Iron Man

release year: 2008
genre: action/adventure
viewing setting: home DVD, 11/3/08

synopsis: Genius weapons-manufacture and zillionaire playboy Tony Stark has a change of heart and invents a suit of powered armor.

impressions: This was a really good movie, both as an adaptation of the comic books and as a stand-alone film experience. The plot was solid, the special effects were great, the acting was top-notch, and there was plenty of humor too. There were also cameos (Stan Lee as Hugh Hefner) and other comic tie-ins (Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury, and also a reference to the War Machine armor and an upcoming Avengers movie.)

something this movie has that no other movie has: Aside from the obvious (two armored foes fighting it out) how about this: a private airplane that has a retractable dancing pole in the floor (and flight attendants ready to use it.)

acting: Robert Downey Jr. did a great job as a conflicted hero. Jeff Bridges was also good as his eventual enemy. Gwyneth Paltrow is the secretary/assistant who is crucial to the company. Terrence Howard is the military liason and Stark's friend.

final word: Superior comic-book adaptation.

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