Funny, Stunning Action, Great Characters...Quite Simply Extraordinary

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2009)

After 2007's rather disappointing hero flicks, mediocre "Spider-Man 3" and the flat-out crappyness of "Fantastic Four 2", I was hoping 2008 would be a year of improvement. With this film, one won't be disappointed. Jon Favreau was a surprising choice, the man behind "Elf" whether you liked it or not, but he definitely proves he can handle a comic book movie with better directing than Brett Ratner or Tim Story. Compared to this movie alone, the hero films them two have directed seem like nothing more than piles of, what else, crap. One of the things I enjoy about this film is the characters, which are so easy to embrace through light-hearted and hard times. Robert Downey Jr. couldn't have done better in his role, and the cast is fantastic. The comedy entertains yet at the same time manages to strengthen the relationships between the characters throughout. Terrance Howard and Gwyneth Howard definitely act superbly, as well as Jeff Bridges. Bridges is just excellent as Obadiah Stane.
The action, driven by a very good story, is kick-ass.The Iron Man suit looks remarkably real despite being CGI and is quite the accomplishment. If the scene with the terrorist doesn't thrill you, then the climactic battle with Iron Monger will leave you stunned. The score by Ramin Djawadi is something new and I love it. It fits the film perfectly.
"Iron Man" is quite simply extraordinary.