Best marvel comic book film since Spider-Man 2

Rating: 8/10 (11 May 2008)

Where do I start with a film like this ... like Iron Man, now all one person would have to do is take a glance at the title and likely scoff at the idea of a film called 'Iron Man' being anything but good, but one would probably think that of all superhero movie titles but by the time Iron Man comes around people not familiar with the comic book or character may think that it's just going to be another run-of-the-mill superhero flick. Thankfully here this isn't the case and that Iron Man is indeed a good film but not just a good film a excellent film! and director Jon Favreau breaths new life into the marvel comic book film saga which had previously began to fall into a slump with such disappointments as Elektra, Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, X-Men: The Last Stand, Ghost Rider and Spider-Man 3.
At first glance Jon Favreau wouldn't look to be the ideal director for Iron Man if you look at his track record of such films like: Zathura and Elf. But upon seeing the film you couldn't imagine anyone else at the helm of the film, he not only handles the action sequences to perfection but the drama, comedy and exposition as well and he mixes all these ingredients in a superbly formulated sync. Hardcore fans might be disappointed by the lack of action, but as an origin picture I felt it was necessary that it was not overloaded with action and focused more on the development of characters and this may be the film's only sore point. It doesn't develop it's character as well as it should have, particularly the supporting characters like Terrence Howard as 'Lt. Colonel James 'Rhodey' Rhodes' who seems to run on auto-pilot throughout the whole movie does little to advance the plot or add anything to it and I hope to see him more developed in the sequel, the circumstances are understandable however regarding his character as this is the origin picture for Tony Stark and he does get to deliver some of the film's best one-liners which is a plus.
Gwyneth Paltrow as 'Virginia 'Pepper' Potts' however also suffers the same fate but not as heavily as she does play a good part in the exhilarating climax, but unfortunately it's Paltrow's blandness which drags her down and she seems unsuited for the role but now having been established in the role I do not want to see her replaced but rather just hope she improves. Jeff Bridges plays the villain 'Obadiah Stane' and whilst not incredibly villainous, he brings some fun to the role and it certainly seems to show in his performance and he's a great first nemesis for Iron Man and is more of a test of strength for Iron Man, the only downfall is that Bridges is a little wasted and could have been used for so much more. Others like Shaun Toub as 'Dr. Yinsen' and Faran Tahir as 'Raza' are also underused but otherwise fine and rather enjoyable to watch in their respective roles.
When I heard Robert Downey Jr. was going to play Iron Man I had my doubts like everyone else, but he fitted the character perfectly and brought a suaveness, coolness and excellent charisma which translated well to the screen. What more can I say that hasn't already been said? He's perfect as both Tony Stark and Iron Man and I have trouble finding which alter ego I like better.
The action in the film like I said earlier is minimal and not outrageously overblown but plentiful for a film like this. There's a memorable scene where Iron Man blows up a tank and just carelessly walks away which was really well done and the audience I was with responded well to. The airplane battle was fun and truthfully I was hoping would last a little longer just for the sake of seeing Iron Man in action he he. And the final battle between Iron Man and the Iron Monger (yes, yes I know he wasn't referred to that in the film just Obadiah Stane but who cares that's his name in the suit) is fantastic if perhaps not a little too short and I would have like to have seen the Monger maybe defeated a little less easily, but otherwise it was fine and a great climax.
Iron Man is off to a strong start and let's hope as the inevitable sequels approach that they are as good as if not better and don't fall into the typical slump that most sequels do.