Filled with intense action sequences, a strong story-line, a surprisingly stellar performance by Robert Downey Jr. and jaw-dropping special effects, Iron Man exceeded my every expectation, becoming the first blockbuster to live up to its billing since last summers The Transformers.
Tony Stark is a wealthy philanthropist whose company develops the most technologically advanced weapons. However, when Stark is taken captive by the enemy, Stark is thrown into a state of survival. Forced to build his most powerful weapon to date, Stark takes a detour, developing an indestructible suit of armor instead. Once free of the enemy's grip, Stark discovers a complex conspiracy, one that could threaten the entire world, deciding to use his armor suit to good use as he sets himself on a mission to stop the villains and save the world.
Going into Iron Man I have to admit that I had my doubts. In fact, I was expecting the film to be terrible. However, within the first half hour, I found myself engulfed in the story and its characters, watching every move and working to put the pieces together to solve the plot before the infamous Tony Stark could. And that, in a nutshell, is why this film was so amazing.
From the very beginning we are greeted with very distinct, unique characters in Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., and Obadiah Stane played by Jeff Bridges. Sharing the screen for much of the film, the two actors worked well with one another, grabbing at each other's strengths and using them to better the overall film.
Robert Downey Jr., who has received more recognition for his battle with drugs and alcohol than his film career, gives the performance of his life, bringing an at times overconfident yet likeable Stark to the forefront of the film. In addition, Downey was able to control the pace and direction of the film without overexerting his energy or attempting to do too much. Instead, the veteran actor allowed the script to take center stage, doing his part and only his part to better the entire film.
In addition, Gwyneth Paltrow, who hasn't had a decent role in a decent film since she took home the Oscar in 2000 for Shakespeare in Love, brought a strong and independent Virginia 'Pepper' Potts to the big screen. Capitalizing on her know-it-all attitude, Paltrow is able to bring a confidence character to the screen while still showing a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. Her character is complex, a rarity for a comic book film; however, Paltrow handled the role like a pro.
And lastly we have Jeff Bridges who played the aspiring Stark, Obadiah Stane. Always willing to bend the rules for the sake of a few bucks, Stane knows no boundaries. And it is his confrontation with Stark that really gives the film a strong backbone.
However, it isn't just the characters and actors that make this film so awesome. In fact, the best part about this entire film is its story. Taking a smart and rich man and putting him into an unusual situation is always interesting. However, Iron Man adds a personal altercation and the presence of a superhero to create a force that can only be described as a cinematic triple threat.
And then there are the incredible special features...a field that has accumulated a lot of pressure over the last several years. And luckily for fans, the guys behind Iron Man do not disappoint.
From the amazing suit of armor to the sky high flying scenes to the climatic end sequence that will leave you in awe and on the edge of your seat, the film does it right. The colors are perfect, the backgrounds are dead on and most importantly, the visuals look real. Not the 'real for movies' real, but the 'Wow, that is real' real.
Overall the film was spectacular. Combining an amazing script, some stellar acting and special effects that will put any film to shame, Iron Man outdid itself, outperforming my expectation and giving viewers a glimpse of hope that this summer will consist of films that actually live up to their pre-release hype.
