Iron Man

Robo Cop + The Terminator + Predator=Ironman
Arthur Cofresi

Mix a helping of Robo Cop to a full measure of The Terminator, add a dash of the predator’s shoulder weapons system from The Predator, the energy of Transformers and the sneer from Maximilian, the psychotic robot from Disney’s Black Hole, and Wa-La, you got yourself one cool superhero, aka, Iron Man.

You have to cut some slack on a couple of issues, such as; brand new weapon testing in an unsecured combat zone, a lax of diligent security, and a speedy recovery from major surgery in a non-septic environment. But hey, this is showbiz.

Smart Screenplay

On the other hand, add a smart screenplay that mirrors closely the gist of the Iron Man comic series, update the plot to reference MySpace, and you have an acceptable transition of a Cold War comic superhero battling communism, to a current superhero battling terrorism.

Fortunately, to make this work Marvel Entertainment exercised substantial influence on Paramount about how this action/drama was to play out. This was achieved by weaving the Marvel superhero ‘flaw’ into the storyline. Seems, our hero, played by Robert Downey Jr. has a bad heart, surrounded as it were, by bits of shrapnel working their way to sever this vital organ. Now, faced apparently for the first time with his own mortality, he becomes remorseful. The proliferation and collateral damage of the weapons systems his mega-corporation produces and distributes brings home the sacrifices of ordinary people, and the horror of world wide terrorist strife. His guilt for playing a role in the spread of weapons bearing his good name compels him to step up to the plate, take responsibility, and deal with the situation first hand.
Gwyneth Paltrow

Helping him is his personal secretary, Ms. Pepper Pots, (i.e., James Bond’s Moneypenny) played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Every executive should have a Pepper Pots, a competent, upbeat and positive, gopher who is easy on the eyes.

Paltrow should immediately put on retainer the make-up artist, the stylist who did her hair, the person that selected her evening gown, and at the very least get her name on those stiletto high heels. Note to the women who think you have to be trashy to be classy or sexy, one look at Pepper Pots in high heels and you will see what an eye turner should look like.

Robert Downey Jr.

Downey, Jr. on the other hand leaves something to be desired. The original Iron Man is a combination of Errol Flynn handsome and Howard Hughes rich. While Downey Jr. gives a good try at being rich, he’s not my first choice as a Hollywood style-dashing playboy. In fact, he plays a low-key Tony Stark with not much flesh on the bones. However, what he does bring to the part is subtle humor with perfect timing. It’s a key element, as the original Iron Man.

Another key brought from the original comic book hero is Iron Man’s baggage, vies-a-vie his philosophy.

Tony Stark (Iron Man) said, “Is it better to be feared or respected? How about both?”

The other is a belief is a weapon need only be fired once; the big bully on the block philosophy. You may fear the bully, and may respect him, or her, but most likely you don’t like them. And liking Iron Man is the key.

He’s the man guys want to be, and the man women fawn over. He’s filthy rich, handsome, off the chart smart, and athletic. Did I mention rich? Yeah, he’s that too. He’s a likable guy and in that respect Downey Jr. pulls it off with his dry American humor played perfectly to the hilt with impeccable timing.

Laid Back Humor

I mention American humor, because I can think of no better. It’s the type of humor that is smart and laid back, and practiced by some of the funniest comedians of all time, such as; Rodney Dangerfield, Richard Pryor, and Woody Allen. It’s that time delayed, under your breath comeback, the one that you should have said right away, if you were bright enough, and quick of tongue. Downey Jr. pulls off this version and it’s funny. It is part of the attention to detail that makes this movie good.

Another example, the house talks, adding personality to the house computer, and the other robots is genius. Sprinkle in some very detailed special effects, especially in the manufacturing and testing of the Iron Man suit and what you get is brilliant.

Great Entertainment

So, what does it boil down to? Simply said, this is a damn good entertaining movie. It includes a dose of controversial issues, such as ‘water boarding,’ and ‘Might Makes Right,’ plus simplifying the ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ geared for the savvier in political issues audience members. Yet, it also fills the bill for the movie goers’ search of escape entertainment.
I can rate it as a ‘B+’ movie, or give it a ‘thumbs up.’ However, for me it comes down to, “Do I want to own it and add it to my movie library when it comes out in DVD?” That answer is a resounding, “Yes.” Regardless, if you want to own the movie, or not, it is definitely a must see, and hopefully a good omen to the upcoming summer movie fare.

Cast

Robert Downey, Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard, Shaun Toub, Gwyneth Paltrow

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