Review of Iron Man film adaptation
Jon Favreau helms big-screen adaptation of popular comic book hero
© Williams
Although some geeks may complain about yet another origin story, director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr. kick-off a new franchise with wit, intelligence and style
As far as comic book movies go, many fanboys believe that the origin story is now passe. The Spider-man and X-Men adventures didn't achieve cinematic perfection until their second go-arounds, leading many to argue that once the introduction is out of the way, filmmakers are free to tell a more creative and involving story.
The success of Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" proved that an origin story can still be exciting and fresh. Nolan gave a fresh jolt of life to one of the most established superheroes of all-time, so it only stands to reason that a character who is less-familiar with audiences may be even more compelling.
IRON-WHO?
Fans of Marvel comics are well-aware of Tony Stark, the billionaire weapons magnate who, when taken hostage by Communists, creates a suit of armor that he uses to keep the world safe from gun-runners, terrorists and other evil-doers. Fans are also familiar with Stark's struggle with alcoholism, the electromagnet that keeps a piece of shrapnel from entering his heart and his flirtatious relationship with assistant Pepper Potts.
For the majority of filmgoers who are not comic book readers, however, Iron Man lacks the widespread recognition of Superman, Batman or Spidey. Director Jon Favreau, best known for his work with the family-friendly "Elf," has the task of making sure audiences know that Iron Man is more than a song by Black Sabbath.
UPDATED, YET FAITHFUL
In the opening scenes of "Iron Man," Favreau shows with surprising confidence that while he will be faithful to Iron Man's origins, he will not be slavish. Gone is the Vietnam conflict, traded in for a more modern confrontation in Afghanistan. Stark, played to snarky perfection by Robert Downey Jr., is kidnapped by mysterious terrorists and forced to build a replica of his latest weapon of mass destruction. Stark, of course, refuses and constructs his own crude suit of armor, breaks out in a thrilling escape and returns home to fight for good.
Comic book fans will love Downey's work as Stark. He is funny and confident and throws himself into the role with a flair not normally seen in comic book adaptations; this may be the most enjoyable work of his career. Likewise, fans will enjoy Gwyneth Paltrow's fawning yet spunky work as Potts; Favreau takes the wise road and never develops a cliche romance, instead prefering to have fun with the flirting. Loyal geeks will love allusions made to War Machine and S.H.I.E.L.D. and Terrence Howard's dependable as always work as Stark's best friend.
A (REPULSOR) BLAST
Of course, the summer film must also cater to the non-initiated, and here is where the work truly excels. Favreau lovingly introduces the origin of Iron Man by making the plot about his creation. This is the story of Stark growing a heart and learning to become a hero. It never follows an unwritten formula but rather allows the story to grow from character dilemmas and choices.
The action sequences are phenomenal, especially Stark's initial escape and a thrilling chase involving fighter jets. The film only begins to lag when it becomes about a predictable confrontation between Stark and his mentor (played with sinister glee by Jeff Bridges) and becomes a noisy CGI spectacle in its all-too-brief climax.
Still, for the most part, 'Iron Man' earns its lug-nuts and stands tall among the best in the comic book genre and kicks the summer season off in style.
