The Official Iron Man Rate & Review Thread

[flickchick85]

^Big difference here, though: The critics universally hated Ghost Rider, while Iron Man's getting plenty of raves by the big-time publications.

[YJ1]

Originally Posted by Golgo-13

I hate it that i can't see the poll results until after i vote.

Click the "View Poll Results" in blue at the right hand corner to see without voting.

[Assassin]

I saw this yesterday (Tuesday) at an Audi showing, since Audi is one of the Major (and i mean major if you see all the cars in this film) The CEO of AUDI America was there, so were a few other big wigs.

I really enjoyed this movie. More than all of the spiderman films. It reminds me of x men, really fun and enjoyable, no ******** organics.

[Pile-Ou-Face]

In 6 hours, I would be in my (french) cinema.

[Tony Stark]

Just got back from a special critics screening, that I won passes for. Let me just say....

BEST SUPERHERO FILM EVER!!!!!

Ok, I admit I'm a bit biased for Shellhead, but I am trying to be as objective as possible. Let me just say RDJ gives the best performance ever in a superhero film. I seriously think this film may get him an oscar nomination the same way that Johnny Depp did for Jack Sparrow.

Are there weak points? Yeah, as some of you may have surmised from other reviews, the ending battle goes a little quickly, almost along the lines of Doom vs FF fast from the first FF movie. However there are so many other fanboy cool scenes that make up for it.

This movie is very similar to Transformers in that it will appeal to all age ranges. It doesn't try to target the kiddie crowd ala FF, and it doesn't try to go too Christopher Nolan. There's a balance of both.

For those of you who worry that the humor might be a bit too much don't. RDJ just played it perfectly! It's almost James Bond"ish", IOW he makes an otherwise unlikeable guy likeable. It's just the perfect balance, and I can't really describe it, it's just one of those things you have to see for yourself, but you've certainly gotten a glimpse of from the trailer.

I thought Jeff Bridges was great, and I only wish there was a bit more of him. But I think he'll go down as a memorable villian.

And fanboys are going to love all the easter eggs in this one. I have a feeling with the new Marvel movies we are going to be in for a treat!

[Tony Stark]

Originally Posted by super-bats

harlekin, did you feel an anti-war / anti-US military vibe when you watched IM?

some of the early reviews seem to suggest that that was a subtle theme or tone in the movie......

I'm really excited about the movie, but that might dampen my enthusiasm a bit.......

I know you didn't ask this of me, but let me answer any way...

That would be 100% NO.

I think you'd have to read in really hard to get that tone. Again I don't want to spoil everything for others (cause you only have 1 more day to wait), but I thought the movie was very, very, very careful not to get into alot of contraversy.

I didn't realize that the opening takes place in Afghanistan, I had originally thought going in that it would take place in Iraq. Good move by the producers/director/writers, this movie shouldn't politicize people, and I don't think it does.

In fact the bad guys, are not at all what we're fighting in the real world Afghanistan. They are portrayed more as Imperialists than Terrorists, they want the Iron Man armor to take over the world, not to kill the infadels.

I think the military in the film is portrayed in a very positive light, Terrance Stamp as a prime example.

So basically nothing to worry about here.

[LostSon88]

Originally Posted by Tony Stark

Are there weak points? Yeah, as some of you may have surmised from other reviews, the ending battle goes a little quickly, almost along the lines of Doom vs FF fast from the first FF movie. However there are so many other fanboy cool scenes that make up for it.

Please tell me you're exaggerating...if true that's very discouraging to hear.

I mean, that F4 Final Battle lasted what? 30-40 seconds, tops? Lol.

[Harlekin]

Originally Posted by super-bats

harlekin, did you feel an anti-war / anti-US military vibe when you watched IM?

some of the early reviews seem to suggest that that was a subtle theme or tone in the movie......

I'm really excited about the movie, but that might dampen my enthusiasm a bit.......

No, not at at all. Sure, it deals with the whole arms dealing thing and peace and all that jazz, but I wouldn't say the film is in anyway anti-American. Far from it.

Originally Posted by Golgo-13

Similar kinda vibe as the earlier GR reviews.

........like he doesn't want to be the one who says it wasn't as good as the all Hype. I may be wrong, but it's just a vibe.

No way. I seriously loved the movie.

By the by, they open the movie with AC/DC's "Back in Black"

And the final battle is more than the FF battle, but yeah, in the context of the movie's length, it's a little short.

I live in Phoenix, AZ, and I saw the movie Tuesday night. It was a special sneak-preview at the Harkins Theater in Fashion Square Mall. The movie started at 7pm...

I enjoyed the movie. It beat my expectations, although I purposely tried to keep my expectations low. On a scale of 1 to 100, I would give the movie an 82. I put the movie into the upper echelon of comic-book movies, but that isnt exactly saying too much. Most comic-book movies disappoint me.

Downey Jr was wonderful! He poured his heart and soul into his performance. If you have no expectations of who or what Tony Stark is about, then you will walk away thinking Downey Jr makes an amazing Tony Stark. Downey definitely sold me on the techno-babble, and he made Stark into a witty, caring character. Unfortunately, I was still disappointed in his portrayal of Tony Stark, when compared to the comic-book version. The comic-book verison of Tony Stark is someone who is sophisticated, suave, worldly, devastatingly handsome, and completely sure of himself at all times. Downey often came across as smarmy and irreverent, two qualities you would never find in the comic-book Tony Stark.

The script was overall satisfactory. The plot seemed to get sillier and sillier as the movie moved along, but that's typical in comic-book movies. Big plot holes towards the end (I have trouble with the justification of the F-22s chasing Iron Man, and how did Stane become so proficient with the Iron Monger so quickly?)

The scenes where Stark designs, builds and tests the Mark 2 and Mark 3 armors are fantastic! It's like they stripped those scenes straight from the comic-books (and I should know. I have been collecting Iron Man non-stop for 25 years.) I was as giddy as a school-girl watching those scenes. I think I embarrassed my friend sitting next to me. I dont care though. I had fun watching those scenes.

Gwenyth Paltrow was darn good in this movie. It's so easy to empathize with her. She has always impressed me. Good actors can take mediocre dialog and make it their own. She proves this several times in the film.

I am not sure why Terrance Howard was in this film. Perhaps to set him up as war machine in the next film? His part was unnecessary.

Jeff Bridges was good, but they hamstringed his scenes. In the comic-books, Obadiah is a business genius and a master manipulator. I didnt get that feeling from him in the movie, although it was nice to see a chess-board in Obadiah's living room.

There are at least a dozen little easter-eggs to watch for in the movie. I wont point them all out here, because I dont want to spoil them, and besides, anyone reading this review will be able to spot them on their own anyhow. However, here are two I hope you dont miss..

1. Listen to the music played in the casino when Stark is gambling. If you have ever watched the old Iron Man cartoon from the late 60s, you will recognize the music.

2. Look for a nod to Howard Hughes in Tony's office, later in the film.

This movie is good enough to guarantee sequels. You know War Machine will show up. Considering the amount of drinking Stark does in this movie, and the number of references to alcohol in the film, Stark's alcoholism will also show up in a sequel. Who will be the villain in the next film? No idea. The reference to the Mandarin was so darn thin in this film (at one point the lead terrorist, who wears a very big ruby-ring, refers to his cell as "The Ten Rings." Its the only Mandarin reference in the whole film) that I think it still doesnt set-up the Mandarin to be used in the next film.

Overall, a fun ride, and worthy of your ten bucks. Its a darn good comic-book movie. I pay close attention to box-office numbers, and after seeing this movie, I am sure Iron Man will make 200+ million this summer. Will it break 300 mil? I doubt it, but you never know.

[LexCorp]

Will see it on Saturday - 2pm

Odeon movie complex in England.......

I know it will be good.

[X Knight]

hey, thanks Tony Stark and Harlekin. that makes me feel a little bit better......lol.

[antariss]

Hi Guy's,

I saw Iron Man on monday night at a special multimedia press screening at the Odeon Leicester Square here in London. All I can say is that it was amazing, not perfect but bloody as near as any comic book based movie can ever be. I would put it up there with Batman Begins but they are entirely different movies tonally and concept wise so a comparison would be unfair.

I'm not going to do a detailed reviw but just the main point s that i can remenber plus a little fanboy observations:

SPOILERS BEWARE (not many)

The Good:

• Robert Downey Jr is perfect as Tony Stark and absolutely carries the whole film. He looks like he is enjoying himself and is a pleasure to watch.
• Jeff Bridges as Stane is the most enjoyable villian in a long time, you actually believe this guy is 'bad'. You can spot that he's the bad guy a mile away but you love what he does with the character
• Paltrow is really good, likeable and sweet. Howard is good but noit much for him to do except set up War Machine and show that he is Tony's rock steady military friend.
• CGI is flawless and cannot really tell which is cgi and what is built prop in many scenes (even the PS3 like shot from the trailers is vastly improved).
• Really nice nod to SHIELD, hilarious Stan Lee cameo and hints at things to come if there is a sequel (think Mandarin).
• The last few line's of the movie will BLOW you away (the audience in the cinema clapped at this point)

Bad:

Nothing much really, the fight scene could have been a bit longer and more dynamic
Rhodes could have had a bit more to do and there could have been more reaction to Stane being the bad guy after being Stark's mentor all these years
Ending a little cliche but we know that this is an origin set up but can we avopid endings in cities and public places pleas?!!
Could have seen more of Stark industries offices, there's only one slightly cheap looking shot of a new source of power thats part of the plot.

Ugly:

Nothing. Didn't want it to end. It really was that much fun.

I didn't know what to expect from Iron Man, I have followed comic book movies for years and read all the forum threads on here since the first X-men movie and have been let down too many times to mention (X-3, FF1,etc). But I absolutely loved this film, not specifically as a comic book movie but as a fun, testosterone fuelled film that makes you leave the cinema punching the air and talking up the best bits with your buddies.

I would say please support this film as it will send a clear signal to the suits/studios that we atke these films saeriuously and want to be entertained and treated with intelligence. Favreau has delivered and should make many more of these films, he truly understnads the audience.

Oh, and wathc out for a little refernce to the 60's cartoon via a piece of intsrumental music near the beginning of the movie. I'm not sure if anyone caught it but I rember the cartoon music very well.

[LexCorp]

Now I really want to see it

[antariss]

Apologies for all the typo's - I was writing it in my lunch hour.

[Mauser9910]

Wow ! I had to give it a ten ! It's even better than S-M, S-M2 and X2, I have a hard time believing it !

My expectations were fulfilled, the cast portrayed perfectly the characters, there's a lot of humor and winks. Especially loved the line Rhodey gave when passing in front of the Mark 2 !
Flawless special effects, I haven't rooted for an armor like that since Robocop !
I also loved a lot the music, a very efficient theme.

Don't want to spoil too much guys but MAKE SURE you'll stay put until the very end, it's so worth it !

I'll make sure to see it another time, probably more and I predict the word of mouth is going to be incredible !

[Rocker22]

Mauser,

Spoiler!!! Click to Read!:

are you confirming Fury is after the credits?

Tell us in the Fury thread.

I got to see it last night at Muvico theaters in MD. My buddy works for a radio station so got the free screening the day before. I was about to go see it at midnight tonight...but lucky me. Antariss really summed it up for me as well.

I loved it. It is by far the "funniest" superhero flick that I've seen, but it was tastefully done. Unlike the corny nonsense that was attempted in Spidey 3. Robert Downy absolutely owns as Stark. He's believable as the eccentric and smooth business mogul that has a great time being Iron Man. The special effects were great, but I've seen some other movies with better. Still good though.

This is certainly a start for a successful franchise IMO. It was a great build up of how Iron Man came to be.

It's a def a fun movie. I still like Batman Begins better, but honestly, that's like comparing apples and oranges with the movie theme and style. I'm reluctant to spend $10 at the movies these days, but I would recommend this to anyone including non-superhero fans. There were claps at the end, and there were screening people standing outside of the theater asking viewers what they thought...I didn't hear any complaints. So, I think word of mouth, good reviews, and being the first big flick of the summer will turn in some big $$$ and hopefully a sequel with the same creative team and actors.

[Mauser9910]

Originally Posted by Rocker22

Mauser,

Spoiler!!! Click to Read!:

are you confirming Fury is after the credits?

Tell us in the Fury thread.

I did it a few seconds ago ! Whoa what a coincidence !
If I may add, I was the only one left in the theater and the guy in charge had already lit up the lights around the screen and he switched them off when the scene came !
I showed him my thumb up and clapped ! Great ending.

[Mauser9910]

Oh and I forgot ! :$ Congratulation Jon Favreau, you did so well !

[David33]

Ive seen it today!!!!.WOW!!!!!

BEST COMIC BOOK MOVIE EVER!!!!

Much better than Spider-Man 2.Awesome acting,awesome special effects,
great from start to finish,I cant wait for the sequel!!!!

[Mauser9910]

Glad to see we share the same impression !

[WarBlade]

Just got back from my test screening.

Downsides:

• Iron Man hits the same speed bump as many other origin story comicbook adaptations. It takes a long time to really build up a decent head of steam and by the time it does I found myself thinking I could have used some more excitement earlier in the story.
  
• Another downside I can think of I feel is probably still to soon to talk about, even buried in spoiler tags. Maybe later. I'm sure it will make a discussion point once people start analysing the movie.

Upsides:

• Decent adaptation of the the character. I never collected Iron Man, but did have a few of the comics and was tempted to collect, but had other priorities at the time. The way this story plays was satisfying, at least to my limited knowledge of the subject. One example would be events that play out like a nod to the armour wars - Not the actual subject matter of the comics, but a subtle hint of recognition for elements of Iron Man lore.
  
• The intial flight scene over the city was a real thrill. Somehow I suspect there will be a few people wearing a broad grin and silently saying "Ye-eeah!" as Iron Man Mark II takes to the skies (assuming they remain silent at all).
  
• A pretty cool Iron Man vs. Iron Monger brawl hinted at in the second trailer is much more than the trailer offers and the pair of them get into some pretty lively property damage along the way. Much fun.

I'll rate Iron Man at 3.5/5. I was expecting more after seeing the trailers, but was I got was still pretty good.

PS. For those of you wondering if there are any cross-title mentions, other Marvel names, hints of directions Iron Man may take, I'll say this...

Spoiler!!! Click to Read!:

Yes.

[Pile-Ou-Face]

Originally Posted by Pile-Ou-Face

In 6 hours, I would be in my (french) cinema.

It's a really good movie, not the best super-hero flick of our century, but one of the best. Tony Stark is a really cool character, some scenes are really excellent (the beginning of the movie), but the final battle is not really... epic.

F***ing scene after the credits !

[SpideyZERO]

A very good movie. The flow is pretty good and the visual is just amazing. It's awesome to see Stark building the Iron Man armors and the first appearance of Mark III is just damn awesome!!! I have to buy one or two Iron Man figures after seeing this movie . The characters are great. Tony Stark is kinda comedic but can be serious at some times, he's great together with Pepper, they look cute together .

Maybe the only downside is that the final battle could be a bit better. Iron Man kinda got pwned around and how he won is kinda..well, not satisfying. Also, Rhodes does absolutely nothing in the movie, but there's some tease of he becoming War Machine.

I heard that there's references of Mandarin in the movie. I can't notice any reference until I read a review mentioning the group Ten Rings. That's all. Easy to miss...

Overall, 10/10 for being a very entertaining movie. And I love the Iron Man theme!

[Mauser9910]

Originally Posted by SpideyZERO

I heard that there's references of Mandarin in the movie. I can't notice any reference until I read a review mentioning the group Ten Rings. That's all. Easy to miss...

Spoiler!!! Click to Read!:

Nope ! Note how the bald bad guy keep on playing with his big ring ! Also loved the Whiplash wink.