Iron Man

First of all, in the spirit of full disclosure: I love Robert Downey Jr. He was astounding in Less Than Zero , Chaplin,Natural Born Killers and hell, even Ally McBeal; when he's on the screen he's just riveting and tragic and amazing and funny and moving. And also, if I'm being honest, hot as all get-out. Whatever else you want to say about the man and his many trials, he's always been just a top-notch actor, and that hasn't changed.

All that said, my love of the man notwithstanding, I went to see Iron Man last night and here's the truth: it was seriously a kick-ass movie. The explosions were nice and all -- lots, and bright with booms and bangs and fire and whatnot -- but what really made the movie was the intelligence, humor and characters. Downey's Stark is a total charming bastard -- not mean, but completely into his own head and life, to the exclusion of connections with anyone else. However, you just can't help but like him. At first he's glib and fast-talking, but then (as you know if you know ANYthing about the genesis of Iron Man) he's captured and suddenly ...


It's an interesting story about redemption, about life-changing moments and finding connection and clarity in a world that doesn't offer it easily. Downey has great chemistry with his supporting cast (I even liked Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, and I NEVER expected that), the dialogue is fresh and funny (apparently director Jon Favreau let his cast ad lib quite a bit in-character -- a choice that pays off nicely), and well, Downey is in a tight, sweaty tank top a lot. In summary: this is a movie worth spending your $8.50 (US) on. I highly recommend.

Oh, and a hint if you DO go: the credits are really quite long but if you're a geek like me I strongly, strongly, STRONGLY recommend you stick it out to the end. That is all.