Pickl Vision

Does it live up to the hype? Aww fucking yeah!

Above: Ironman plays catch with a soccer mom and her litter.

Beginning with Sam Raimi’s Spiderman in 2002, superhero films have made a a huge comeback. The wall-crawler received two sequels, X-Men was made into a superb action-trilogy, and Christian Bale stole the show in 2005 with Batman Begins, probably the best film out of this recent wave of superhero flicks.

But there were also those that fell flat on their faces. (Fantastic Four, anyone?) I admit, when I saw preview for Iroman back in January I was skeptical. I was never really into Iroman that much as a kid. Spiderman was more my thing. I went to the theatre not really knowing what to expect. Would it be just another attempt to cash in on the trend of superhero films? I am glad to inform you that this is not the case.

One thing that makes Ironman stand out from the rest of the comics-to-movie crop is that it’s quite funny. The depicts billionaire weapons designer Tony Stark(Robert Downey Jr.) as a drunken, womanizing playboy, throwing away money like it’s nothing and delivering quick one-liners to anyone who’s wit doesn’t measure up to his (which means pretty much everyone). One amusing scene features Lt. Rhodes (Terrance Howard) berating Stark for being late for his private flight, then instantly switches to a scene of him drunk hanging onto Stark telling him what a swell guy he is, while hot flight attendants dance on a pole that rises out of the floor. I found this especially funny because I was wolfing down a Yuengling Black & Tan at the time. Stark epitomizes the idea of the “likeable asshole”, yet there is a depth to his character. He has everything one could want, but like many who’ve achieved immeasurable material success, he feels empty inside.

The story starts off with Stark traveling to Afghanistan to demonstrate his latest design. Unfortunately, a roadside bomb puts a little kink in his plans. He is captured by terrorists who hold him prisoner, forcing him to construct weapons for them. Stark decides to turn the tables and build a powered amour suit and bust out. I actually kind of liked his first suit better; it’s more heavy and menacing than his advanced model which he sports throughout the rest of the film. The decision to go with Islamic terrorists as the initial bad guys was no brainier as it is timely and because the original comic was set in Vietnam. I never get tired of seeing those cowardly camel-jockeys get what they deserve.

The fights are well scripted, and more explosions and twisted metal than hand to hand. Ironman makes short work of the terrorists, and he doesn’t get any real competition until a senior member of his own company (Jeff Bridges)turns on him. His suit is twelve feet tall and tosses minivans like rag dolls. As you might expect, the ensuing battle = awesome squared.

Gwenyth Paltrow gives a good performance as Starks faithful but shy assistant who is secretly in love with him. Jeff Bridges with his big fat cigars and big fat body is the classic evil corporate figure. If you stayed after the credits like my geeky friends you will see Samuel L. Jackson make a quick appearance as Nick Fury. And finally, Terrance Howard hints that he may appear as War Machine in the sequel! Actually, there are two sequels in the works. I think we can all agree a “hells yes” is in order.

In the end, I can say with confidence that Ironman is one of the better superhero flicks of recent years and is well worth your money. Just the thing to hold you over until The Dark Night…or a 300 sequel where zombie Leonidas and zombie Reagan destroy Ahmadinejad. Take care, people.

–DS