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2008’s Marvel Studios film “Iron Man” relays the origin story of Tony Stark, better known under his superhero moniker Iron Man. Veteran actor Robert Downey Jr. assumes the Iron Man mantle, and a star-studded cast bolsters Downey Jr. The Jon Favreau-directed “Iron Man,” benefits from superb acting, extraordinary special effects, and a solid mix of action, humor, and drama, making if one of the best comic book adaptations to hit the big screen.
Millionaire playboy inventor Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) inherited defense contracting company Stark Industries from his father, Howard Stark. On a mission with pal and military escort Lieutenant Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Terrence Howard) to demonstrate the Jericho missile in Afghanistan, Stark is captured when his envoy is ambushed, ironically with a Stark Industries weapon. Tony is enslaved by a terrorist ring dubbed the Ten Rings, led by the nefarious Raza (Faran Tahir). Doctor and fellow captive Yinsen (Shaun Toub) saves Stark’s life by implanting an electromagnet in Tony’s chest to keep shards of shrapnel from reaching his heart. Stark is charged with recreating a Jericho missile for the Ten Rings and agrees. But Tony instead uses the parts to build a prototype of an armored suit, powered by the electromagnet embedded in his chest.
Stark successfully escapes, however he’s profoundly changed by his experience. After returning to the United States, Stark holds an emergency press conference where much to the chagrin of his father’s old partner Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), Tony announces that effective immediately Stark Industries will shutter its weapons manufacturing division. And Tony remains determined to discover how Stark weapons ended up in the hands of terrorists. With hit original Iron Man suit destroyed, Tony begins construction on a new sleeker version, even upgrading the arc reactor in his chest with the aid of personal assistant and love interest Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow).
Robert Downey Jr. truly brings Tony Stark to life as the cocky, brash, yet likable playboy. Downey galavants across the screen as the much-deserved focal point of each scene he’s in. Still, a robust supporting cast strengthens the overall movie. Gwyneth Paltrow plays the Pepper Potts perfectly with a confident yet shy demeanor. Terrence Howard gets into character as Rhodey portraying a disciplined military officer and, disappointingly, gets far too little screen time. Jeff Bridges, renowned for his comedic roles, once again showcases his versatility as a dramatic actor. In addition to directing, Jon Favreau steps in front of the camera to portray Stark’s chauffeur and bodyguard, Happy Hogan. Clark Gregg makes an appearance as Phil Coulson, an agent of Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, or, as Coulson states helpfully, “Just call us S.H.I.E.L.D.” And Paul Bettany voices Tony’s artificial intelligence assistant J.A.R.V.I.S.
The effects are top-notch. “Iron Man” is a thoroughbred action flick and its CGI never feels cartoonish, even at its peak maintaining a realistic aesthetic. Iron Man’s suit is delightfully rendered, brimming with various components that, while not each named, clearly exhibit their function when used. Similarly, sound design is top-notch. You can hear the woosh of Iron Man’s suit whizzing by, detect bullets zipping past, and make out thundering helicopter blades, all while the dialogue remains crisp and clear. The score, composed by Ramin Djawadi, hits its notes perfectly. Lighthearted moments are evident based on their musical cues, as are tense sequences.
Although the cast is strong, Robert Downey Jr. absolutely steals the show. He lends much personality to Tony Stark, crafting a multi-faceted character. Underneath the cocky playboy veneer, Stark is a dedicated inventor. Some of the best scenes find Tony iterating upon his initial prototype and improving various elements such as the flight system and adding a de-icing mechanism to the suit.
Where “Iron Man” really succeeds is in feeling like an action film first, and comic book film second. As such, there’s broad appeal. In fact, director Jon Favreau infuses the film with a variety of genres, from action and comedy most notably, to drama. There’s even the obligatory, and enjoyably subtle, romance between Potts and Stark. Ultimately, 2008’s Marvel Studios production “Iron Man” is a spectacular origin story. It succinctly tells how Tony Stark became the titular Iron Man, and in style no less. An extremely well-rounded movie, it’s purely fun to watch.
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