Saturday, May 3, 2008

Iron Man (2008)


Loved it. I am always a fan of the movies based on the Marvel and DC comics. I even liked Ang Lee's Hulk movie, which many viewers did not like. Therefore, I was going in to the viewing of Iron Man with the expectation of enjoyment and I was not disappointed. I also like Robert Downey, Jr. and keep giving his substance abuse addled self the benefit of the doubt (as do the Hollywood execs who give him a paycheck) and I hope against hope that he'll get his addiction problems in order and start putting out tons of good movies. I am thrilled that rooting for the underdog can pay off so well sometimes! This movie is thoroughly entertaining. I'm not saying, by any means, that it is an intellectual or emotional movie, but it is going to be quite a good time had by all at the movies.

The casting was excellent and I always love Jon Favreau's directing style. Jeff Bridges' character was just like that lovable yet slightly creepy uncle you see at a family reunion and Terrance Howard was Tony Stark's well played reluctant best friend. I have yet to find a role where I did not enjoy Gwyneth Paltrow's performance (having avoided ever seeing Hush or View from the Top) and this is another of her understated but well played movies. I do worry that she's possibly in a bit of a rut with casting since I kept thinking about Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (another movie I quite enjoyed) and it felt weird to think of another movie while watching this one. I must say that until this role I have never found Robert Downey to be a very sexy guy. Something about having a glowing blue arc magnet (or whatever it is called) in his chest has made him into quite a formidible character in that way. A certain je ne sais quoi about him that makes me want to pop open a bottle of champage and hang out in his living room. Anyway, 'nuf said, I know that we will own this movie and watch it again and again.

Just so you know, we are kicking into high gear for the Summer where we live, so I may be off this site for a while. I'll catch up when I can (trust me, I'll still be seeing movies - just not writing about them!!)

The Savages (viewed on 4/28/08)

This movie is quite good. I don't know that I will ever watch this again, but that is mostly because it hit a bit close to home. Laura Linney is wonderful as always. I'll write more later, really I will. I'm getting over a cold.