Iron Man – Review

It’s been a long time coming.  Marvel, one of the two giants of the comic book world, has finally made their first independent feature film.  It’s no secret that changing times left Marvel in a precarious position with declining comic sales.  Thankfully, after years of movies being made involving Marvel characters by other studios, Iron Man has been created as the sole brainchild of Marvel.  How does it fare?  Can Marvel find success on its own?

Its hard to tell whether the decision to push forward with Iron Man was a deliberate decision, or one out of necessity.  Marvel definitely doesn’t own the film rights to very many A list characters.  Iron Man as a property would probably fall in the category of being known by people in the know, but many casual moviegoers probably won’t have any idea who he is . . . until now.

Iron Man takes a classic origin story approach to outline the transformative events that turn the genius heir billionaire playboy into a powerful doer of good.  By focusing and reorienting his efforts, he is able to design and fabricate the eponymous metallic suit.  However, when others steal his design for their own nefarious ways, can Iron Man prove he is the real deal?  The film stars Robert Downey Jr. and is directed by Jon Favreau. The film is full of action, personal highs and lows, witty humor, and simple laughs a child could enjoy.

There are three major takeaways from the film.  First, Marvel knows how to make a seriously entertaining hit.  Iron Man is one of the most simply entertaining films in recent memory. Second, Robert Downey Jr. is a rock star.  While it is seemingly common for a member of the Hollywood elite to come crashing down to rock bottom, it is exceedingly rare for them to make such an astounding comeback.  Third, Marvel is here and judging by a certain teaser and what they have in the pipeline, they are here to stay.