Avengers Assemble: Iron Man

“How ironic, Tony! Trying to rid the world of weapons, you gave it its best one ever! And now, I'm going to kill you with it!”

Filmology Rating: 3.5 out of 4

This is the film that kicked off this whole superhero thing and when Disney smelled the money, they bought Marvel a year after this film came out. Before re-watching the movie, all I remembered was a big fight at the end and a bunch of quippy dialogue and so I thought, "Ugh I don't want to watch this film." And shockingly after watching it again, it holds up quite well.

This was directed by Jon Favreau who I believe is one of the most underrated directors working today. Just go look up how many movies he's been involved with and you're likely familiar with a lot of them. He also plays as Happy Hogan in the film.

This movie was troubled quite a bit by production issues. One most notably being the script. The script was being re-written everyday and even sometimes in between shots. With how many writers this film has, it is amazing that the film holds together as well as it does. That can be attributed to Jon Favreau.
The one thing that boosted this film on a giant pedestal was not the film or story itself. It is well made on its own but Robert Downey Jr. in this is infectious with his sarcastic and witty remarks that instantaneously make him likeable.

What I appreciate most is that Tony Stark is the only funny character in the film who actually says the quippy dialogue. Opposed to today where every Marvel character is funny and quick with remarks. It's a miniscule detail, but one that bugs me about Marvel today. Favreau also really understands comedy. Having done "Elf" he understands the timing of comedy and not to overplay it.

Another aspect that is appreciated and is often overlooked in comic book films today is the internal dilemma and shifting of our character's morals throughout the film. "Black Panther" did it and some others. Tony realizes that the weapons he is making is creating a global issue. And while nobody agrees with him, he decides to take the higher road and stop manufacturing weapons to build his Iron Man suit.

What I also really love about this film is seeing the suit being built. In the past, we usually just have our hero appearing out of no where with a suit, like Sam Raimi's "Spiderman." The many montages of Tony building the suit makes me believe that he is actually smart and can build a suit not just appear in one.

That also leads to the many montages of him building the suit, which are incredibly testosterone driven. I love how the music, sound, and cinematography all blend so well. Often we get the "Hero shot." Which is one of my favorite things ever. Some filmmakers steer away from it because it feels corny. But done correctly, it can be a highlight of the film. Similar to the famous Avengers circling one shot.

There is a blend of rock and AC-DC music which heavily contributes to the testosterone pumping tone. What I'll say is that it attempts to be a superhero movie where everything is badass and this film pulls it all off. Never were there any cheesy moments.

One thing I don't like about Iron Man as a hero is that he has a gadget for every issue. Oh there's a problem? I happen to have a missile that can precisely do just that or a laser. Unlike Captain America who has the super strength but has to use it in a creative way and often find solutions past using a gadget that solves everything. I don't really find interest in the hero of Iron Man. However, I do like Tony Stark.
There is also the issue in this film of the "bloated third act." Usually there is a terrific first two acts in these Marvel Phase 1 movies, then it descends into shlock in the last act because these heros need someone to punch.

I also want to highlight Stan Winston, the greatest practical effects artist ever. He was heavily involved in creating the Iron Man suit. He sadly passed away a month after the film released and marked the death of practical effects in big movies.

This film kicked the ball pretty far downfield and marked the beginning of an era. This is a fun, light-hearted, and proper popcorn film. This film captured lightning in a bottle. Films like this cannot simply be replicated because sometimes the cards all fall in the right place and it's difficult to do so again.

Rating: See It

-Nolan