RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited April 2008
Iron Man's early screening my equal big bucks at the box office next month B-) :
IRON MAN Screens Internationally! Plus Favreau and Downey Jr. Visit Mexico!
Written by Robert Sanchez
Thursday, 10 April 2008
The International press got a treat this past week when IRON MAN screened early. Mexico got an extra special visit from director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr.!
Thanks to Rafael for the heads up on this one, a Spanish blog over at hoycinema has all the details! For the full story in Spanish head over to blogs.hoycinema.com. I've translated most of it below for those non-Spanish speaking people,
Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau were in Mexico to present to the press in Latin America the film 'Iron Man.' Jon Favreau was very excited because it was the first time they showed the movie on a massive scale, in this case to the press in Mexico and Latin America.
"We wanted to make the first function of the press here, because Mexico is a very important market for us and because people are responding very well to this type of film," explained Jon Favreau.
The film premieres in Mexico on 30 April.
Approximately 300 people attended yesterday in the first exhibition of the film world on the Marvel superhero of the comic.
GOOD ACCEPTANCE
As has transcended film among journalists who attended see this first presentation, the film is very well done, it is very entertaining and with a very good story, and it is well supported with excellent special effects.
"Iron Man" and Terrorism
As you know Tony Stark is a multimillionaire who is engaged in the manufacture and sale of armaments, then is kidnapped by terrorists to manufacture a bomb.
In this regard Downey said,"Something central to the film was the political issue, the director and I knew that these questions would arise, but this is not what is important. 'Iron Man' was born 40 years ago, when there was confidence in the military industry and when Vietnam was a threat in the United States, so they could not evade this context."
At the press conference that took place in Mexico City, he confirmed that the actor will have a special part in the new film 'Hulk.'
"I have a small stake in the new Hulk film, almost nothing, it's one scene, you will see me on the screen less than 10 seconds. We tried to create the idea that at some point we might end up in a movie together," confirmed Downey Jr.
Here's a nifty little article on the new Iron Man game that shows all the armors you can unlock. In addition to the movie armors, you'll also be able to wear some of his classic armors from the comics. If you have a decent internet connection, check out the rotating 3D models of each armor.
cool link. what do you guys think of the ultimate version of iron man ? he seems abit more in line with the early stuff just with the playboy part turned up to 11
cool link. what do you guys think of the ultimate version of iron man ? he seems abit more in line with the early stuff just with the playboy part turned up to 11
I really haven't read any of the Ultmates books, but aesthetically, I can't say I care for the armor; it looks too bulky and mangaish for my tastes - like something somebody in a Godzilla movie might wear. I much prefer the sleeker red and gold armors from the 1970's and 1980's.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited April 2008
Thought that you guys might be interested...
LG's Iron Man Site Has Opened
Source: Superhero Hype! April 14, 2008
LG has now opened InsidetheSuit.com, its tie-in site for the Iron Man movie. At the site, you can unlock exclusive movie content, win one of 20 LG Iron Man phones (dipped in pure gold and they can't be purchased anywhere), and check out more LG phones.
LG's Iron Man Site Has Opened
Source: Superhero Hype! April 14, 2008
LG has now opened InsidetheSuit.com, its tie-in site for the Iron Man movie. At the site, you can unlock exclusive movie content, win one of 20 LG Iron Man phones (dipped in pure gold and they can't be purchased anywhere), and check out more LG phones.
Who wouldn't want one of these phones? Even if just for the novelty of it? B-)
The pathetic PC's we have at work are so gimped that I can't even see this site; I'll have to wait until I get home.
There are also a bunch of early reviews of IM on AICN; I really didn't read any of them because I already know too much about this movie. I'm on a self-imposed IM moratorium until I finally have a chance to actually see the finished film (which will hopefully be on opening day).
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I'm not afraid of spoilers, but my dial-up is probably scared s**tless
I simply must upgrade X-(
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
That looks awesome. The articulation is VERY impressive. A little too rich for my blood right about now but I'd love to have one on my studio shelf. B-)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited April 2008
Jon Favreau gives us a tour of Tony Stark's home in the film; I'm pretty sure that this will be on the future DVD...
Reviews for the movie are already starting to pop up and initial word is very positive. So far the film has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with only one dissenting review so far. That rating will probably go down a bit as more reviews come it but it is refreshing to see several of the heavy hitters (including Variety and the Hollywood Reporter) already praising the film.
A request for those who see Iron Man and feel the desire to review it here; if you are going to include spoilers, please give a warning beforehand or otherwise use spoiler smileys. Thanks. :007) (I myself will be seeing IM very soon, but it will undoubtfully be after several other members see the film.)
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Good idea, Dan. I just added the "spoiler" tag to the topic; but to be safe, some of you film critics might want to scream "WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!" before you post your review. If you want to be super-safe, you can also "hide" the message by typing spoiler between brackets before your message, and /spoiler in brackets at the end of it. I'm going to try to see IM tomorrow--if I can sneak away from my onerous real-life duties!
My brother and I just put in the vacation day slips for tomorrow so hopefully we'll see it on opening day.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I'll be catching it with Loeff Jr and Loeff III tomorrow...can't wait B-)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
My brother and I just put in the vacation day slips for tomorrow so hopefully we'll see it on opening day.
You know, it's funny, I hate seeing films on opening day. Alot of people like it, but whenever a film comes out that I am desperate to see, my goal is always to see it on the opening weekend, on either the Saturday or Sunday night (films are released on a Thursday in Australia.)
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
My brother and I just put in the vacation day slips for tomorrow so hopefully we'll see it on opening day.
You know, it's funny, I hate seeing films on opening day. Alot of people like it, but whenever a film comes out that I am desperate to see, my goal is always to see it on the opening weekend, on either the Saturday or Sunday night (films are released on a Thursday in Australia.)
For what it's worth Dan, my brother and I usually don't do the opening day thing either, and we generally don't like going out to the movies for a variety of reasons - having to drive, being in an auditorium full of strangers, the inevitable babies who cry, cell phones going off, etc., etc., etc. But Iron Man is a special case; it was my favorite comic book when I was little so I'm really keen to see this one and I don't feel like waiting.
As an aside, some theaters here in America are now starting to show certain movies in more premium auditoriums with better seating, and other improved conditions (at a higher price of course). It so happens that the screening of Iron Man that we're shooting for will be in one of these "Director's Halls" as they call them, so we're also curious to see how improved, if at all, the moviegoing experience is.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Certain "Major Event" films---Bond (natch), Batman, Superman, Star Trek, Indy, etc., are simple "must sees" for me on opening day. IMO it is truly the first and only chance to see a film with a guaranteed fresh audience. There's a real value (to me) in watching a big film in a nearly-full house of fellow first-timers---mainly because the reactions from the crowd (applause or cheering at certain moments) are as honest and spontaneous as they will ever be. Not that this effect isn't also there on the second or third day...but to me it's just not quite the same.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Certain "Major Event" films---Bond (natch), Batman, Superman, Star Trek, Indy, etc., are simple "must sees" for me on opening day. IMO it is truly the first and only chance to see a film with a guaranteed fresh audience. There's a real value (to me) in watching a big film in a nearly-full house of fellow first-timers---mainly because the reactions from the crowd (applause or cheering at certain moments) are as honest and spontaneous as they will ever be.
That's exactly why I dislike seeing films on opening day. ) As I've gotten older, I've realised that as much as I adore seeing films at the cinemas, my least favourite part is the audience. (This sometimes includes the people I go with. ) )
That is why I don't like seeing films on opening day (Thursday in Australia) and prefer to wait until the Saturday (and in emergency situations) the Sunday night. Not only does it allow me to plan my evening around the film (I much prefer to see films at night than during the day) but, by seeing the film on the opening weekend, I can avoid the opening day crowds.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Where I live, Thursday is considered opening day - except for special occasions such as international premieres, when a movie will premier on a set day along with many other countries. Anyway, in terms of audience, I think it's a little bit better to watch a film on opening day, as usually you'll be amongst fellow fans. On weekdays and such, you're bound to be amongst the great unwashed. (I kid, I kid)
As for Iron Man, I watched it and my first impression of it is that I liked it a lot. Very well crafted, fun and smart.
And it's very important that you stay all through the end credits. Immediately after those, there's a small scene (about 40 sec) that you don't want to miss. There's already a bootleg of it on youtube, but the quality is low and it keeps getting pulled (for copyright reasons). Furthermore, I am not sure if I should spoil the content here. Just be patient through the end credits.
And it's very important that you stay all through the end credits. Immediately after those, there's a small scene (about 40 sec) that you don't want to miss. There's already a bootleg of it on youtube, but the quality is low and it keeps getting pulled (for copyright reasons). Furthermore, I am not sure if I should spoil the content here. Just be patient through the end credits.
Doh! I left as the credits started. Still, good popcorn movie. Downey Jr was excellent. Worth seeing, and a solid start to the Blockbuster season.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
...it's very important that you stay all through the end credits. Immediately after those, there's a small scene (about 40 sec) that you don't want to miss.
Thanks for the tip...I usually do stay and watch all the end credits anyway, which drives my wife and kids crazy. It's hard to explain, but I honestly feel I'm honoring the creative people who made the film if I sit still and let all of their names play out. Granted, this is time-consuming, and more of a challenge in the Modern Era, when there is a different production unit and team for everything---on a film like IM, I'm guessing there are a half-dozen teams of specialists for the CGI alone---but it's worth it, because one might just learn something.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
My brother and I just got back from watching Iron Man. My brother called it the best comic book movie he's ever seen. While I hesitate to go that far until I've seen it a couple of more time, I did enjoy it a lot and it is easily my favorite Marvel Comics adaptation. I'll keep this spoiler free but there are some things worth pointing out:
The film is very true to the Iron Man comics I used to read as a kid. Other than the location, tony Stark's capture and escape plays out pretty much as at did in the old Tales of Suspense comic. Director John Favreau clearly did his homework and the film is very true, in look, tone and overall faithfulness to the books I used to read.
I loved the tone of the film; it takes itself seriously, but never gets maudlin. There are also a lot of funny moments, but they never degenerate into slapstick or self parody. The film is utterly absent of those cringe inducing scenes that seem to pop up in nearly every Marvel film (like the Raindrops montage from Spiderman 2, the nightclub scene from Spiderman 3 or the Bachelor Party from Fantastic Four #2).
The cast is uniformly superb. Robert Downey Jr. does a fantastic job at evolving the character of Tony Stark from the brilliant but hedonistic, naive, morally corrupt arms broker to a man looking for redemption and trying to leave a more positive mark on the world. There's a scene where he's watching a news broadcast about how warlords have been using his weapons to kill innocent people and the seething anger and look of determination he gives off is physically palpable. Jeff Bridges gives a wonderfully subtle yet menacing performance as Obidiah Stane; the further the movie goes along the more you realize just how evil this guy really is. Gwynyth Paltrow is great at Pepper Potts and contributes more to the film than a pretty face and hot body. And Terrence Howard does a good job of selling us on his friendship with Stark; he also has some of the funniest lines in the film. I also have to give props to Shaun Taub who plays Yinsen, Stark's fellow prisoner. His character is pulled right out of the origin story and even though he doesn't have a large role, he plays a very important part in the film.
The action scenes are uniformly spectacular, especially Stark's explosive escape from his terrorist captors in the first third of the film.
I loved the look of the film; there are nice contrasts between the scenes in the rugged mountains of the middle east and the high tech glitter of California. The Iron Man armors all look fantastic in action; the first appearance of the Mark III and the carnage it unleashes was particularly satisfying.
As to what didn't work: not much really. The music is pretty generic (a problem that's plaguing most of these big films lately) and I would have loved to have seen even more of the armors in action. The final "big fight" could also have been a little more dramatic.
Like Rogue AI said, MAKE SURE YOU SIT THRU THE CREDITS. The little scene that follows them (a tradition with Marvel films) is a doozy and will have fanboys cheering.
This one will definitely warrant a few more viewings on the big screen. And of course, a BluRay purchase down the road is a foregone conclusions. Iron Man was my favorite comic when I was little and it just feels great to see such a fantastic adaptation make it to the screen.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited May 2008
Good to hear, Tony. I was tempted to skip work and see it today myself but the acolytes here coincidentely had the same thing in mind...it would've appeared suspect with management fully aware of how we associate.
Glad to know it was good. B-)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Good to hear, Tony. I was tempted to skip work and see it today myself but the acolytes here coincidentely had the same thing in mind...it would've appeared suspect with management fully aware of how we associate.
Did they call you right after the credits to give you an on the scene report? Hopefully they won't need a change of underwear )
Glad to know it was good. B-)
I'm really keen to see it again ASAP; hopefully before the weekend is out. Who knows, I may even have to buy an action figure to hang over my desk.
For my money, IM has set the bar pretty high for the summer movies. I'll be curious to see how (or even if) Hulk and TDK measure up (trailers to both those movies played in front of IM and looked much better up on the large screen, BTW).
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Good to hear, Tony. I was tempted to skip work and see it today myself but the acolytes here coincidentely had the same thing in mind...it would've appeared suspect with management fully aware of how we associate.
Did they call you right after the credits to give you an on the scene report? Hopefully they won't need a change of underwear )
Glad to know it was good. B-)
I'm really keen to see it again ASAP; hopefully before the weekend is out. Who knows, I may even have to buy an action figure to hang over my desk.
For my money, IM has set the bar pretty high for the summer movies. I'll be curious to see how (or even if) Hulk and TDK measure up (trailers to both those movies played in front of IM and looked much better up on the large screen, BTW).
They just texted me to say that they just bought tickets to a SECOND VIEWING. They loved it that much. Pretty hard to gauge from those two; they're both just sooooo hardcore Marvel.
I was about to ask you how did TDK trailer look. It's great to know that it looked good too. This is going to be an awesome movie summer. B-)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
They just texted me to say that they just bought tickets to a SECOND VIEWING. They loved it that much. Pretty hard to gauge from those two; they're both just sooooo hardcore Marvel.
) ) ) For what it's worth, my brother (who is a hardcore DC and especially Batman fan) turned to me after the movie ended and said "this is the coolest movie I've ever seen." High praise considering he's far more picky and unforgiving than I am. I think we have a new Marvel Acolyte on our hands (well, as far as Iron Man anyway).
I was about to ask you how did TDK trailer look. It's great to know that it looked good too. This is going to be an awesome movie summer. B-)
The Hulk CGI looks better on the big screen. As for TDK again, my only concern is that the film may end up going too dark and serious. The hardware is there, the stunts are there (and there was a great shot of Batman flying by the skyscrapers of Gotham). I just hope there are some lighter moments to balance out what was on display.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
They just texted me to say that they just bought tickets to a SECOND VIEWING. They loved it that much. Pretty hard to gauge from those two; they're both just sooooo hardcore Marvel.
) ) ) For what it's worth, my brother (who is a hardcore DC and especially Batman fan) turned to me after the movie ended and said "this is the coolest movie I've ever seen." High praise considering he's far more picky and unforgiving than I am. I think we have a new Marvel Acolyte on our hands (well, as far as Iron Man anyway).
I'm counting on Spec....DON'T DEFECT, man! I'm getting hit from all sides as it is here in Marvel country. )
I was about to ask you how did TDK trailer look. It's great to know that it looked good too. This is going to be an awesome movie summer. B-)
The Hulk CGI looks better on the big screen. As for TDK again, my only concern is that the film may end up going too dark and serious. The hardware is there, the stunts are there. I just hope there are some lighter moments to balance out what was on display.
That's a relief on Hulk; what was the response from the crowd behind that airing onscreen?
TDK will be fine. I cannot say as to the tone but I'm in like Flynn regardless when it finally gets here.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Comments
IRON MAN Screens Internationally! Plus Favreau and Downey Jr. Visit Mexico!
Written by Robert Sanchez
Thursday, 10 April 2008
The International press got a treat this past week when IRON MAN screened early. Mexico got an extra special visit from director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr.!
Thanks to Rafael for the heads up on this one, a Spanish blog over at hoycinema has all the details! For the full story in Spanish head over to blogs.hoycinema.com. I've translated most of it below for those non-Spanish speaking people,
Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau were in Mexico to present to the press in Latin America the film 'Iron Man.' Jon Favreau was very excited because it was the first time they showed the movie on a massive scale, in this case to the press in Mexico and Latin America.
"We wanted to make the first function of the press here, because Mexico is a very important market for us and because people are responding very well to this type of film," explained Jon Favreau.
The film premieres in Mexico on 30 April.
Approximately 300 people attended yesterday in the first exhibition of the film world on the Marvel superhero of the comic.
GOOD ACCEPTANCE
As has transcended film among journalists who attended see this first presentation, the film is very well done, it is very entertaining and with a very good story, and it is well supported with excellent special effects.
"Iron Man" and Terrorism
As you know Tony Stark is a multimillionaire who is engaged in the manufacture and sale of armaments, then is kidnapped by terrorists to manufacture a bomb.
In this regard Downey said,"Something central to the film was the political issue, the director and I knew that these questions would arise, but this is not what is important. 'Iron Man' was born 40 years ago, when there was confidence in the military industry and when Vietnam was a threat in the United States, so they could not evade this context."
At the press conference that took place in Mexico City, he confirmed that the actor will have a special part in the new film 'Hulk.'
"I have a small stake in the new Hulk film, almost nothing, it's one scene, you will see me on the screen less than 10 seconds. We tried to create the idea that at some point we might end up in a movie together," confirmed Downey Jr.
http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4695&Itemid=99
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/16191/Iron-Man-Suits-Revealed-Turnaround-Clips-Inside/
www.scottacademymartialarts.co.uk
I really haven't read any of the Ultmates books, but aesthetically, I can't say I care for the armor; it looks too bulky and mangaish for my tastes - like something somebody in a Godzilla movie might wear. I much prefer the sleeker red and gold armors from the 1970's and 1980's.
LG's Iron Man Site Has Opened
Source: Superhero Hype! April 14, 2008
LG has now opened InsidetheSuit.com, its tie-in site for the Iron Man movie. At the site, you can unlock exclusive movie content, win one of 20 LG Iron Man phones (dipped in pure gold and they can't be purchased anywhere), and check out more LG phones.
http://www.insidethesuit.com/
Who wouldn't want one of these phones? Even if just for the novelty of it? B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
The pathetic PC's we have at work are so gimped that I can't even see this site; I'll have to wait until I get home.
There are also a bunch of early reviews of IM on AICN; I really didn't read any of them because I already know too much about this movie. I'm on a self-imposed IM moratorium until I finally have a chance to actually see the finished film (which will hopefully be on opening day).
I simply must upgrade X-(
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
http://www.cooltoyreview.com/story/front/Kotobukiya_Launches_The_First_Marvel_Statue_In_November_113882.asp
That looks awesome. The articulation is VERY impressive. A little too rich for my blood right about now but I'd love to have one on my studio shelf. B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Here's the link:
http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=7079
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Here's a link:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/iron_man/
I'd like to see it this weekend, but I have to find some way to extricate myself from my visiting in-laws!
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
For what it's worth Dan, my brother and I usually don't do the opening day thing either, and we generally don't like going out to the movies for a variety of reasons - having to drive, being in an auditorium full of strangers, the inevitable babies who cry, cell phones going off, etc., etc., etc. But Iron Man is a special case; it was my favorite comic book when I was little so I'm really keen to see this one and I don't feel like waiting.
As an aside, some theaters here in America are now starting to show certain movies in more premium auditoriums with better seating, and other improved conditions (at a higher price of course). It so happens that the screening of Iron Man that we're shooting for will be in one of these "Director's Halls" as they call them, so we're also curious to see how improved, if at all, the moviegoing experience is.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
That is why I don't like seeing films on opening day (Thursday in Australia) and prefer to wait until the Saturday (and in emergency situations) the Sunday night. Not only does it allow me to plan my evening around the film (I much prefer to see films at night than during the day) but, by seeing the film on the opening weekend, I can avoid the opening day crowds.
As for Iron Man, I watched it and my first impression of it is that I liked it a lot. Very well crafted, fun and smart.
And it's very important that you stay all through the end credits. Immediately after those, there's a small scene (about 40 sec) that you don't want to miss. There's already a bootleg of it on youtube, but the quality is low and it keeps getting pulled (for copyright reasons). Furthermore, I am not sure if I should spoil the content here. Just be patient through the end credits.
Doh! I left as the credits started. Still, good popcorn movie. Downey Jr was excellent. Worth seeing, and a solid start to the Blockbuster season.
Thanks for the tip...I usually do stay and watch all the end credits anyway, which drives my wife and kids crazy. It's hard to explain, but I honestly feel I'm honoring the creative people who made the film if I sit still and let all of their names play out. Granted, this is time-consuming, and more of a challenge in the Modern Era, when there is a different production unit and team for everything---on a film like IM, I'm guessing there are a half-dozen teams of specialists for the CGI alone---but it's worth it, because one might just learn something.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
The film is very true to the Iron Man comics I used to read as a kid. Other than the location, tony Stark's capture and escape plays out pretty much as at did in the old Tales of Suspense comic. Director John Favreau clearly did his homework and the film is very true, in look, tone and overall faithfulness to the books I used to read.
I loved the tone of the film; it takes itself seriously, but never gets maudlin. There are also a lot of funny moments, but they never degenerate into slapstick or self parody. The film is utterly absent of those cringe inducing scenes that seem to pop up in nearly every Marvel film (like the Raindrops montage from Spiderman 2, the nightclub scene from Spiderman 3 or the Bachelor Party from Fantastic Four #2).
The cast is uniformly superb. Robert Downey Jr. does a fantastic job at evolving the character of Tony Stark from the brilliant but hedonistic, naive, morally corrupt arms broker to a man looking for redemption and trying to leave a more positive mark on the world. There's a scene where he's watching a news broadcast about how warlords have been using his weapons to kill innocent people and the seething anger and look of determination he gives off is physically palpable. Jeff Bridges gives a wonderfully subtle yet menacing performance as Obidiah Stane; the further the movie goes along the more you realize just how evil this guy really is. Gwynyth Paltrow is great at Pepper Potts and contributes more to the film than a pretty face and hot body. And Terrence Howard does a good job of selling us on his friendship with Stark; he also has some of the funniest lines in the film. I also have to give props to Shaun Taub who plays Yinsen, Stark's fellow prisoner. His character is pulled right out of the origin story and even though he doesn't have a large role, he plays a very important part in the film.
The action scenes are uniformly spectacular, especially Stark's explosive escape from his terrorist captors in the first third of the film.
I loved the look of the film; there are nice contrasts between the scenes in the rugged mountains of the middle east and the high tech glitter of California. The Iron Man armors all look fantastic in action; the first appearance of the Mark III and the carnage it unleashes was particularly satisfying.
As to what didn't work: not much really. The music is pretty generic (a problem that's plaguing most of these big films lately) and I would have loved to have seen even more of the armors in action. The final "big fight" could also have been a little more dramatic.
Like Rogue AI said, MAKE SURE YOU SIT THRU THE CREDITS. The little scene that follows them (a tradition with Marvel films) is a doozy and will have fanboys cheering.
This one will definitely warrant a few more viewings on the big screen. And of course, a BluRay purchase down the road is a foregone conclusions. Iron Man was my favorite comic when I was little and it just feels great to see such a fantastic adaptation make it to the screen.
Glad to know it was good. B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Did they call you right after the credits to give you an on the scene report? Hopefully they won't need a change of underwear
I'm really keen to see it again ASAP; hopefully before the weekend is out. Who knows, I may even have to buy an action figure to hang over my desk.
For my money, IM has set the bar pretty high for the summer movies. I'll be curious to see how (or even if) Hulk and TDK measure up (trailers to both those movies played in front of IM and looked much better up on the large screen, BTW).
They just texted me to say that they just bought tickets to a SECOND VIEWING. They loved it that much. Pretty hard to gauge from those two; they're both just sooooo hardcore Marvel.
I was about to ask you how did TDK trailer look. It's great to know that it looked good too. This is going to be an awesome movie summer. B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
The Hulk CGI looks better on the big screen. As for TDK again, my only concern is that the film may end up going too dark and serious. The hardware is there, the stunts are there (and there was a great shot of Batman flying by the skyscrapers of Gotham). I just hope there are some lighter moments to balance out what was on display.
I'm counting on Spec....DON'T DEFECT, man! I'm getting hit from all sides as it is here in Marvel country.
That's a relief on Hulk; what was the response from the crowd behind that airing onscreen?
TDK will be fine. I cannot say as to the tone but I'm in like Flynn regardless when it finally gets here.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -