Review of Iron Man (2008) by Axl Javier P — 26 Apr 2015

A perfect start to the summer blockbuster season. What impressed me the most about this fun-filled superhero movie, is how the filmmakers made me buy the premise. It may sound absurd, but in the hands of Robert Downey, we believe the character. It's definitely a techno-geek's wet dream as well as being a much-welcomed critique on the US military. The FX are naturally superb and Jeff Bridges makes a great baddie. It's also refreshing to see our superhero build his suit out of necessity as opposed to wanting to be a hero. Also, his character arc is moving because of addressing the nature of accountability.

All in all, the script is incredibly smart, relevant and provocative with Downey being so perfectly cast. The female characters are also cleverly written. The journalist from Vanity Fair doesn't just play the hot blond who he sleeps with, but she also inspires him to defend the town, his first "super-hero" mission. (She even motivates his ego during the final scene). Paltrow also plays an enormous role by not just being his assistant and possible love interest but also the one who encourages him to have a heart, symbolic in the metallic heart she keeps, ultimately saving his life.