I had heard such good things about this movie, I couldn't wait to see it. I was never a fan of the comic book, found it boring, but had heard nothing but good things about the movie.
Robert Downey Jr was great as Tony Stark, Iron Man's alter ego. Genius, Industrialist, cocky man about town...he nailed it. I really like Downey Jr as an actor, dating back from his brilliant work in Chaplin.
Gwyneth Paltrow plays Pepper Potts, his assistant. She was okay. I liked the fact that they didn't go the total glamour route. I thought it could have been better casted, but part of that reasoning is I don't like Gwyneth Paltrow. She's a fine actress, and her average looks allowos her to do roles and be natural in them, I just don't like her.
Jeff Bridges was great as his one time partner, then nemesis, Obidiah Stane. It took me forever to recognize him, and you just felt dirty when he was on the screen.
This was Marvel's first attempt to make a movie on their own, and they hit a home run. Jon Favreau directed it, of Swinger's fame, and he made a really natural feeling movie. It flowed well, didn't overdo the action, and made Tony Stark have a very human feel to him.
The script was well done, with a nice mix of action and background. Sometimes in the world of comic book movies, they take liberties with the story, and this wasn't the case. It was modernized a little, and set in modern times, but I don't mind that. It flowed, and was natural, so good job to them.
If you do go see it, wait til after the credits, and you'll see a snippet of what is to come in the future of Iron Man. It follows the natural progression of Iron Man, in comic time, but I will say that I'm rather disturbed by their choice of actor to play the contact.
But the movie was good, lots of fun, and fast moving. I give it 9 out of 10, and it is a definite buyer.
