Iron Man Poster Photo

Iron Man

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub, Allison McAtee, Stacy Stas

Directed by: Jon Favreau

RS: 3.5of 4 Stars Average User Rating: 4of 4 Stars

2008 Action

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There's no rust on this baby. Iron Man kicks off summer on a blazing high note and practically dares the competition to measure up. It's been years since a movie superhero was this fierce and this funny. All praise to acting dynamo Robert Downey Jr., who brings so much creative juice to the party that Iron Man achieves instant liftoff. Even if you know diddly about the character Marvel built in 1963, Downey and director Jon Favreau — just the right swinger for the job — will get you up to speed pronto.

Hard to believe that Iron Man and his alter ego, Tony Stark, have never been exploited as movie subjects before. Could it be that Stark, the boozing, lecherous, right-wing manufacturer of WMDs, scared off stars less willing to take a risk than Downey? Screw 'em. You can feel the exhilaration in the telling and updating of this origin story, with a script polish by no less than Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, the writers behind the brilliant Children of Men. Iron Man is a class act all the way. What kind of popcorn flick gets the great, dangerously charming Jeff Bridges to shave his head to play Obadiah Stane, the chief villain? Or Terrence Howard to add mystery to Rhodey, Tony's military adviser? Or Oscar princess Gwyneth Paltrow to show the smarts and sexiness of Pepper Potts, Tony's leggy assistant? Don't question, just lap it up.

As Tony gets blown up by his own weapons in Afghanistan — nothing like a near-death experience to trigger a switch to peace politics — he uses the three months of lockup by insurgents to build an iron suit that powers his shrapnel-shattered heart and helps him escape back to his L.A. workshop. There he adds some hot-red color to build an even cooler suit and begin his life as a superhero. "Spectacular" is the word, even when the plot gears grind from the strain. What matters is the raw vitality. Iron Man is the shit because Favreau (Made, Elf) is too funky to settle for slick. And Downey does something even more resonant for this flying hunk of metal: He gives Iron Man a soul.

>>Watch Peter Travers' video review of Iron Man.

>>Watch every episode of our weekly Peter Travers video podcast by subscribing via iTunes here (when prompted, click “Launch application”). Every Friday, a new episode featuring clips from the week's newest movies will be delivered to your iTunes. [If you don’t have iTunes, download it here.]

>>Plus: Watch Peter Travers interview Jeff Bridges on ABCNews.com here.

PETER TRAVERS

(Posted: May 15, 2008)

Review 1 of 7

wvufan07 writes:

4of 4 Stars


In my opinion better than spiderman one and two. I liked this film alot.

May 11, 2008 07:21:46

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Review 2 of 7

fruitflake writes:

4of 4 Stars


So far, the best super-hero picture I've ever seen. Mr. Downey is awesome. Iron Man took my breath away. One of the few comic book adaptations to actually have a heart.

May 9, 2008 07:37:44

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Review 3 of 7

docfilms writes:

3of 4 Stars


Check out the old-school Hollywood veterans, the Reel Geezers
as they review Iron Man on YouTube you are in for a treat-they
are funny and smart and have great perspective
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcT6nUf9xE4

May 6, 2008 18:25:24

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Review 4 of 7

sctrojan84 writes:

4of 4 Stars


This clever, quick-witted, tightly scripted
adaptation of yet another superhero movie may
actually turn into one of the most respected
and highest ranked movies in this genre’s
increasingly impressive collection.

I am not a comic book guy for the most part and
had never heard of Iron Man before the previews
to this movie. I almost didn't even go see it,
but the good reviews by the critics made me
decide to give it a chance. I was NOT
disappointed. It was fantastic.

My Social Standards now has my whole review.
Check it out at our site, http://
mysocialstandards. blogspot. com to see it.

May 4, 2008 17:38:27

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Review 5 of 7

pedah writes:

4of 4 Stars


Quick-witted, titillating and powerful Iron Man has to be Marvel's best delivery. I went in expecting another overly hyped pretentious blockbuster; though to my appeasing surprise, this one overly sustained my attention from beginning to end. Unlikely rolled Robert Downey Jr. has soared to an all-new accomplishment with this cleaned-up super act. He's always been a gifted actor; here, he's superb. Reminded how funny he dishes glib dialog, he portrays the inventive Stark: Gucci stylish, charmingly degrading and alluringly rich to boot -- a most potent formula for our LA setting. While poignantly counter-set in the war-stricken deserts of the East, mostly I was taken by Downey Jr.'s uncanny aptitude and heavyweight conviction or his screen presence. I welcomed his authentic underlayer and amused with passing smart-ass comments of lechery aimed at the Hollywood wanna-be beauties. The theater audience concurred as we shared laughs. Apropos, Paltrow is yet the classy kind, shining her always-impressive acting caliber -- if her Elle model type doesn't distract you. While I haven't preferred her in previous though respectable roles, I eagerly enjoyed her relaxed and breezy character, Potts of poetic poise and lovely amiability. Jeff Bridges... well, how can one not admire the man?! I use to wait on him when I worked as a waiter in Brentwood. It's pleasing to see him selling alcohol again; nobody holds a bucket glass better, while smirking his savoring lips. His character, Stane indulges us with that signature charismatic salesmanship -- with an emerging dark spin as the film's nemesis. It's a diabolical treat and the perfect move for Bridges as an actor -- and to see him portraying a deranged villain, spot on! If you favored Terrance Howard in Crash, again he brings his powerful artistry -- more like an extended cameo. Nonetheless, his soul-wrenching acting style often leads me into flowing tears of inspiration. I enjoy him a lot -- even as underplayed (still fitted the film's $180 mill. bill).
Oh; criticism? Yea, one little one: I could have done without AC/CD as the opening soundtrack; maybe its just me... thought I suppose the song suits the popular demographic. It's k; the song didn't last for long, nor blast further into any of its 80's lyrics heard at a karaoke bar. Sor' Angus.
Overall the film sheds its armor of the trite plastique, and generously supplies us refreshment to go with the popcorn and riches for the heart. The stunning sounds, engaging visuals and flowing plot further delights for ah's, wow's and lol's. I got a thrill seeing Iron Man plausibly flying over my Brentwood home -- and favorably viewed at the Hollywood Dome.

May 3, 2008 21:03:00

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Review 6 of 7

artmartin2002 writes:

4of 4 Stars


Iron Man....more please!!

May 3, 2008 00:36:40

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Review 7 of 7

Whizeguy writes:

4of 4 Stars


Caught the flick at the sneak preview last night, and had a blast. Great cast, top notch action, and solid three dimensional characters. Thanks Robert Downy Jr. for cleaning up your life and sticking around with us, we're glad to have you back.

May 3, 2008 00:20:38

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