Iron Man DVD Review

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"Iron Man" reviews

DVD

Iron Man

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2008-10-28 13:30:13

Provider

DVD Review

Who would have thought it eh? The hugely talented but once-troubled Robert Downey Jr becoming a leading man in a family superhero pic.

And it's a good thing for Marvel Studios that he said yes, as Downey's the main reason the film works. Based on one of Marvel's lesser known comic books, Iron Man features Downey Jr as Tony Stark, an arms dealer who gets a sudden case of poetic justice when he's kidnapped by terrorists brandishing the weaponry he sold them.

Forced to build a super bomb for his captors, he instead manages to build a superhero suit for himself. Faced with the knowledge that making weapons is, you know, bad, he decides to become a superhero and fight for truth, justice and all that good stuff.

As stated, the key is Downey Jr. Forget mopey Batman and the recent angst-ridden Superman: his Stark is charismatic, charming and just slightly insane. In short, great fun to watch.

The film itself is played admirably straight by director Jon Favreau, who should be applauded for not rushing to the CGI department every time he is faced with an action sequence. There are some great practical effects on show here.

Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard all lend credible support but this is Downey Jr's show.

DVD extras include an extensive making of and an in-depth look at Iron Man the comic book. The Onion's fantastic skit of the movie is also included, a rare attempt at humility by a major movie studio.