So to start off the review of all MCU films we go back to where it started. In 2008 we were introduced to Tony Stark played by Robert Downey Jr, an intellectual, complex and humorous superhero. Different from the likes of Spiderman and Wolverine which at the time were probably the most popular superheroes to make it to a movie (not counting any DC characters). Tony Stark becoming Iron Man was indeed new to marvel films because Tony Stark doesn't have any natural powers but has an awesome suit and he's rich so he probably gets a pass on that one!
Robert Downey Jr. is perfect as the role of Tony Stark as many of you probably would have gathered. No doubt he brings this film up and stands out amongst everyone else. Watching this film again after so long I did notice some bits were a little flat which at this time I accept with it being the first in a long series of films, but whenever the tempo dropped or it was getting bland Downey was there to pick it up and make it interesting again. It makes you wonder if Downey acts like that in real life as it seems so natural to him, the role of an ageing billionaire who's very flirtatious towards women and has a witty personality that is pleasurable to watch. It's the sort of persona that you would pin on Robert Downey Jr, although he can be serious when he wants to, as can Tony when he realises the error of Stark Industries ways with the terrorists using his weapons against him.
As for the rest of the story it flows nicely, introducing different characters and their origins with story
developments happening as well. Making the conventional roles seem more interesting as we know they'll have a part to play in the future, Gwenyth Paltrow playing Pepper Potts didn't stand out as much, but her chemistry with Downey definitely brings the character up, but I did notice their slightly odd relationship a bit more considering where they both are now with each other and how far Pepper has come in the story. Terrence Howard (who has since been re-casted) plays Colonel James Rhodes, Stark's best friend and being a side character is similar to the role of Potts in the way that he and Downey connect well on set. He also shows the Colonel to be a pretty strong character in the way he handles situations and is loyal to Tony, even over his own Country.
Then Jeff Bridges who plays a convincing villain as he is almost as intriguing as Robert when he's on set, playing the part of Obediah Stane. Despite his overwhelming presence when he's in front of the camera, I would say he's more convincing as a notorious businessman than when he is in the suit of armour. I'm not saying him taking up arms is controversial because it is done well but the leap from directing the course of actions to actually jumping into it is massive and didn't seem to fit the characters personality as much. I didn't feel like that when I first watched this film but this time it stood out to me when I watched it.
This film is full of the action and pace that the comic books give, having actually read some Marvel comics now I do notice that it was a lot more straight forward and closer to the comics. This perhaps what made it stand out from the Toby Maguire Spiderman movies and The Hulk with Eric Bana, as it has a little less background and associates the superheroes with more action. For this reason it made me enjoy the movie more as I can enjoy the glamorous fight scenes that I want to see in a superhero movie, rather than the boring dialogue that has little relevance to the story.
So a little different to what I expected with having different views on things but what do you expect seen as I haven't seen this film in a few years! Nonetheless my favourite MCU superhero kicks off our series and I can't wait to watch and talk about more of these films!!!
Thank you for reading! :)
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