Iron Man isn’t the sort of film you see at film festivals – even the flashy ones. However, with a nod to the emerging markets around the world, Iron Man did not have its world premiere in the US. It opened a couple of weeks ago in Sydney and had showings in Berlin, Hong Kong, Rome, etc. before officially opening in the States.
Theatres were packed today with fans of the Stan Lee comic inspired film starring Robert Downey Jr. and directed by Jon Favreau. The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive for this film that marks the official beginning of Summer.
I have never read this comic or seen the TV show so I didn’t know when to ooh and ahh as the iron man suit came together or the name SHIELD was revealed or a few other events that inspired spontaneous clapping from the crowd. Even given that, I enjoyed the film. The film has three things going for it that will probably keep it above the normal summer kid fare — Downey, who is fun to watch (and will be seen again in The Incredible Hulk in June), CGI work that is really impressive (and will be seen again in the The Hulk), and a smart script by Mark Fergus and Hank Ostby who wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for Children of Men.
Well maybe it’s just the writing that will keep this film in the lead through the summer. All in all I mostly stayed awake during the film. There is one chase/battle scene that almost afforded me a short nap because I have no patience for long drawn out chase scenes. Supporting players are nice. The Iron Man costume is spectacular, especially when he is being bolted into it. Paltrow, who plays Downey’s secretary/love interest is fine. Favreau walks around in the background. Jeff Bridges is creepy with the shaved head.
Bottom line, the filmmakers appear to have been loyal to the original source material, all the groundwork was laid for a serious franchise dynasty and everyone is going to get rich. Who would have thought back in 1996 that these guys:
June 23, 1996 - Robert Downey, Jr. was arrested for driving drunk and being in possession of Mexican Black Tar heroin, crack, cocaine and an unloaded .357 Magnum revolver. He was sentenced to three years probation.
and
Jon Favreau as Mike Peters. A struggling comedian from New York, Mike recently broke up with his long-term girlfriend. Still pining over his loss, and unfamiliar with the dating game, Mike has difficulty meeting new women.
That these two guys would be sitting on the biggest film to come out of Hollywood in a long time? If they keep up the writing, I imagine we’re looking at at least three more to come. It’s a great year to be Stan Lee. Who wants to be a superhero?
