So we had to expect there to be a review for this movie. As it is undoubtedly one of the movies that will represent 2008's cinematic experiences, I figure I should write a review for this. So let's get started.





Special Note

The most obvious thing about this movie is that it is an adaptaion of one of the more popular series introduced to us by Marvel Comics. Ironman first appeared in Tales of Suspense #39 in March 1963, and has remained in our hearts and minds ever since. Ironman has always been one of my favorite Marvel characters and my main reason for liking him isn't just one, but several. My main reason is that he is, for all intents and purposes, human. He doesn't have any extreme superpowers gifted to him by nature. He created his own powers thanks to his armor, which is also one of the main reasons he is so popular. Another reason I like him so much is because of his transition from becoming a war profiteer and a mass murderer (however indirectly) to that of a man who dedicates his life to saving our next door neighbour has been one of the most interesting in all the Marvel verse. And what makes this movie so special is that it represents Tony Stark's transition in a way I couldn't imagine anyone else doing better, so I would like to congratulate Jon Favreau for his brilliant work in directing this film. I doubt he'll see this, but I did want to say that.


About the movie



Tony Stark is one of America's richest men and the top weapons designer in the world. At the start of the movie, Tony is on a business trip in Afghanistan to demonstrate his latest creation: The Jericho Missile. However, after the demonstration, he was captured by a group of terrorists, who had slaughtered the military escort using the very weapons Stark had created.

During his captivity, he employed the help of fellow "inmate" Dr. Yinsen to build his very first armor, which would allow them both to escape after he would destroy all the weapons the terrorists kept. During his escape, however, Dr. Yinsen welcomed his death to help Tony escape.

Upon being rescued by the US army and returning to his homeland, Tony Stark announced that Stark Industries would terminate all weapons manufacturing projects, explaining that he had seen how his own weapons where being used against the very people they were meant to protect. In the meantime, Tony secretly began to rebuild and upgrade the armor he had created in captivity. However, as Tony will soon find out, not everyone close to him is as trustworthy as they appear.

Review

Story: As I've mentioned before, this movie is very successful in portraying Tony Stark as a man who went from making money from the deaths his weapons brought to one who set about saving the common man in his own way. What is especially to like about this movie is that it was not over-dramatized as so many other Marvel movies have done, such as Spiderman and X-men. It had a good balance between humor, action and character development. It did not go over the top with anything and introduced new elements to the story of Ironman to which new audiences of the 21st century can relate to, such as the reference to the conflict in the middle east. Unlike in the comics, where Stark was initially captured by a Chinese terrorist group, he was captured in the middle east. I was very impressed with the progression of the plot and how every new element fit with the old ones.

Characters: What made the plot work the most where the characters present in the movie. There was no overemphasis on their emotional state, but their actions and what they did to cope with each new situation that came up as the movie moved along spoke for themselves. This easily makes it much better than every other Marvel movie to date. Each character has something to contribute to the story, from the skeptical reporter for Vanity Fair to Ironman himself.

Acting: In this movie, you will notice the presence of a brilliant cast, including Robert Downey Jr., who has most definitely risen from the dead with this installment, as well as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges as well as the sensational cameo appearance of the great and mighty Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. What made the plot work were the characters, and what made the characters work were the actors themselves. Each and every one of them portrayed their respective roles perfectly down to the most minute details.

Sound: The score for the movie is one that can easily get stuck in your head, and adds to the flavor of the film overall, the action, the tension and drama. And as the credits roll, you will undoubtedly recognize Black Sabbath's song dedicated to Ironman, which is a definite plus. The sound effects were extremely well put together and were also very realistic, further allowing Ironman to actually come to life.

Special Effects: Of course, special effects were an important part of the series, and they were marvelous. Explosions, missiles, shoot outs, and most impotantly, Tony 's armor all appeared very realistic. Every little detail was taken care of with great caution, even the hole in Tony's chest cavity. Everything from A to Z is admirable.

Overall: There's not much more I can say about this movie except that if you haven't seen it, you are surely missing out quite a bit. Aside from Batman Begins and some of the older Batman movies with Micheal Keaton, this is quite likely the best live action movie I've ever seen.

Scores

Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Acting: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Special Effects: 9.5/10
Overall: 9/10

Images:

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Bonus:

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Agreed. Ironman is the best action movie I've seen ever... The movie effects are just simply amazing. The hero, Ironman, is the most interesting hero ever... So unique, in my opinion.

The theme song by Black Sabbath is awesome too. Guitar works ftw.