Iron Man (Jon Favreau, 2008) Review

Two films, one year. Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. One came out on top, the other pushed aside. Can you guess which was which. Well I already mentioned The Incredible Hulk was underrated so that riddle was leading no where...why did I even bother. The second (or first...I generally have no idea, they both came out around the same time) entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that helped build up Avengers Assemble.

Tony Stark (A perfectly cast Robert Downey Jr.) is a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist (I didn't steal that line from Avengers! What are you talking about?) who, when touring a war stricken area, is blown up by one of his one weapons. The only damage done to him is shrapnel entering his body and risking his life (you know...shrapnel in the heart would probably kill you). After being captured by terrorists, he creates special armour (modelled after the first design of Iron Man, clever) Upon breaking out and returning home, Tony decides to recreate a better suit in order to fight against evil.

The rest of the cast is excellent. I already mentioned that Robert Downey Jr. was perfectly cast as Tony Stark (and I believe Marvel remodelled the comic version of Tony). One of the reasons he's perfect is because of how he interacts with other characters. The best interaction is between Tony and his right hand woman, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Paltrow and Downey Jr clearly have some great chemistry that developed over the course of filming this movie. A clever binary opposite is between Tony Stark and Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). They both are clearly rivals and hate each others guts. Iron Man focuses on character interaction and it is definitely it's high point.

I mentioned Obadiah Stane was Tony's rival. Marvel fans will know what happens (look up Iron Monger) which leads to my next point. The Incredible Hulk begins with Bruce Banner already having the Hulk virus and therefore gives no foreknowledge to what just happened and who these characters are. Iron Man gives a proper introduction to who the characters are and how the hero becomes the super hero. Hulk is there from the start, Iron Man is shown to be created. This film should be watched before The Incredible Hulk, made more obvious thanks to Tony Stark's cameo at the end of said film.

Iron Man is a good film to begin the Marvel Cinematic Universe with. It's, so far, the only Marvel Cinematic film to get a sequel (Spider-Man, X-Men and Ghost Rider aren't part of it) and for good reason. There is an excellent blend of humour and action just like in Avengers Assemble (that would be the contribution that Iron Man makes for Avengers). An excellent adaptation of the comic book series which is an excellent way to kick start the Marvel film series (the PROPER Marvel film series).

Verdict:
8/10
A great adaptation with perfect casting, excellent humour and character interaction.