Movie Review: Iron Man

Every time a comic book hero's stories are translated for the big screen, the powers-that-be in Hollywood figure that their control over the film grants them license to make whole sale changes in the characters, story, and even the costumes. Superman's film costume lacked the distinctiveness of its comic book counterpart and the malevolence of the comic book's Luthor, the character of Johnny Blaze in "Ghost Rider"-well the less said about THAT travesty the better, and the X-Men went the black spandex route instead of wearing the distinctive costumes from the comics series. The film version of "Spider-Man" wore the distinctive colors of the comics hero, but the costumes themselves cost Sony pictures $10,000 each to produce. Does that sound like something a freelance photographer like Peter Parker could afford? Even one of my favorite comic movies, "Batman Begins," took artistic liberties with both the story and the costume. While the liberties taken with the story were understandable (and even created a serviceable background to the Batman legend), I have never understood the repeated failure to replicate the color scheme of the classic Batman costume. In fact, no superhero film has treated its audience to a perfect translation of the hero's costume...until now.



Iron Man's various armors in the film (the Mark I, Mark II, and Mark III) mirror their comic book counterparts perfectly. Stan Winston and ILM worked hand in hand to create the perfect illusion of functionality in bringing the comic book icon to life. Several times during the film, I found myself catching my breath at the amazing likeness the costume bore to the comics version.

What about the film itself? In a word, AWESOME. All too often, special effects are used as a crutch to cover up poor storytelling or character development. Here, director Jon Favreau used the special effects in service of the plot rather than the other way around. The character of Tony Stark, Iron Man's alter ego, is perfectly inhabited by the immensely talented Robert Downey, Jr. The character's transformation from billionaire industrialist to superhero could not have been successfully accomplished by too many young actors. Downey convincingly evinces the character's flaws, his struggles when he realizes his own role as a global death dealer, and his need to make things right through the construction and use of his Iron Man armor.

And what about the supporting cast? Gwyneth Paltrow does an amazing job as Pepper Potts (yes, that is her character's name and yes, that is straight from the comics). One gets the sense of her unrequited love for her boss and the chemistry between Paltrow and Downey is palpable, but Paltrow never allows the character to fall into the cliche of the damsel in distress. Even while Iron Man is in the middle of a battle, Potts is there helping him out. For once, there is a completely realized comic book female played by an A-list actor (well, if not A-list, at least one who has excellent acting instincts). Jeff Bridges played the over-the-top villain Obadiah Stane, but this is something that one could glean from the previews. If anything, the story's development of Stane into the main villain seemed almost rushed. That, in itself, is the only thing that the filmmakers could have done better...that and have more shots of Iron Man in action. Terence Howard is excellent as Jim Rhodes, Stark's good friend and confidante who promises to be around in the sequel (please let there be one).

Strange. I have gone almost the entire review thus far and have not even talked about the story. Well, I do not think I am going to. I want everyone to experience it for themselves. I will, however, share with you 2 of my favorite scenes from the film. The first scene was that of Stark building the Mark I armor as a captive in Afghanistan. The shots of Downey's face, covered in sweat, his brow furrowed in concentration and determination, as he molds and shapes the mask of the Mark I is an indelible image from the film that I will keep with me. That one scene nicely summed up the character of Tony Stark. My second favorite scene? Stark's first flight over Malibu at night. This first flight sequence made me forget, for a moment, that I was watching a film. It represent the perfect marriage of special effects, music, and storytelling. What a great sequence.

There is one thing that I want to make clear. I know a lot of friends who do not want to see "Iron Man." They see it as "just another superhero film." I am here to tell you that it is so much more. The story, the acting, the action..everything raises this to a different level. I could not be more pleased with the first summer film of the season. I will see this a few more times in the theater. I hope that they keep the cast together. I can only assume that this is what results from a comic book publisher having control over the films. This was the first film completely financed by Marvel Comics, and they had final say on all decisions. They made a comic book movie for comic book fans. Lo and behold-it translates well for the masses. More publishers should take a page from Marvel's book. If this is what we have to look forward to from Marvel, then "The Incredible Hulk," being released on June 13, may be enough to wipe the horrible taste left over from Ang Lee's horrible "Hulk" film from a few years back.

A final note. Be sure to stay through the end credits. You will be rewarded for your patience.