That's a relief on Hulk; what was the response from the crowd behind that airing onscreen?
The crowd was pretty quiet although we did catch a very early showing that I don't think a lot of people knew about. I heard a few "that looks better than the last one" comments. TDK on the other hand got no response at all, not even Alfred's Lamborghini joke at the end. It was probably a Marvel-centric bunch.
Getting back to Iron Man, there are now 140 reviews up on RottenTomatoes.com and the movie has an astounding 94% positive rating; right now it's the highest rated movie of the year - for any genre. Wow!
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
That's a relief on Hulk; what was the response from the crowd behind that airing onscreen?
The crowd was pretty quiet although we did catch a very early showing that I don't think a lot of people knew about. I heard a few "that looks better than the last one" comments. TDK on the other hand got no response at all, not even Alfred's Lamborghini joke at the end. It was probably a Marvel-centric bunch.
Getting back to Iron Man, there are now 140 reviews up on RottenTomatoes.com and the movie has an astounding 94% positive rating; right now it's the highest rated movie of the year - for any genre. Wow!
That's odd because the Marvel geeks called me to let me hear the cheers for TDK trailer by holding the phone out to the audience.
Those two were booing of course. )
They asked me to go with them but as much as I love em both, their geek meter is way off of the charts...even for a married guy like myself.
I'll bet that a Mandarin statue will be on his desk come Monday morning. )
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
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.
Same here. It's not that hard to explain; there are several, equally valid reasons: I've paid for the ticket and that entitles me to the complete film and most importantly, I feel I ought to honour, first of all, the composer, who quite often will offer score specifically for the end credits, along with all the other people who've toiled for the film. The problem with IM was that I was in a hurry and had to leave, so I caught that scene in a youtube bootleg, but anyway, for the most part, movie theater employees usually make it difficult for people to sit through the *complete* film, one way or another.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited May 2008
Just got back from the theatre.
Marvel is going to have a HUGE hit on their hands, here B-)
A great opening night crowd; the film was enthusiastically received---with laughter in all the right places, and cheers/applause throughout...but especially following the post-credits scene.
I'm still processing it all...my only quibble, at the moment, is that I wished the climactic battle would have lasted longer...
But---obviously---there will be other Iron Man pictures...Wow
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 seeing it again - and we both enjoyed this second viewing even more.
We caught the film in a digital DLP auditorium this time and the difference over traditional film projectors was night and day: whereas our first viewing was often blurry, shaky and washed out, the digital projection yielded a crystal clear picture with vibrant colors and much better resolution of tracking and panning shots.
The sound system was also about 100 times better; there's a scene in the film where Rhodie whispers something into Tony Stark's ear and you can actually make out what he says.
From now on, when it comes to these types of movies, it's digital or nothing for us.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited May 2008
Well my son and I just got back from viewing Iron Man along with 3 of my Art class students and one of their dads. A good time was had by all but my son and I decided to disect the film enroute to the house in our customary fashion...
...Surprisingly we weren't too far off with our views. That's a rarity with us but it does happen.
Like Tony said yesterday, the trailers shown before the show looked fantastic; TDK & The Incredible Hulk especially. B-)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Well my son and I just got back from viewing Iron Man along with 3 of my Art class students and one of their dads. A good time was had by all but my son and I decided to disect the film enroute to the house in our customary fashion...
...Surprisingly we weren't too far off with our views. That's a rarity with us but it does happen.
So you two dissected it ... and? I smell a Batman Fanboy getting ready to nitpick a very good movie.
Like Tony said yesterday, the trailers shown before the show looked fantastic; TDK & The Incredible Hulk especially. B-)
They showed the new Indiana Jones trailer before today's movie and I've got to say, we thought it fell pretty flat.
Just as an FYI, I bought the Iron Man game for the Xbox 360 and my brother has already spent about $300 on an Iron Man Costume Card with a piece of the Mach III Armor and a John Favreau Card. He's actively hunting down a Robert Downey Jr. Autograph Card (currently going for around $300); all from Rittenhouse archives.
Oh, and what do you think of my new sig?
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Well my son and I just got back from viewing Iron Man along with 3 of my Art class students and one of their dads. A good time was had by all but my son and I decided to disect the film enroute to the house in our customary fashion...
...Surprisingly we weren't too far off with our views. That's a rarity with us but it does happen.
So you two dissected it ... and?
Like Tony said yesterday, the trailers shown before the show looked fantastic; TDK & The Incredible Hulk especially. B-)
Just as an FYI, my brother has already spend about $300 on an Iron Man Costume Card with a piece of the Mach III Armor and a John Favreau Card. He's actively hunting down a Robert Downey Jr. Autograph Card (currently going for around $300); all from Rittenhouse archives.
Oh, and what do you think of my new sig?
First of all: LOVE THE SIG! {[]
As to what my fanboy son had to say, it was good but there wasn't enough IM. We both agreed that the ending was a little lame but the scene after the credits sort of made up for that part.
Downey, Jr. fits the part of Tony Stark about as perfectly as Bale does Bruce Wayne. I want to recant my crit on Paltrow because she cleaned up nicely in this on the big screen...I was thinking dirty thoughts so to speak.
My son and another kid were drooling over another choice sequence in the first part.
I don't want to ruin it for anyone but you get your money's worth easily.
The thing that we both agree on is that it isn't the best comic book movie out there (we think either Begins or Spider-Man 1 is) but it's really high on the rung I will admit.
Most of the credit goes to Downey IMO. He can carry a film that seems to put your foot to sleep in places...
I loved this one part in it but I can't say it! THANKS, DAN! X-(
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I don't know about you guys, but we also got a trailer for The Spirit...oddly, it featured music from Ennio Morricone's score from The Untouchables...anybody else notice?
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
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I don't know about you guys, but we also got a trailer for The Spirit...oddly, it featured music from Ennio Morricone's score from The Untouchables...anybody else notice?
Yes, Loeff. It was the first trailer shown here...
I hate that they hacked Morricone for a Miller project though... 8-)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Rogue, believe it or not, I actually agree with most of what you said. Downey's great, Paltrow is great, the finale was good but could have been better.
I would have liked to have seen more of the armors as well, but it's an origin film and you can level the same complaint at lots of comics films. Don't forget that it took Bale a good hour before he got into the batsuit. Likewise, you really have to sit thru a good chunk of Spiderman before you finally see the classic blue and red suit.
I do not agree that Spiderman 1 is better than IM; for my money, IM is light years ahead of Mr. & Mrs. Angst. I'm sure it comes down to personal preference but I cannot stand all the crying, relationship hangups and high school melodrama in Spiderman. The CGI in the film is also very lacking compared to IM. Spiderman often looks like a CGI character with unraelistic moves no mass to him; IM's transitions between live action and CG were much more seamless to my eyes.
As to Batman Begins, it's a tossup. Both are solid films with a great cast. Personally, I preferred Iron Man's aesthetic and it's balance of humor and seriousness to Begins which I still believe takes itself too seriously. Begins also lost some points with me because I did not care for its look all that much.
Glad you like the sig. My Animation Shop skills are slowly improving. I'll have to try mixing clips from different sources next. Maybe an Iron Man owns Spiderman clip. :v
Loeffs, yes they showed The Spirit in front of today's digital presentation. I noticed the Morricone score - kind of jarring to me since I associate it so closely with The Untouchables.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
As to what my fanboy son had to say, it was good but there wasn't enough IM.
That's fair enough...but it's always an issue with an origin story---we're usually well into Act 2 before we get the 'full costume' effect. BB was that way as well. Like I said, the final confrontation felt a bit short...
In reference to that last (post-credit) scene...
We know The Incredible Hulk is going to tie in...at what point do they find Captain America trapped in the ice in the arctic circle? Or do they put out a CA pic from WWII, leave him in the ice at the end and then go full-bore with an Avengers pic?? Aren't they doing something with Ant-Man?
Inquiring minds want to know :v
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
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I do not agree that Spiderman 1 is better than IM; for my money, IM is light years ahead of Mr. & Mrs. Angst. I'm sure it comes down to personal preference but I cannot stand all the crying, relationship hangups and high school angst in Spiderman.
I'm sorry, man but this has me laughing too hard.
) ) ) )
He's reading it and frowning up. He thinks it's criminal not to like Spider-Man in any form. Expect more of that from the geek sisters come Monday, Tony. ) )
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
We know The Incredible Hulk is going to tie in...at what point do they find Captain America trapped in the ice in the arctic circle? Or do they put out a CA pic from WWII, leave him in the ice at the end and then go full-bore with an Avengers pic?? Aren't they doing something with Ant-Man?
Inquiring minds want to know :v
There was an article over at hollywoodreporter.com which examined what may be next for Marvel. Captain America is mentioned as being a potential strong property in the US but it is still somewhat in a state of flux because of fears over how the character may be percieved overseas (now a big part of the box office).
Any script involving Captain America will have to be very carefully written. I still think you can show him in a favorable light as a patriot who only wants to do good but given the current climate, his imminent appearance and participation in any future movies is still up in the air.
I do not agree that Spiderman 1 is better than IM; for my money, IM is light years ahead of Mr. & Mrs. Angst. I'm sure it comes down to personal preference but I cannot stand all the crying, relationship hangups and high school angst in Spiderman.
I'm sorry, man but this has me laughing too hard.
) ) ) )
He's reading it and frowning up. He thinks it's criminal not to like Spider-Man in any form. Expect more of that from the geek sisters come Monday, Tony. ) )
Sorry Rogue but I have to stick to my principals. It goes back to what I told you long ago about how I percieve these movies: they should be adult clashes of titans, not The Real World with webshooters. Introducing The Mundane into the mix automatically diminishes it for us (thus our cool reaction to X-Men 1 and 2 as well) and the reason we DC fanboys can still enjoy films like Iron Man, Daredevil, Ghostrider and X-Men 3 is because they largely skirt those types of ho-hum issues.
Pray that Batman never starts crying over being dumped by his girlfriend, the world may not survive our wrath.
Come to think of it, for a couple of DC fans, we have a healthy collection of Marvel films: Daredevil, Punisher, FF#1, FF#2, Ghost Rider, X-Men 3. Ang Lee's Hulk is on its way to BluRay and Iron Man is as good as bought. No Spiderman flicks in the collection though; the big brother refuses to even look at them.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
There was an article over at hollywoodreporter.com which examined what may be next for Marvel. Captain America is mentioned as being a potential strong property in the US but it is still somewhat in a state of flux because of fears over how the character may be percieved overseas (now a big part of the box office).
Any script involving Captain America will have to be very carefully written. I still think you can show him in a favorable light as a patriot who only wants to do good but given the current climate, his imminent appearance and participation in any future movies is still up in the air.
I'm sure.
I wish they'd give me a shot at it. If they start with him being found in the Arctic circle, there's a great story of redemption and recovered personal worth to be had there.
But they really need a one-shot WWII story vs. the Nazis to contextualize what follows...probably won't happen...cajones, it seems, are at a premium in all necessary quarters just now
Re: Spider-Man...let's not forget that angst (teen-, and otherwise) and ordinary, real-life problems have always been trappings of Spidey's character. Stan wrote him that way...so I can't really fault the films for being faithful in that regard.
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
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Any script involving Captain America will have to be very carefully written. I still think you can show him in a favorable light as a patriot who only wants to do good but given the current climate, his imminent appearance and participation in any future movies is still up in the air.
...and that is the sad part. Some people can't separate fantasy from reality.
Captain America DESERVES a good, decent film because the character is soooo awesome to me.
With WINGS on his mask...Not that Ultimate universe crap. X-(
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Re: Spider-Man...let's not forget that angst (teen-, and otherwise) and ordinary, real-life problems have always been trappings of Spidey's character. Stan wrote him that way...so I can't really fault the films for being faithful in that regard.
You know, I've got to admit that I always thought Raimi took the angst and suffering way too far in his movies. Now, I haven't read the books in 25 years and maybe things are different today. But when I did read Spidey, he did have issues, but he was never the dishrag we saw in the movies, especially Spiderman 2 where he's seemingly humiliated at every turn.
I know this isn't a popular view, but I actually feel Raimi did the character a disservice by steamrolling Parker so much. In some ways, I actually like Spiderman 3 the best because even though Parker still gets put thru the wringer he actually does something about it (even if it is because of the symbiot) and comes thru at the end as a stronger character who is finally accepted.
Captain America DESERVES a good, decent film because the character is soooo awesome to me.
With WINGS on his mask...Not that Ultimate universe crap. X-(
And he should be played by Aaron Eckhardt. ( Sorry, I just couldn't resist ) )
Next to Iron Man, Cap was my favorite hero when I was little. I'd say my comics collection from the 1970's was 45% Iron Man, 40% Captain America and 15% everything else. So, needless to say, I'd love to see a proper Captain America movie.
And, like Loeffs, I'd love to see the first film be a WWII period piece (that would also be a neat way to circumvent the overseas sentiments). Sadly, I don't see that happening. In a best case scenario, he'll be presented as a contemporary hero completely free of any government affiliations.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited May 2008
Guys, did you feel a little down over that Jarvis thing? It wasn't a total downer but I was thinking along more old school lines I guess...
And as far as Cap is concerned, Tony...I'm about as big a fan of him as you. I have an entire box of Cap comics from the 60s, 70s , 80s & 90s in my studio closet. {[]
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Guys, did you feel a little down over that Jarvis thing? It wasn't a total downer but I was thinking along more old school lines I guess...
I know where you're coming from Rogue, but I don't think a human Jarvis would have fit into this film; Pepper Potts basically functions as Stark's right hand and conscience, and having Jarvis the butler there as well would have been somewhat superfluous and would have needlessly complicated the plot.
Also, having a butler/friend/confidante around would have inevitably brought about all kinds of unwanted comparisons to Batman and Alfred. In the end, I understand why they went the way the did and I agree with them.
And as far as Cap is concerned, Tony...I'm about as big a fan of him as you. I have an entire box of Cap comics from the 60s, 70s , 80s & 90s in my studio closet. {[]
Sadly, all my Cap comics from the 70's are long gone. I had some beauties (as well as some memorable issues of Spiderman including Gwen Stacy's death) and took good care of them but they were lost in the early 80's, probably when we moved into our current home.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited May 2008
A Captain America movie can be made---vs the Nazis in WWII. When he emerges from the ice into modern day America, his initial inability to grasp today's 'greys'---with a 1940's 'black and white' sense of morality---is the stuff of great dramatic conflict. It would be all about him finding his way in the modern world, and the producers could handle it in any number of ways. Unfortunately, I doubt anyone has the stones for it.
I will say this: I'm not sure I can accept any so-called take on "The Avengers" without him.
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
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
According to Boxofficemojo.com, Iron Man made over $104 million in the US over the weekend; and nearly $97 million overseas; in total, an astounding $201 million in just three days. It has already recouped its production budget and a good portion of its marketing budget.
Not bad for what many dismissed as a secondary Marvel character.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited May 2008
I do realize that it's ridiculously early to inquire on this but is there any projection as to when the DVD will be available?... non-bootleg of course.
Maybe by October, November?
I can't imagine all the Special Features this one will have. At least I hope it does. B-)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I do realize that it's ridiculously early to inquire on this but is there any projection as to when the DVD will be available?... non-bootleg of course.
Maybe by October, November?
I can't imagine all the Special Features this one will have. At least I hope it does. B-)
You know, I was thinking the same thing. I'd say October sounds about right; definitely before Christmas for sure. As for me, I'll be holding out for the BluRay edition. Luckily, Paramount is once again making BluRays and I'm sure this will be one of their premier titles heading into the holidays.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I do realize that it's ridiculously early to inquire on this but is there any projection as to when the DVD will be available?... non-bootleg of course.
Maybe by October, November?
The no-frills vanilla edition will be out by then, if not sooner. The 3-disc Cynical Special Edition---in order to get that precious extra gob of cash from the fanboys with extra disposable income---will come out sometime later.
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
Big comic book fan. Mostly from the 70's to early 90's. Not that big of the Iron Man fan in his own book, always liked him better as part of a team.
Great movie and maybe as good as Superman The Movie (favorite) I thought for once they improved upon the original concept, while also remaining faithful to his true origins. The cast was excellent and the story was good, and very entertaining.
The armor works so much better than all the any other superhero costumes, and really makes the film better.
I almost hope they do not make a sequel because I can not see them improving on this one.
Anyway here would be my top 10 superhero flicks.
Superman The Movie
Spider-Man 2
Iron Man
Spider-Man
The Incredibles
X-Men 2
Batman Begins
Hellboy
Batman (Hell you could call it Joker)
Unbreakable.
In light of Iron Man's box office performance over the weekend, a sequel is almost a sure thing at this point. All of the main cast (Downey, Paltrow, Howard) are also signed to three picture deals, which should make things a little easier.
I'm looking forward to a sequel, but I'll admit that I'm not wild about the idea of exploring Stark's alcoholism. While it's a big part of the character's history in the comics, I fear it will just drag the movie down and upset that nice balance of humor and seriousness that this first one managed to attain.
I wonder who the villain of the next one will be. Having another armored foe like Titanium Man would probably be a bad idea at this point. Most of Iron Man's other foes are too lightweight or too fanciful to put up on the big screen without some significant makeovers. I've never been much of a fan of the Mandarin - too mystical for my tastes - although given some of the hints dropped in the film, I wouldn't be surprised if he shows up in some capacity, possibly along with some of IM's other foes in secondary roles or some serious hardware like Ultimo, requiring more than one set of armors to defeat.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I'm looking forward to a sequel, but I'll admit that I'm not wild about the idea of exploring Stark's alcoholism. While it's a big part of the character's history in the comics, I fear it will just drag the movie down and upset that nice balance of humor and seriousness that this first one managed to attain.
A little too "Spider-Man" for your palate with the angst aspect, Tony? ) Well I think it would be cool if they stayed kind of close to the source material because Downey could deliver it brilliantly IMO. They said that it would be explored anyway in a sequel so go for it.
I have a feeling that when they do, this opens the window for Rhodes' War Machine to sort of fill in during Stark's downward spiral into inebriation within a two-hour arc. The breadcrumb was thrown out there was Howard saying "Next time, baby!" as he's looking at the MKII armor.
I like War Machine so I hope that he makes an appearance. B-)
I wonder who the villain of the next one will be. Having another armored foe like Titanium Man would probably be a bad idea at this point. Most of Iron Man's other foes are too lightweight or too fanciful to put up on the big screen without some significant makeovers. I've never been much of a fan of the Mandarin - too mystical for my tastes - although given some of the hints dropped in the film, I wouldn't be surprised if he shows up in some capacity, possibly along with some of IM's other foes in secondary roles or some serious hardware like Ultimo, requiring more than one set of armors to defeat.
Here's the problem with IM becoming a solid franchise within his little realm: Lame bad guys. Most comic fans, who know of the hero on the surface, couldn't name three solid candidates to wage chaos on IM if you asked them.
You might not like the mystical trappings that he brings but Mandarin is cool. Period.
Then there's The Grey Gargoyle...nah, Whirlwind? Sort of a joke there... yeah, it's got to be MANDARIN. B-)
Of course I would LOVE to see Shellhead take on The Incredible Hulk in an apparent sequel.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I'm looking forward to a sequel, but I'll admit that I'm not wild about the idea of exploring Stark's alcoholism. While it's a big part of the character's history in the comics, I fear it will just drag the movie down and upset that nice balance of humor and seriousness that this first one managed to attain.
A little too "Spider-Man" for your palate with the angst aspect, Tony? ) Well I think it would be cool if they stayed kind of close to the source material because Downey could deliver it brilliantly IMO. They said that it would be explored anyway in a sequel so go for it.
I have a feeling that when they do, this opens the window for Rhodes' War Machine to sort of fill in during Stark's downward spiral into inebriation within a two-hour arc. The breadcrumb was thrown out there was Howard saying "Next time, baby!" as he's looking at the MKII armor.
I like War Machine so I hope that he makes an appearance. B-)
I wonder who the villain of the next one will be. Having another armored foe like Titanium Man would probably be a bad idea at this point. Most of Iron Man's other foes are too lightweight or too fanciful to put up on the big screen without some significant makeovers. I've never been much of a fan of the Mandarin - too mystical for my tastes - although given some of the hints dropped in the film, I wouldn't be surprised if he shows up in some capacity, possibly along with some of IM's other foes in secondary roles or some serious hardware like Ultimo, requiring more than one set of armors to defeat.
Here's the problem with IM becoming a solid franchise within his little realm: Lame bad guys. Most comic fans, who know of the hero on the surface, couldn't name three solid candidates to wage chaos on IM if you asked them.
You might not like the mystical trappings that he brings but Mandarin is cool. Period.
Then there's The Grey Gargoyle...nah, Whirlwind? Sort of a joke there... yeah, it's got to be MANDARIN. B-)
Of course I would LOVE to see Shellhead take on The Incredible Hulk in an apparent sequel.
I'm sure the Mandarin will be one of the villians in upcoming IM films. They'll just change him like Batman Begins changed Ras Al Ghul. They'll take out the mystical elements and bring him up to date as a contemporary modern day villain with some sort of mysterious past that will harken back in some way to the comic books.
Comments
The crowd was pretty quiet although we did catch a very early showing that I don't think a lot of people knew about. I heard a few "that looks better than the last one" comments. TDK on the other hand got no response at all, not even Alfred's Lamborghini joke at the end. It was probably a Marvel-centric bunch.
Getting back to Iron Man, there are now 140 reviews up on RottenTomatoes.com and the movie has an astounding 94% positive rating; right now it's the highest rated movie of the year - for any genre. Wow!
That's odd because the Marvel geeks called me to let me hear the cheers for TDK trailer by holding the phone out to the audience.
Those two were booing of course.
They asked me to go with them but as much as I love em both, their geek meter is way off of the charts...even for a married guy like myself.
I'll bet that a Mandarin statue will be on his desk come Monday morning.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Same here. It's not that hard to explain; there are several, equally valid reasons: I've paid for the ticket and that entitles me to the complete film and most importantly, I feel I ought to honour, first of all, the composer, who quite often will offer score specifically for the end credits, along with all the other people who've toiled for the film. The problem with IM was that I was in a hurry and had to leave, so I caught that scene in a youtube bootleg, but anyway, for the most part, movie theater employees usually make it difficult for people to sit through the *complete* film, one way or another.
Marvel is going to have a HUGE hit on their hands, here B-)
A great opening night crowd; the film was enthusiastically received---with laughter in all the right places, and cheers/applause throughout...but especially following the post-credits scene.
I'm still processing it all...my only quibble, at the moment, is that I wished the climactic battle would have lasted longer...
But---obviously---there will be other Iron Man pictures...Wow
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
We caught the film in a digital DLP auditorium this time and the difference over traditional film projectors was night and day: whereas our first viewing was often blurry, shaky and washed out, the digital projection yielded a crystal clear picture with vibrant colors and much better resolution of tracking and panning shots.
The sound system was also about 100 times better; there's a scene in the film where Rhodie whispers something into Tony Stark's ear and you can actually make out what he says.
From now on, when it comes to these types of movies, it's digital or nothing for us.
...Surprisingly we weren't too far off with our views. That's a rarity with us but it does happen.
Like Tony said yesterday, the trailers shown before the show looked fantastic; TDK & The Incredible Hulk especially. B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
So you two dissected it ... and? I smell a Batman Fanboy getting ready to nitpick a very good movie.
They showed the new Indiana Jones trailer before today's movie and I've got to say, we thought it fell pretty flat.
Just as an FYI, I bought the Iron Man game for the Xbox 360 and my brother has already spent about $300 on an Iron Man Costume Card with a piece of the Mach III Armor and a John Favreau Card. He's actively hunting down a Robert Downey Jr. Autograph Card (currently going for around $300); all from Rittenhouse archives.
Oh, and what do you think of my new sig?
First of all: LOVE THE SIG! {[]
As to what my fanboy son had to say, it was good but there wasn't enough IM. We both agreed that the ending was a little lame but the scene after the credits sort of made up for that part.
Downey, Jr. fits the part of Tony Stark about as perfectly as Bale does Bruce Wayne. I want to recant my crit on Paltrow because she cleaned up nicely in this on the big screen...I was thinking dirty thoughts so to speak.
My son and another kid were drooling over another choice sequence in the first part.
I don't want to ruin it for anyone but you get your money's worth easily.
The thing that we both agree on is that it isn't the best comic book movie out there (we think either Begins or Spider-Man 1 is) but it's really high on the rung I will admit.
Most of the credit goes to Downey IMO. He can carry a film that seems to put your foot to sleep in places...
I loved this one part in it but I can't say it! THANKS, DAN! X-(
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Yes, Loeff. It was the first trailer shown here...
I hate that they hacked Morricone for a Miller project though... 8-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I would have liked to have seen more of the armors as well, but it's an origin film and you can level the same complaint at lots of comics films. Don't forget that it took Bale a good hour before he got into the batsuit. Likewise, you really have to sit thru a good chunk of Spiderman before you finally see the classic blue and red suit.
I do not agree that Spiderman 1 is better than IM; for my money, IM is light years ahead of Mr. & Mrs. Angst. I'm sure it comes down to personal preference but I cannot stand all the crying, relationship hangups and high school melodrama in Spiderman. The CGI in the film is also very lacking compared to IM. Spiderman often looks like a CGI character with unraelistic moves no mass to him; IM's transitions between live action and CG were much more seamless to my eyes.
As to Batman Begins, it's a tossup. Both are solid films with a great cast. Personally, I preferred Iron Man's aesthetic and it's balance of humor and seriousness to Begins which I still believe takes itself too seriously. Begins also lost some points with me because I did not care for its look all that much.
Glad you like the sig. My Animation Shop skills are slowly improving. I'll have to try mixing clips from different sources next. Maybe an Iron Man owns Spiderman clip. :v
Loeffs, yes they showed The Spirit in front of today's digital presentation. I noticed the Morricone score - kind of jarring to me since I associate it so closely with The Untouchables.
That's fair enough...but it's always an issue with an origin story---we're usually well into Act 2 before we get the 'full costume' effect. BB was that way as well. Like I said, the final confrontation felt a bit short...
In reference to that last (post-credit) scene...
Inquiring minds want to know :v
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I'm sorry, man but this has me laughing too hard.
He's reading it and frowning up. He thinks it's criminal not to like Spider-Man in any form. Expect more of that from the geek sisters come Monday, Tony.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
There was an article over at hollywoodreporter.com which examined what may be next for Marvel. Captain America is mentioned as being a potential strong property in the US but it is still somewhat in a state of flux because of fears over how the character may be percieved overseas (now a big part of the box office).
Any script involving Captain America will have to be very carefully written. I still think you can show him in a favorable light as a patriot who only wants to do good but given the current climate, his imminent appearance and participation in any future movies is still up in the air.
Sorry Rogue but I have to stick to my principals. It goes back to what I told you long ago about how I percieve these movies: they should be adult clashes of titans, not The Real World with webshooters. Introducing The Mundane into the mix automatically diminishes it for us (thus our cool reaction to X-Men 1 and 2 as well) and the reason we DC fanboys can still enjoy films like Iron Man, Daredevil, Ghostrider and X-Men 3 is because they largely skirt those types of ho-hum issues.
Pray that Batman never starts crying over being dumped by his girlfriend, the world may not survive our wrath.
Come to think of it, for a couple of DC fans, we have a healthy collection of Marvel films: Daredevil, Punisher, FF#1, FF#2, Ghost Rider, X-Men 3. Ang Lee's Hulk is on its way to BluRay and Iron Man is as good as bought. No Spiderman flicks in the collection though; the big brother refuses to even look at them.
I'm sure.
I wish they'd give me a shot at it. If they start with him being found in the Arctic circle, there's a great story of redemption and recovered personal worth to be had there.
But they really need a one-shot WWII story vs. the Nazis to contextualize what follows...probably won't happen...cajones, it seems, are at a premium in all necessary quarters just now
Re: Spider-Man...let's not forget that angst (teen-, and otherwise) and ordinary, real-life problems have always been trappings of Spidey's character. Stan wrote him that way...so I can't really fault the films for being faithful in that regard.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
...and that is the sad part. Some people can't separate fantasy from reality.
Captain America DESERVES a good, decent film because the character is soooo awesome to me.
With WINGS on his mask...Not that Ultimate universe crap. X-(
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
You know, I've got to admit that I always thought Raimi took the angst and suffering way too far in his movies. Now, I haven't read the books in 25 years and maybe things are different today. But when I did read Spidey, he did have issues, but he was never the dishrag we saw in the movies, especially Spiderman 2 where he's seemingly humiliated at every turn.
I know this isn't a popular view, but I actually feel Raimi did the character a disservice by steamrolling Parker so much. In some ways, I actually like Spiderman 3 the best because even though Parker still gets put thru the wringer he actually does something about it (even if it is because of the symbiot) and comes thru at the end as a stronger character who is finally accepted.
And he should be played by Aaron Eckhardt. ( Sorry, I just couldn't resist
Next to Iron Man, Cap was my favorite hero when I was little. I'd say my comics collection from the 1970's was 45% Iron Man, 40% Captain America and 15% everything else. So, needless to say, I'd love to see a proper Captain America movie.
And, like Loeffs, I'd love to see the first film be a WWII period piece (that would also be a neat way to circumvent the overseas sentiments). Sadly, I don't see that happening. In a best case scenario, he'll be presented as a contemporary hero completely free of any government affiliations.
And as far as Cap is concerned, Tony...I'm about as big a fan of him as you. I have an entire box of Cap comics from the 60s, 70s , 80s & 90s in my studio closet. {[]
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I know where you're coming from Rogue, but I don't think a human Jarvis would have fit into this film; Pepper Potts basically functions as Stark's right hand and conscience, and having Jarvis the butler there as well would have been somewhat superfluous and would have needlessly complicated the plot.
Also, having a butler/friend/confidante around would have inevitably brought about all kinds of unwanted comparisons to Batman and Alfred. In the end, I understand why they went the way the did and I agree with them.
Sadly, all my Cap comics from the 70's are long gone. I had some beauties (as well as some memorable issues of Spiderman including Gwen Stacy's death) and took good care of them but they were lost in the early 80's, probably when we moved into our current home.
I will say this: I'm not sure I can accept any so-called take on "The Avengers" without him.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
100% agree. Otherwise it's a waste of everyone's time.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Not bad for what many dismissed as a secondary Marvel character.
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ironman.htm
Maybe by October, November?
I can't imagine all the Special Features this one will have. At least I hope it does. B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
You know, I was thinking the same thing. I'd say October sounds about right; definitely before Christmas for sure. As for me, I'll be holding out for the BluRay edition. Luckily, Paramount is once again making BluRays and I'm sure this will be one of their premier titles heading into the holidays.
The no-frills vanilla edition will be out by then, if not sooner. The 3-disc Cynical Special Edition---in order to get that precious extra gob of cash from the fanboys with extra disposable income---will come out sometime later.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Great movie and maybe as good as Superman The Movie (favorite) I thought for once they improved upon the original concept, while also remaining faithful to his true origins. The cast was excellent and the story was good, and very entertaining.
The armor works so much better than all the any other superhero costumes, and really makes the film better.
I almost hope they do not make a sequel because I can not see them improving on this one.
Anyway here would be my top 10 superhero flicks.
Superman The Movie
Spider-Man 2
Iron Man
Spider-Man
The Incredibles
X-Men 2
Batman Begins
Hellboy
Batman (Hell you could call it Joker)
Unbreakable.
3,458 Fantactic Four
3,459 FF2
This is a great idea, I would break it up into 2 movies (we all know how well part 3 works in superhero movies)
I'm looking forward to a sequel, but I'll admit that I'm not wild about the idea of exploring Stark's alcoholism. While it's a big part of the character's history in the comics, I fear it will just drag the movie down and upset that nice balance of humor and seriousness that this first one managed to attain.
I wonder who the villain of the next one will be. Having another armored foe like Titanium Man would probably be a bad idea at this point. Most of Iron Man's other foes are too lightweight or too fanciful to put up on the big screen without some significant makeovers. I've never been much of a fan of the Mandarin - too mystical for my tastes - although given some of the hints dropped in the film, I wouldn't be surprised if he shows up in some capacity, possibly along with some of IM's other foes in secondary roles or some serious hardware like Ultimo, requiring more than one set of armors to defeat.
A little too "Spider-Man" for your palate with the angst aspect, Tony?
I have a feeling that when they do, this opens the window for Rhodes' War Machine to sort of fill in during Stark's downward spiral into inebriation within a two-hour arc. The breadcrumb was thrown out there was Howard saying "Next time, baby!" as he's looking at the MKII armor.
I like War Machine so I hope that he makes an appearance. B-)
Here's the problem with IM becoming a solid franchise within his little realm: Lame bad guys. Most comic fans, who know of the hero on the surface, couldn't name three solid candidates to wage chaos on IM if you asked them.
You might not like the mystical trappings that he brings but Mandarin is cool. Period.
Then there's The Grey Gargoyle...nah, Whirlwind? Sort of a joke there... yeah, it's got to be MANDARIN. B-)
Of course I would LOVE to see Shellhead take on The Incredible Hulk in an apparent sequel.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I'm sure the Mandarin will be one of the villians in upcoming IM films. They'll just change him like Batman Begins changed Ras Al Ghul. They'll take out the mystical elements and bring him up to date as a contemporary modern day villain with some sort of mysterious past that will harken back in some way to the comic books.