Pleasantly Surprised!

Rating: 10/10 (2 October 2008)

My son arrives home with the freshly released "Iron Man" DVD in hand. "Mom, you've gotta watch this" and I roll my eyes expecting the typical garbage. Not having seen the DVD cover, I have no idea whose in the film.
It took me 10 minutes to recognize Jeff Bridges. The trademark gorgeous head of hair was shaved but that was to his utmost advantage. Bridges got inside the skin of this character and he really scared me.
I've always loved Robert Downey, Jr. He chews up the screen. Up until now, my favorite Downey movie was "Home for the Holidays" where he completely stole every scene. Downey is just so... likable and believable in everything he does. This film is no exception. And it is not devoid of humor. The scenes where he is testing out his product will bring a grin to your face.
I wasn't a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow until "Sliding Doors." In Iron Man, she not only plays the role smartly, she looks good for a change. Paltrow's added a few pounds (but in the right places). No longer the gangly teenager, Paltrow is now a beautiful woman. The directors wisely chose not to interject too much romance in the film either so as not to interfere with the quickening pace of the story.
The traffic/city scene literally brought a comic book to life. I was completely blown away. Great job!
If you want a few hours of sheer entertainment, including a plot that builds and builds and builds, this is the film for you.