Iron Man (2008)

Iron Man was Marvel studios first self-financed film and became the first film released in 2008 to pass $300 million at the U.S box office. It was also the last film special effects expert Stan Winston completed before his death. Iron man was the comic book film that went through years of development hell. Universal studios were originally set to make this film in 1990 (so glad they didn't). They ended up selling the rights to 20th Century Fox who then passed it on to New Line Cinema before Marvel finally decided to bankroll the movie themselves. Thankfully they did as who knows when this film would've got made, if at all.

Kudos must go to Marvel for bringing in Jon Favreau to direct and cast actors who, while all great names,  you wouldn't necessarily associate with big summer blockbusters. Jon Favreau brought in the likes of Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man/Tony Stark, Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts (although reports suggest Jon originally wanted Rachel McAdams who turned down the role), acting god Jeff Bridges and relatively unknown Terrance Howard. Jon also asked his good friend Paul Bettany to lend his voice for Starks super computer JARVIS. There's no doubt that Favreau brought in a solid cast of actors.

But what about the story? Origin stories are always tricky to make. They always seem like a feature length movie that's advertising the start of a bigger and better franchise. X-Men definitely suffered from it and even Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins (surely people got the most excited when Batman reveals Jokers calling card?) Origin stories seem to be the way forward when starting a franchise these days. But, James Bond didn't need one, neither did Indiana Jones. I guess it's the sign of the times. If studios know they can make sequels from these films, then what better place to start then right at the very beginning.

That's not to say Iron Man isn't a good film, far from it. In fact it's a very good film. The problem is the film starts to fade once the origin story is complete. It also seems to be in a rush to finish off and start thinking about the sequel. The powerhouse cast don't fail to deliver in this film. Downey Jr is the perfect choice for Tony Stark (the fact that Tom Cruise was originally planning to play Stark does not sit well with me). Downey Jr is great at providing slapstick comedy but also gives Iron Man a soul. Then there's Jeff Bridges, his performance of main villain Obidah Stone is very bullish and convincing. Finally we have Gwyneth Paltrow who gives the film it's warmth and the scenes with Downey Jr have great chemistry. The suit itself is fantastic and ILM should be applauded for another great piece of work.

The only minor let down is the action scenes are too short. The final showdown is over far too quickly and the action scenes before that don't really show the Iron Man suit at it's full potential (Iron Man vs the Taliban, only one winner). But, it's a disappointment that's doesn't hinder the enjoyment of this film. If Iron man turned out to be a complete dud and failed miserably at the box office then there simply wouldn't be a Thor or Captain America or  Avengers movie. Thankfully Marvels gamble paid off.

Iron Man is a very enjoyable film that has great cast and a director who showed he can handle big summer blockbusters. Surely the sequel will be even better.....