Iron Man: Best Comic Book Movie Ever, Movie of the Year so far-Both Classy & Fun

* * * * * (out of 5)


Saw the first trailer for Iron Man back in January when I went to see Cloverfield and I said to my friend Bob, "that looks great." He said, "Yeah, but Robert Downey Jr.?" I shared his concerns. I know they keep hiring wimpy actors to play these superheroes, but Downey especially would fit in more as Felix Unger than someone named Iron Man. But I have to admit he pulls it off, BIG TIME.

Most everyone from my generation is a Downey fan. He was one of the most spirited actors of the mid-'80s, a big presence in lesser roles. As the purple-haired freak in Rodney Dangerfield's "Back to School", he was way more memorable as the best friend than Rodney's nerdy son. He's often called the best actor of his generation, but he can fight that out with Val Kilmer and Edward Norton. However, he is definitely the most exciting.

He brings so much energy to the screen and now that's even without the help of drugs. Clean and sober for reportedly 5 years now, his manic drive pulsates in a movie that already has a ton of horsepower. Right out of the gate as billionaire weapons maker, Tony Stark, he gets to drive in a Humvee around the Afghan desert with some soldiers and throws off several great one liners before the credits even roll. My favorite: Talking to one soldier, "You know, a minute ago I couldn't tell if you were a guy or a girl, but now that I know you're a girl I can't help but be turned on by your amazing bone structure. Is that weird?"

Not knowing the comic book, I didn't realize that Stark's character is a world-famous, drunken playboy, which fits Downey to a tee, who only gets a heart and strength through his superhero suit. Without the suit he's a little guy with a big mouth, but with the suit he's 600 pounds of streamlined strategic defense. Stark's film bodyguard and director Jon Favreau (Swingers, Made, Elf, Zathuria) adds layers of humanity and feisty fun to the proceedings. The private jet scene is a brilliant, funny moment that many guys could only dream about. Little touches have Forest Hills' Favreau all over them, like when Downey's partner brings pizza back to Malibu from New York as a sign of bad news. Nothing softens the taste of bad news like New York pizza.

The script might be the best part of the movie. It draws you in and never lets you leave. A rarity for any movie these days, but particularly a comic book film. It was originally written by Art Marcum and Matt Holloway, but given a script polish by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, the brilliant writers behind "Children of Men." I say let them polish EVERY script. When Stark tries out his flying suit for the first time, he's learning how to maneuver it and has flaming exhaust feet to deal with. Since he's in his fancy garage he starts to drift over his Lamborghinis and such and gets very nervous, "No, No, nononono, Not the cars, not the cars!!!"

Stark's partner in weapons making is Obadiah Stane, played by a fantastic Jeff Bridges. Bridges' molasses voice makes every character, good or bad, seem so inviting that he can't possibly mean you any harm. The beard and shaved head give him a look of old world capitalism. The big stogie makes him look like a railroad baron. In one scene, he leans on a small scientist for answers and the scientist is noticeably scared. Who is the scientist? Little Peter Billingsley from A Christmas Story--all growsed up.

Gwyneth Paltrow, who can look bad or great, depending on lighting, makeup and other factors (like Jerry's girlfriend on Seinfeld), looks beautiful here as Stark's Gal Friday, Pepper Potts. A radiant, strawberry blonde, Pepper is always three steps ahead of her boss on all matters, except his new alter ego. Her scene with him and his heart is squishy but great. The cast's entire starting four have had Oscar acknowledgment in the past, but all needed a major hit to revive their careers.

That includes the most charismatic pimp himself, Hustle and Flow's Terrence Howard as Stark's best friend and military advisor, Jim Rhodes. He brings so many good points to his part, but my favorite is when he becomes a whiny drunk. "I'm the best and nobody knows it." I know that guy.

Favreau has been a favorite since I saw the first movie he wrote, Swingers. I don't buy many movies anymore, but I will be adding Iron Man to my Favreau collection of Swingers, Made and Elf.

Iron Man is the best comic book movie ever made. (Sorry Superman II).


The Freditor