Review of The Invincible Iron Man (2007) by Robert D — 12 Jun 2012

Let it be stated that I believe I went into this film with too high expectations. I knew from the get go that this "origin story" was in no way related to Earth-616 or Earth-199999. What I didn't realise however, was that it was going to be bastardised to the point it bore no resemblance to armoured Avenger whatsoever!

Without trying to ruin the story line itself, let me give you a couple of points about how 'The Invincible Iron Man" differs from an actual Iron Man story.

Tony'sdadisstillalive.

Starktowerisrunbyhoward.

Howardisresponsibleforthedeathofmaria.

SHIELDareanevilgovernmentagency.

Themandarinwasanundergroundemperor.

Thereareonlyfiverings.

Tonyisneverreferredtoasironman.

Healsomakessuitslongbeforeheneedsto.

Rhodeyisamedicblahblahblahblahblah it goes fucking on, let me assure you.

The animation isn't the worst I've ever seen, but for a 2007 high-budget release I was expecting a lot more than I got. I have no problem with deviation from source material, in fact originality is something to be praised, however, every point I can think of where The Invincible Iron Man loses its grip on Marvel standards, is a point in which they've made the story worse, not different.

The film blends Eastern and Western styles quite nicely, but in reality they would have been better picking a focus and working from there. The fact that this cartoon markets itself as the "origin story" of Iron Man is just plain deplorable. But even if to view The Invincible Iron Man as a stand alone, the film is far from good.

I actually found myself wanting for more action sequences, which is generally the part of a movie I appreciate the least. Honestly the exposition was so indescribably weak that I can't in all seriousness recommend this to anyone. It's too disgracefully removed to impress Iron Man fans. It's too ridiculous and nonsensical to appease Sc-Fi buffs or cartoon enthusiasts. It's too racist and Western to work for anime-lovers. And it's to flat out boring to scratch the itch of those who came for violent robot fights.

It doesn't take much for a cartoon to hook me in, I'm simple that way, but The Incredible Iron Man was serious in the worst possible way, with clunky characters, limitless cliches and zero novelty. I was sincerely underwhelmed.

2.3 / 10.