The much anticipated superhero movie is in Singapore. Will it falters like other Marvel’s franchise movies except for Spiderman ofcourse Well its been awhile since I last saw Downey in a movie so read on… Warning spoilers!

The best actor doesn’t always make for the best superhero movie, but Iron Man leaves no doubt that the right guy got the job. Robert Downey Jr., Hollywood poster boy for journeying to hell and back, brings the perfect mix of swagger and sensitivity to filthy-rich arms mogul-turned-righteous crusader Tony Stark – a character who, not coincidentally, journeys to hell and back.

So yes, the eagerly anticipated summer season kickoff spectacle is a triumph of casting. But it has more in its arsenal than Mr. Downey. It’s swift and witty, with visual and verbal humor that works on a fanboy level (gotta please the loyal customers) and, often enough, for the layman thrill-seeker. It deftly updates the Cold War politics of the classic Marvel comics for the post-9/11 age. The red-and-gold suit is sleek and – let’s just say it – very cool.

But none of it works without the goateed Mr. Downey, who deserves no demerit for playing a fantasy version of himself. In the early going, before Afghan warlords capture him and demand that he whip up some weaponry, and expertise, Stark is a brazen hedonist in love with the cash and cachet that come with being a master arms inventor and entrepreneur. He lives large and fast, and he gives off a vicarious buzz.

He keeps some of that quality once he makes his grand escape, but Mr. Downey sells us the idea of a man with different priorities who doesn’t want to sell guns that end up in the wrong hands. His colleague Obadiah (a bald, bearded Jeff Bridges, both oily and avuncular), doesn’t have such qualms. And this is where Iron Man gains the touch of philosophical conflict that distinguishes the best superhero movies (and comics). Some of the details are a bit ridiculous, but Iron Man manages to bat around ideas such as international and financial accountability without getting in over its head.

On a more basic level, director (and bit player) Jon Favreau makes the film swoop and soar with conviction. Even when some of the details get ridiculous, Iron Man nails the essential superhero quality of amazement at newfound powers, and it has fun with the trial and error of designing the perfect gear (Tony’s mute robot helper is so charming you’d think he was trying out for a supporting role in Pixar’s WALL-E, due later this summer).

Gwyneth Paltrow also deserves mention as Tony’s assistant, the ludicrously named Pepper Potts; she and Mr. Downey share some fine moments of unconsummated flirtation. Terrence Howard brings the same easy vibe to his military attaché (and future superhero) Jim Rhodes that he showed as a pimp in Hustle and Flow. Director of photography Matthew Libatique does his best work in the film’s downtime, particularly with light and shadow in Tony’s Malibu palace.

Overall, these Marvel franchises aren’t easy to birth. For every Spider-Man spectacular success, there’s a hollow exercise like Fantastic Four, or the art-action marriage of Hulk. But the early returns are good on Iron Man, which, like its star, is poised for many happy returns. This is one really FUN movie to watch!

credits: Dallas Morning News

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Official Movie Poster

Singapore Date: 30th April 2008 Language: English Running Time: 125 mins Rating: PG Genre: Action Starring: Terrance Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Robert Downey Jr Directed by: Jon Favreau Company: Dark Blades Films Singapore Distributor: United International Pictures iZone Rating: 9/10 Official Website : Ironman

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Movie Trailer

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