Iron Man

...ability to fly and superhero Iron Man is born…

Actor-turned-director Jon Favreau takes a step up from his kids films ("Elf" and "Zathura") for this thoroughly enjoyable superhero romp that never takes itself too seriously. His visuals are glossy and the effects, of which there are many, are suitably impressive. He understands cinema as spectacle and makes the most of his big budget with thrilling action scenes replete ...
...actions. The final showdown between Iron Man and baddie Iron Monger (no, really!) is a serious smack-down with massive collateral damage.

The big set-pieces are often shot through with comedy that make sure the film and its characters never take themselves too seriously. The gags are punchy and the slapstick is suitably harsh (as during Stark's maiden flight in his upgraded suit). There is a surprising amount of mileage to be got ... more

Billionaire industrialist Tony Stark has made his fortune creating evermore innovative weapons. But when he is captured by insurgents while showcasing his latest invention, he is ordered to build a devastating weapon for his captors. Instead he constructs a high-tech suit of armour that he uses to escape. Returning home he decides to devote his money and ingenuity to help mankind. He modifies the suit, increasing its powers to include super-strength and the ability to fly and superhero Iron Man is born…

Actor-turned-director Jon Favreau takes a step up from his kids films ("Elf" and "Zathura") for this thoroughly enjoyable superhero romp that never takes itself too seriously. His visuals are glossy and the effects, of which there are many, are suitably impressive. He understands cinema as spectacle and makes the most of his big budget with thrilling action scenes replete with impressive pyrotechnics and slickly realised computer-generated effects that mesh with their surroundings. The suit itself is a minor marvel with dozens of tiny moving parts on show and nice reflective metals. There is also a nice riff on space-age technology with the 3D imager Stark uses to realise his designs, presided over by sarcastic computer butler Jarvis. Not to mention his high tech house, which comes across as a slightly more feasible version of Tracy Island. The action sequences are snappy and exciting without being choppy. There is a lot of glorified violence but there are clear consequences to such actions. The final showdown between Iron Man and baddie Iron Monger (no, really!) is a serious smack-down with massive collateral damage.

The big set-pieces are often shot through with comedy that make sure the film and its characters never take themselves too seriously. The gags are punchy and the slapstick is suitably harsh (as during Stark's maiden flight in his upgraded suit). There is a surprising amount of mileage to be got out of Stark's machines having their own personalities. The banter between him and Pepper is nicely observed but Favreau body-swerves full-on romance in contradiction to most superhero franchises. The director clearly likes his protagonists and his actors, allowing everyone a chance to shine and easily parlaying his affection for them to the audience. The pacing is swift throughout, but I can imagine fan-boys will be disappointed that Stark hasn't donned his trademark red and gold livery before the final hour is out. But there was no time during the hundred-and-twenty-six minute running time when I wasn't entertained. It's also worth waiting for the end credits to finish as there is a final flourish that will have fans gagging for a sequel.

I know Iron Man is one of the longer-running Marvel comics, but the character isn't one I was familiar with before the film came out, so I have no idea how this version compares with the original. But it is slightly different to other superhero films because the central character is a self-serving egotist that wants to be the centre of attention and isn't bothered about preserving his anonymity. Tony Stark is loud, brash and demands attention at every turn. He flashes his cash at every opportunity and adds plenty of bells and whistles to his original suit design to make it stand out. Subtlety is hardly his byword. Otherwise the story follows the usual superhero template. An ordinary guy undergoes a life-changing event (in this case, being involved in a cataclysmic explosion and having a big magnet put in his chest) that gives him super-powers which he uses for the greater good. This movie also has a greater sense of humour than others, frequently using situation comedy to balance the all-out action.

The characterisation is deft throughout, somewhat surprisingly considering the film was written by committee. Tony Stark is particularly well drawn. Yes, he may be a self-satisfied Champagne Charlie, but he's likeable and charming. His assistant Pepper Potts is a ballsy go-to-girl in the vein of the broads of Hollywood's Golden Age and his best friend Rhodey is loyal to a fault. His business partner Obadiah Stone is an untrustworthy, bottom-line businessman. Admittedly many of the peripheral characters are interchangeable, but it's hardly worth wasting good lines on plot devices. The dialogue is snappy and there are plenty of decent one-liners to be had, such as Stark saying "I'm starving, get me a scotch…"

Robert Downey Jr is on fine form as Tony Stark; a slick, arrogant playboy whose egotism is counterbalanced by his wit and charm. He has great chemistry with just about everyone he shares the screen with and very good timing. It works very well in conjunction with his laconic delivery. He also brings humanity to the role once he has been humbled by his experience. It's almost as if he's been practising for this kind of role for most of his adult life.

Gwyneth Paltrow gives a good feisty performance as Pepper Potts; a sharp, organised, polished, loyal assistant, who shares more than a smattering of chemistry with her on-screen boss but knows a little too much about him to do anything about it. Terrence Howard plays Stark's best mate Rhodey as put-upon but faithful. Jeff Bridges is almost unrecognisable as Obadiah Stone, courtesy of a bald head and bushy beard. He's surprisingly effective as the shifty corporate suit. Also listen out for Paul Bettany as the voice of sarcastic supercomputer Jarvis.

The original music by Ramin Djawadi features lots of big arrangements of percussion and brass, often with lots of loud rock guitar thrown in for the action sequences. Stark's high-living is accompanied by cheesy synthesizer-based dance music and naff swing. His initial weapons demonstration is underlined by brash percussion and brass. Rhodey is represented by military snare drum. The suit mark two warrants rock guitar and drums with synthesizers and there are lots of threatening mini themes to ramp up the excitement. It isn't a very original score, but it suits the style of the movie and is loud and brash during all the appropriate bits.

"Iron Man" is a lively addition to the superhero movie canon. Everyone from the director and writers to the actors are obviously having fun with the source material and the enthusiasm translates to the audience. It's big, bight, noisy and lots of fun to watch. The origin story makes it feel a bit like an obvious franchise starter at times. But Favreau's light touch and Robert Downey Jr's pitch perfect performance help to make this a great watch for action fans. It's light enough to appeal to families but has enough depth to please fans of the comics. If you're after an adrenaline-fuelled joyride that doesn't require too much brainpower and isn't as po-faced as the rebooted Batman franchise, then this could be your ideal serving of brain candy. 

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