all of the references and character intricacies. Tony Stark just might be the most awesome superhero ever. He wasn't born special like Superman, he didn't have some freak accident that suddenly made him powerful like Spiderman. He's more comparable to Bruce Wayne - a filthy rich man who decides to use his particular resource to help people. But he's even cooler because he's wicked smart and designs his own gadgets. He's like an American James Bond - with the womanizing and the special drink - but he's his own freaking Q. One of my favorite moments in the movie is him sitting on a couch, with the arm of his suit on one arm, and a screwdriver in his other hand, tweaking the contraption like it's just a hobby (which it sort of is, I guess). And he sort of embodies the excesses of America. He is Hedonism personified.

The original Tony Stark was a part of the cultural context of Vietnam. Naturally, a modern day Tony would get his superhero origins from somewhere else ... somewhere like Afghanistan. There's a certain pleasure to be derived from watching Tony opening a huge crate of whoop-ass on the people who held him captive (and later the people he discovers have been using his weapons for terrorist activity). No frills, no red tape, just a proportional response. ;)

Have I mentioned how awesome Robert Downey, Jr. is? Because he so is. He's always had a compelling rhythm as an actor, and it's always a joy to see him play. Especially when the director really knows how to use that rhythm. And speaking of Jon Favreau, it gives me immeasurable glee to think that he may soon join the ranks of filmmakers that achieved enough success that they can actually make the movies they want to make.

Great movie, and nothing but fun. I don't have anything to offer as to whether it's a respectful representation of the comic, but the AICN guys are calling this one of the greatest superhero movies ever. So take that as you will. It's certainly a very enjoyable two hours and six minutes.

Now, off to make a desktop wallpaper of tank-top!Downey, Jr.