W-O-W. WOW. WOOHOO!
This was an absolutely fun move. Great (not overwhelming) SFX, tight editing, and excellent performances from Downey, Paltrow, and Jeff Bridges.
This movie made me appreciate:
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How dull the Superman movies are
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How overwrought the X-Men franchise is
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How truly BAD DareDevil and Electra were
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How much of a genius the Batman series was (Burton’s two and “Batman Begins”, only!)
Look, I’m no comic-book geek (I know, I know, surprise!). I had no preconceptions going into Ironman but it’s a frickin’ feast–action everywhere, neat “gee whiz” gadgetry delights, and the quips and one-liners from the top-level actors remain punchy throughout. Robert Downey, Jr., is a revelation–Smart, self-deprecating, and yet utterly human. Gwyneth Paltrow plays the demure wallflower, Pepper Potts, and the stunner proves her acting chops by making us believe she IS unsure of herself.
I am buying this movie when it comes out on DVD, and slotting it between Grand Prix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It’s not Citizen Kane, but it’s everything a superhero movie ought to be.
And…the cars in the film (sponsored by Audi, obviously) aren’t so bad, either!