Iron Man:needs tinkering

Rating: 9/10 (27 May 2008)

Tony Stark, aka Ironman, is the hero of 2008. Or better stated, Robert Downey Jr. is Carrot Top, doing stand-up, in the comedy film classic of this summer. Mr. Downey takes off with an array of one liners, and simply does not quit. Along with his stand-up comedy, the sight gags add more support, to this burlesque, portrayed on screen. Without giving away too much of the plot of the film, a head strong Industrialist, goes into the thick of the current battle zone, to show off his most current weapon of defense, and blunders into the hands of the enemy. Ironman is born, and the film goes on, full tilt from there. Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) is one of the key board members of Stark Industries, and best friend of Tony Stark's late father. What is most interesting about the choice of Mr. Bridges in this film, is his past film credit, Tron (1982). A lot of the visual electronics, in Ironman, appear to pay tribute, to the early, light show effects, that were created for the film, Tron. Mr. Bridges may play his part a bit over the top, but that goes very well, with his outrageous ego and persona. Pepper Everhart (Gwyneth Paltrow) plays Tony Stark's quick witted, and almost sarcastic, first secretary. In fact, she is his only secretary, and true confidant. Their relationship aids the only true love element in the entire film, which brings a human quality, necessary to bring the script down to earth. Tony' s and Pepper's rapport leads straight into the basis of the material, which supports the real issues of the Ironman myth. The real story of Ironman is taken from the true-love lives of Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Shelley. Ironman is Frankenstein, reborn to suit the failed self-image of a man. Whenever man tries to create something greater than his own self-image, a monster is created. No one but the creator, sees the creation for what it is intended, all others see, is a monster! Remember, this is a comedy, so laugh with Ironman, and tighten a few bolts, along the way.