Stark Industries Presents: Iron Man - Movie Review

     The summer movie blockbusters have arrived with an “iron fist”!!! Most comic book fans would tell you that when a comic book movie is announced, their initial thoughts are to hope for the best but expect the worst (yeah, I’m looking at you Ghost Rider).  But the release of “Iron Man” this weekend ACTUALLY lives up to the hype.

     “Iron Man” captures the recent life altering events of the womanizing, flamboyant, and brilliant inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) as he transforms from playboy, into his alter ego: Iron Man.  After being held captive in the deserts of the Middle East by a terrorist cell, Starks, majority owner of Stark Industries, returns to civilization, not only with the physical and mental scars of his captivity, but with a new found sense of self and purpose that leads him to develop the Iron Man suit. The new Stark comes as a welcome surprise to some, such as his long time assistant and developing love interest Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and his long time best friend Jim Rhodes (Terrance Howard). But this kinder, gentler Tony doesn’t rub everyone the right way.  Tony has new plans for the company and his peaceful outlook now threatens Stark Industries bottom line, and so we see Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) take on the mantle of antagonist.  A ruthless, money hungry, power driven man that will stop at nothing to undermine Starks at every turn and squelch his new ideas of peace. 

     When Jon Favreau intially chose Downey to play Stark, I will admit that I had doubts.  Well let me publically apologize for doubting you, Mr. Favreau.  If there was ever a roll created for an actor, this is it for Downey.  His depiction of a tout, elitist, wise ass is dead on, and with side talk that Favreau chose Downey for the part because of his off screen drug and alcohol issues, I can see how that experince can add to Stark’s on screen issues in the upcoming sequels.  The dialoge in the movie was solid and had many enjoyable parts, especially with Downey and Paltrow, as they sling one witty come back after another at each other.  In Addition, with solid contributing rolls by Howard and Bridges, several intense actions scenes and several hints towards the next direction that Marvel Studios is headed would make any nerd “geek” his pants.  This is by far one of the best starts to the summer movie explosions and one of the best comic movies I’ve seen in years.  In fact, when comparing it to another big daddy Marvel Studios release Spider Man, I would have to say that they are on par with each other.

      Critics prior to the movie’s release were skeptical of how well it would do given other off industry releases (GTA: 4) and recent cinema abortions Marvel has released (Ghost Rider and Fantastic 4).  However, if the upcoming Hulk movie (slated for June) is anything like this, let me just hand over my $10 for admission now!!  Summer Block Busters, we have crowned a new King.  Thy name is Stark, thy name is Iron Man.