No rust found on 'Iron Man' superhero story

Published: May 2, 2008

Marvel Studios introduces its latest superhero to movie screens with "Iron Man,” and the film, directed by Jon Favreau ("Elf”) brings a more mature sensibility to the genre. Co-produced with Paramount, "Iron Man” marks a launching point for what should become a successful franchise.

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is a genius arms inventor and a billionaire playboy; he's lived his life for the next challenge and the next drink. He's in Afghanistan showing off his latest weapons development when he's hijacked by a warlord who wants Stark to build weapons for him.

Stark finds out these warlords already have some of his weapons — and are using them against American soldiers.

After Stark's escape, he seeks atonement — which leads to his becoming Iron Man.

Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow, here a redhead) is Stark's girl Friday. When Stark insists he could last at least "a week” without her, she responds by asking him his Social Security number. "Five,” Stark responds. His impulsive arrogance is held in check by her self-assured organization.

James Rhodes (Terrence Howard) is the military liaison to Stark Industries; he becomes suspicious of Stark's post-capture change of heart when an unidentified bogey is spied near the area where Stark was captured.

Jeff Bridges is alternately charming and menacing as Obadiah Stane, a top honcho at Stark Industries who was part of Stark's father's team. Stark's father started Stark Industries and was a crucial part of developing the atomic bomb.

There are several nods to longtime fans of the Marvel comic book, but the film will be exciting and compelling to neophytes as well.

Downey plays Stark as a mechanics fanatic with an outstanding mind for technicalities but who is prone to making impulsive decisions and personal mistakes.

There's naturally some meta-interest there for those who have followed Downey's career; like many moves the film makes, "Iron Man” works on multiple levels.

— Matthew Price

Comments