Movie Info
Director:
Cast:
Screenplay:
Genre:
Action/Adventure,
Sci-Fi/Fantasy,
Studio:
Paramount Pictures
Genre:
Action/Adventure
Other
Horror/Suspense
Television
Romance
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Thriller
Animation
Comedy
Documentary
Drama
Kids/Family
Studio:
Movie Year:
2008
Disc Release:
2008/09/30
Movie Year:
Disc Release:
(ex. 2002/10/21)
Synopsis:
Tagline:
This Summer: Heroes Aren't Born, They're Built.
Jul 11, 2008
I can’t believe that the whiny lead character from Swingers, ended up directing the biggest film of the summer. It’s amazing; and goes to show you nev ...
I can’t believe that the whiny lead character from Swingers, ended up directing the biggest film of the summer. It’s amazing; and goes to show you never know what people’s hidden talents are. Jon Favreau, A guy who had limited range as an actor, is now one of the top directors in Hollywood, and after Iron Man, can have his pick of projects. But it’s well deserved, he showed great comedic timing with his Christmas film Elf, made a better version of Jamanji with Zathura, and shows he has an adept talent with action in Iron Man. I was really surprised by how well rounded the film is, and I think that’s why it connected with audiences so well. We’ve become so sick of the mindless action scenes and huge explosions, that when there’s a character to connect to behind it, it becomes much more enjoyable.
A lot of the success of Iron Man also goes to Robert Downey Jr.. Always a talented actor, but with his drug problem over the years, was never given a chance to really shine in a lead role in a huge film. With Tony Stark, the weapons designer billionaire, who becomes Iron Man, he gets a character with a bit of an arc, something sort of rare in the superhero realm. He starts off as the ultimate playboy, bedding any beautiful women he wants, driving his elite sports car, to his futuristic mansion in the hills of L.A., but when he’s caught as a prisoner of war, and gets to see what happens when his weapons are used for evil, his mission in life changes, and he becomes Iron Man.
It’s great to watch him actually pound out the metal, in the catacombs of a terrorist hive, and then his genius to build the ultimate weapon, which he uses to escape. Once back home, with the best technology in the world at his fingertips, he builds an even better version, one which can fly at supersonic speeds. They take enough time and caring in building up to the end version of Iron Man that you can believe in him flying around, taking on military jets, and possibly even surviving the brain crushing G-forces of some of his maneuvers. Once the real bad-guy reveals himself, and it’s about as surprising as Jeff Bridges' head is shiny, it’s great fun to watch Iron Man battle it out with an even bigger version of his weapon.
The film has some really great casting, Downey, especially; he’s charming, funny, handsome, but most of all he brings a humanity to this superhero. I think it’s the best casting ever for a superhero, and without him, Iron Man wouldn’t have been the same film. I also really dug Gwyneth Paltrow, as Pepper Potts, his long time assistant and forbidden love interest. They have great chemistry together, and Gwyneth gets to use some of that movie star shine, that she’s been hiding for the last few years. Terrance Howard is good as Col. Rhodes, the guy who always does everything by the book. And it was particularly fun to watch Bridges as the industrialist bad guy; you could tell he relished in playing something besides the sensitive man-child roles he's had since The Big Lebowski.
Ultimately Iron Man proves how great of a director Farveau is. He adeptly mixes, humor, romance, drama and huge action scenes together, actually making it feel like one organic film. So often these scenes clash together in these huge action films, either the humor or the drama doesn’t work, and we’re stuck watching carelessly as things blow-up around the heroes we don’t care about. Here we’re laughing at Tony Stark one minute, falling in love with Pepper Potts the next, then flying off to the middle east to blow away terrorists and actually caring about the people that Iron Man is saving. The film has a mixed message, condemning weapons, then wowing us with the huge battles, but that’s about the only true problem with the film. It’s not a perfect film, some of the scenes are unnecessary or drag on for too long, but for a huge summer blockbuster about a superhero, it’s a refreshing change of pace. The film is well thought out and superbly put together, with some actual care for the characters and the audience that is watching.
--Written by Ross Williams--
--From: What I Watched Last Night (http://whatiwatchedlastnight.blogspot.com)--
A lot of the success of Iron Man also goes to Robert Downey Jr.. Always a talented actor, but with his drug problem over the years, was never given a chance to really shine in a lead role in a huge film. With Tony Stark, the weapons designer billionaire, who becomes Iron Man, he gets a character with a bit of an arc, something sort of rare in the superhero realm. He starts off as the ultimate playboy, bedding any beautiful women he wants, driving his elite sports car, to his futuristic mansion in the hills of L.A., but when he’s caught as a prisoner of war, and gets to see what happens when his weapons are used for evil, his mission in life changes, and he becomes Iron Man.
It’s great to watch him actually pound out the metal, in the catacombs of a terrorist hive, and then his genius to build the ultimate weapon, which he uses to escape. Once back home, with the best technology in the world at his fingertips, he builds an even better version, one which can fly at supersonic speeds. They take enough time and caring in building up to the end version of Iron Man that you can believe in him flying around, taking on military jets, and possibly even surviving the brain crushing G-forces of some of his maneuvers. Once the real bad-guy reveals himself, and it’s about as surprising as Jeff Bridges' head is shiny, it’s great fun to watch Iron Man battle it out with an even bigger version of his weapon.
The film has some really great casting, Downey, especially; he’s charming, funny, handsome, but most of all he brings a humanity to this superhero. I think it’s the best casting ever for a superhero, and without him, Iron Man wouldn’t have been the same film. I also really dug Gwyneth Paltrow, as Pepper Potts, his long time assistant and forbidden love interest. They have great chemistry together, and Gwyneth gets to use some of that movie star shine, that she’s been hiding for the last few years. Terrance Howard is good as Col. Rhodes, the guy who always does everything by the book. And it was particularly fun to watch Bridges as the industrialist bad guy; you could tell he relished in playing something besides the sensitive man-child roles he's had since The Big Lebowski.
Ultimately Iron Man proves how great of a director Farveau is. He adeptly mixes, humor, romance, drama and huge action scenes together, actually making it feel like one organic film. So often these scenes clash together in these huge action films, either the humor or the drama doesn’t work, and we’re stuck watching carelessly as things blow-up around the heroes we don’t care about. Here we’re laughing at Tony Stark one minute, falling in love with Pepper Potts the next, then flying off to the middle east to blow away terrorists and actually caring about the people that Iron Man is saving. The film has a mixed message, condemning weapons, then wowing us with the huge battles, but that’s about the only true problem with the film. It’s not a perfect film, some of the scenes are unnecessary or drag on for too long, but for a huge summer blockbuster about a superhero, it’s a refreshing change of pace. The film is well thought out and superbly put together, with some actual care for the characters and the audience that is watching.
--Written by Ross Williams--
--From: What I Watched Last Night (http://whatiwatchedlastnight.blogspot.com)--
Oct 31, 2008
Iron Man is one of the few superhero films of late to take its source material seriously. The film also boasts an impressive roster of note-worthy A-l ...
Iron Man is one of the few superhero films of late to take its source material seriously. The film also boasts an impressive roster of note-worthy A-listers. All of these elements, combined with great direction by Jon Favreau, make Iron Man one of the best superhero movies ever made. Iron Man exceeds Superman Returns (and the Donnor original), Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, Hulk, all three Spiderman movies, X-Men, most of X-Men 2, X-Men 3, both Punisher films and all of the Batman films except Batman Begins. Batman Begins takes its source material just as serious, if not more so. There are few jokes during Begins and as a consequence, the tone is kept somber, less commercial and less popcorn than Iron Man. The elements just mentioned (jokes, being commercial and easy digestibility) are so intertwined in Iron Man, they are Iron Man. They do not stick out or become omnipresent to the viewer, though you will feel their presence. There are hilarious moments of levity in Iron Man that are as well executed as the ones found in the Spiderman films (especially Spiderman 3). The creation of the first and second Mark suits; and the hi-jinks that go into their development and testing lighten the mood of the Iron Man and in many instances, serve as the film’s comic relief.
The story of Iron Man revolves around an arms maker and manufacturer, Anthony “Tony” Edward Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), a flamboyant ladies man and billionaire. Stark inherited and runs Stark Industries, a company that was handed down to him when he was old enough, through decree of his father’s will. Stark’s father, Howard Stark, was one of the prestigious scientists that worked on The Manhattan Project from 1941-1946 and created Stark Industries in his later years. While Tony was growing up (after Howard ’s death and before he was given Stark Industries to run), Stark Industries was managed and overseen by its founder’s best friend and partner Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). During Iron Man, Stane is the partner of the grown up Tony Stark in Stark Industries. When Stark is captured by a terrorist group called Ten Rings during a demonstration of Stark Industries latest weapon, the “Jericho” missile, he is given an ultimatum. Build them the cluster missile that was just demonstrated or die. This life or death situation is the beginning of the character and personality change for Tony Stark. Being forced to arm terrorists, terrorists that idealize the weapons he has created, helps Stark realize the error of his arms-making ways. During the death of a certain character, that character asks Stark to “do better.” Stark’s personality change is rooted in this three month long ordeal but even more so in anger, sadness and remorse. The person in question was shot down by hand weapons he designed and manufactured.
This event is also what separates Iron Man from most comic book superhero movies. Stark goes through a real change right in front of the viewer’s eyes, something the audience can easily understand and empathize with. For all of his bravado, jokes and immature behavior, Stark is human and when he escapes and returns home, he makes a conscience decision about the direction of Stark Industries. This is much to the dismay of certain members of Stark Industries and unbeknownst to Tony Stark (for a portion of the film anyway), brings a hidden enemy out into the open. It is when the true enemy is revealed, a realistic enemy that isn’t bent on world domination or other megalomaniacal schemes, that Iron Man becomes an even better film.
Jon Favreau’s Iron Man was an unexpectedly solid superhero film. There are harbingers to future Iron Man installments (the silver Mark II suit) and other superhero movies (Captain America) in the works within Iron Man that the diehard, observant comic book fan will surely notice. There is also an appearance by another superhero at the end of the credits in Iron Man. I was very surprised and intrigued by the choice of who to play this particular superhero was. Before the credits rolled, the acting in Iron Man was good, the special effects were great and both the protagonist and antagonist were interesting to watch and entertaining. The same can be said for the remainder of the supporting cast: Stark’s personal assistant Virginia “Pepper” Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), his military liaison Lt. Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Terrence Howard) and all the others that helped make Iron Man something special.
==Written by Reginald Williams==
==From: Film-Book dot Com==
The story of Iron Man revolves around an arms maker and manufacturer, Anthony “Tony” Edward Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), a flamboyant ladies man and billionaire. Stark inherited and runs Stark Industries, a company that was handed down to him when he was old enough, through decree of his father’s will. Stark’s father, Howard Stark, was one of the prestigious scientists that worked on The Manhattan Project from 1941-1946 and created Stark Industries in his later years. While Tony was growing up (after Howard ’s death and before he was given Stark Industries to run), Stark Industries was managed and overseen by its founder’s best friend and partner Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). During Iron Man, Stane is the partner of the grown up Tony Stark in Stark Industries. When Stark is captured by a terrorist group called Ten Rings during a demonstration of Stark Industries latest weapon, the “Jericho” missile, he is given an ultimatum. Build them the cluster missile that was just demonstrated or die. This life or death situation is the beginning of the character and personality change for Tony Stark. Being forced to arm terrorists, terrorists that idealize the weapons he has created, helps Stark realize the error of his arms-making ways. During the death of a certain character, that character asks Stark to “do better.” Stark’s personality change is rooted in this three month long ordeal but even more so in anger, sadness and remorse. The person in question was shot down by hand weapons he designed and manufactured.
This event is also what separates Iron Man from most comic book superhero movies. Stark goes through a real change right in front of the viewer’s eyes, something the audience can easily understand and empathize with. For all of his bravado, jokes and immature behavior, Stark is human and when he escapes and returns home, he makes a conscience decision about the direction of Stark Industries. This is much to the dismay of certain members of Stark Industries and unbeknownst to Tony Stark (for a portion of the film anyway), brings a hidden enemy out into the open. It is when the true enemy is revealed, a realistic enemy that isn’t bent on world domination or other megalomaniacal schemes, that Iron Man becomes an even better film.
Jon Favreau’s Iron Man was an unexpectedly solid superhero film. There are harbingers to future Iron Man installments (the silver Mark II suit) and other superhero movies (Captain America) in the works within Iron Man that the diehard, observant comic book fan will surely notice. There is also an appearance by another superhero at the end of the credits in Iron Man. I was very surprised and intrigued by the choice of who to play this particular superhero was. Before the credits rolled, the acting in Iron Man was good, the special effects were great and both the protagonist and antagonist were interesting to watch and entertaining. The same can be said for the remainder of the supporting cast: Stark’s personal assistant Virginia “Pepper” Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), his military liaison Lt. Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Terrence Howard) and all the others that helped make Iron Man something special.
==Written by Reginald Williams==
==From: Film-Book dot Com==
Feb 02, 2009
The calendar may still say it’s spring but the summer blockbuster season has officially kicked off with the latest from the Marvel Universe Iron Man. ...
The calendar may still say it’s spring but the summer blockbuster season has officially kicked off with the latest from the Marvel Universe Iron Man. Similar to other films based on characters from that world it looked great, from it’s posters to it’s well put together trailers. But unlike those which have previously disappointed and generally sucked; Iron Man delivers, even if it’s not as you’d expect.
For anyone who may not know the general premise here goes; Tony Stark, an extremely wealthy industrialist, is forced to build a missile after he is captured in Afghanistan by terrorists. But unbeknownst to the capturers Stark takes this opportunity to build a prototype suit to break his way out of captivity. Once back home he decides to use his newly acquired technology to fight the forces of evil.
I am glad to see that the first official blockbuster of 2008 gets us off to a good start, more than good in fact. It was clear from even the very first film from summer of last year that it was going to be a catastrophe for the biggest money making season of 2007. If we are to roughly judge the quality ahead by looking at Iron Man alone then the blockbuster season of 2008 is gong to be an impressive one indeed.
What I was expecting from Iron Man was lots of action with big expensive looking set pieces but nothing much else. What we get is something quite different because although action is there, and there are big set pieces and CGI there is a lot more to it, most notably the script and how Robert Downey Jr delivers his lines. For anyone familiar with him as an actor you will know exactly what I’m talking about, he has this wit and charm about him that could make even the worst of scripts bearable. He employs his style with much gusto, injecting fresh life into the dramatic-actor-playing-a-superhero exercise.
What jumps off the posters for the film, besides the awe of seeing the suit, is the fantastic cast. They support Downey Jr very well, from Jeff Bridges creepy colleague to Terrence Howard’s sceptical but supportive army general. But what I was most pleasantly surprised about with regards to the cast is Gwyneth Paltrow. She provides her best performance in years and she and Downey Jr work so well together with the dialogue, playing off of one another and keeping each other on their toes. It’s this that’s one of the primary strengths of the film; the dialogue, even if it isn’t top-notch throughout, and the way Downey Jr handles it and how others play off of him makes for a extremely entertaining time when the action isn’t taking place.
What most die hard fans of either superhero movies or the title character (most probably those two will go hand in hand) will be looking for in this movie will be the joy of seeing the suit being put together and for some kick-ass action sequences. While it certainly delivers on the former, although people may be somewhat disappointed that it’s close to an hour before we even see the suit, it’s the latter that I fear might not completely satisfy people. Director John Favreau isn’t the great action director in the world to say the least; his style I feel is more suited to the dialogue centric scenes or those involving the building of the suit. The action here, although decent enough and with some great little sections here and there, it isn’t the full-on, fantastic, blow-you-away action that a lot of people are expecting and hoping for. Throughout the action scenes it just felt like Favreau was a little out of his depth and it needed a more experienced director in this field to give it that extra push to the next level. I wasn't irked with it all that much, as I found many other things other than the action in Iron Man to enjoy, but I am sure it will bother others.
My favourite aspect of the film was the dialogue and the delivery of it from everyone, most notably from Downey Jr. But outwith that the other biggest joy for me to be found was just the general idea of seeing the suit on-screen. I am not a huge fan of the character from the comic books but I admit it’s one of my favourite looking ones. Just the idea of seeing this suit being built from scratch using various gadgets and Mr Stark's expertise had me drooling in my seat.
The movie is not without its flaws, however. As I said the action isn't handled as well as it would have been with a more experienced director at the helm and some of the plot points are easy to see coming, for example it’s fairly obvious who the bad guy is going to be. But I am willing to forgive those flaws for the sake of everything else which is quite impressive.
It’s very clear that this is only the beginning of a huge money-making franchise and I, for one, welcome it with open arms. If they can keep the rest at least on par with how good this one is I will be very happy. Downey Jr is great at the title character, his handling of the dialogue and inclusion of his trademark wit and charm is an absolute joy to watch. Great supporting performances, a fun script and some decent action sequences make this worth checking out. Now let's roll on the rest of the blockbuster season.
==Written by Ross Miller==
==From: Movie World (www.movie-world.moonfruit.com)==
For anyone who may not know the general premise here goes; Tony Stark, an extremely wealthy industrialist, is forced to build a missile after he is captured in Afghanistan by terrorists. But unbeknownst to the capturers Stark takes this opportunity to build a prototype suit to break his way out of captivity. Once back home he decides to use his newly acquired technology to fight the forces of evil.
I am glad to see that the first official blockbuster of 2008 gets us off to a good start, more than good in fact. It was clear from even the very first film from summer of last year that it was going to be a catastrophe for the biggest money making season of 2007. If we are to roughly judge the quality ahead by looking at Iron Man alone then the blockbuster season of 2008 is gong to be an impressive one indeed.
What I was expecting from Iron Man was lots of action with big expensive looking set pieces but nothing much else. What we get is something quite different because although action is there, and there are big set pieces and CGI there is a lot more to it, most notably the script and how Robert Downey Jr delivers his lines. For anyone familiar with him as an actor you will know exactly what I’m talking about, he has this wit and charm about him that could make even the worst of scripts bearable. He employs his style with much gusto, injecting fresh life into the dramatic-actor-playing-a-superhero exercise.
What jumps off the posters for the film, besides the awe of seeing the suit, is the fantastic cast. They support Downey Jr very well, from Jeff Bridges creepy colleague to Terrence Howard’s sceptical but supportive army general. But what I was most pleasantly surprised about with regards to the cast is Gwyneth Paltrow. She provides her best performance in years and she and Downey Jr work so well together with the dialogue, playing off of one another and keeping each other on their toes. It’s this that’s one of the primary strengths of the film; the dialogue, even if it isn’t top-notch throughout, and the way Downey Jr handles it and how others play off of him makes for a extremely entertaining time when the action isn’t taking place.
What most die hard fans of either superhero movies or the title character (most probably those two will go hand in hand) will be looking for in this movie will be the joy of seeing the suit being put together and for some kick-ass action sequences. While it certainly delivers on the former, although people may be somewhat disappointed that it’s close to an hour before we even see the suit, it’s the latter that I fear might not completely satisfy people. Director John Favreau isn’t the great action director in the world to say the least; his style I feel is more suited to the dialogue centric scenes or those involving the building of the suit. The action here, although decent enough and with some great little sections here and there, it isn’t the full-on, fantastic, blow-you-away action that a lot of people are expecting and hoping for. Throughout the action scenes it just felt like Favreau was a little out of his depth and it needed a more experienced director in this field to give it that extra push to the next level. I wasn't irked with it all that much, as I found many other things other than the action in Iron Man to enjoy, but I am sure it will bother others.
My favourite aspect of the film was the dialogue and the delivery of it from everyone, most notably from Downey Jr. But outwith that the other biggest joy for me to be found was just the general idea of seeing the suit on-screen. I am not a huge fan of the character from the comic books but I admit it’s one of my favourite looking ones. Just the idea of seeing this suit being built from scratch using various gadgets and Mr Stark's expertise had me drooling in my seat.
The movie is not without its flaws, however. As I said the action isn't handled as well as it would have been with a more experienced director at the helm and some of the plot points are easy to see coming, for example it’s fairly obvious who the bad guy is going to be. But I am willing to forgive those flaws for the sake of everything else which is quite impressive.
It’s very clear that this is only the beginning of a huge money-making franchise and I, for one, welcome it with open arms. If they can keep the rest at least on par with how good this one is I will be very happy. Downey Jr is great at the title character, his handling of the dialogue and inclusion of his trademark wit and charm is an absolute joy to watch. Great supporting performances, a fun script and some decent action sequences make this worth checking out. Now let's roll on the rest of the blockbuster season.
==Written by Ross Miller==
==From: Movie World (www.movie-world.moonfruit.com)==
Suit up for action with Robert Downey Jr. in the ultimate adventure movie you’ve been waiting for, Iron Man! When jet-setting genius-industrialist Tony Stark is captured in enemy territory, he builds a high-tech suit of armor to escape. Now, he’s on a mission to save the world as a hero who’s built, not born, to be unlike any other. Co-starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges, it’s a fantastic, high-flying journey that is "hugely entertaining" (Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal).
Movie Disc Details
Disc Version:
Runtime:
120
DVD Region:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Disc Type:
DVD
Aspect Ratio:
16:9
Video Format:
MPEG-2
Parental Control:
1
Video Signal:
PAL
Layers:
1
Subtitles:
English (United States)
Russian (Russia)
English (United States)
Russian (Russia)
Sound Mix:
Dolby Digital
By Kowser Ahmad Posted on 03/16/2010 2010/03/16
I THINK, THIS MOVIE IS VERY EXITING AND SUPERB.
By luchitoquique Posted on 03/12/2010 2010/03/12
buena
By dakiu Posted on 03/10/2010 2010/03/10
olas
By Punit Sahay Posted on 03/09/2010 2010/03/09
Good Ratings
By tomtomchatree Posted on 03/08/2010 2010/03/08
sv
By saeed Posted on 03/08/2010 2010/03/08
hi