| |
RATING:  
Iron Man first claimed his place in the Marvel Comics universe in March 1963. Trailing 24 years behind the first appearance of DC Comic superhero Batman, it seems unfortunate that the Iron Man could very well be mistaken for another archetypal crime-fighting character taken off the production line of the caped crusader.
After all, like Batman's alter-ego, Bruce Wayne, Iron Man's Tony Stark is a billionaire industrialist, womaniser and philanthropist who trades his tuxedo for a powered suit of armour in times of crisis.
And like Wayne, a personal traumatic experience propels Stark to take that first step down the evil-busting road.
In the 60s version by writers Stan Lee and Larry Lieber, and artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the comic-book superhero had emerged from the jungles of Vietnam where the United States was embroiled in a war.
To flow with the tide of global politics – or rather, American politics – the movie version has the superhero up against bad guys in Afghanistan.
During a trip to the Taliban stronghold for a presentation of Stark Industries' latest offering to the US army, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is injured and kidnapped by a group of Afghan militants. While in captivity, he is forced to construct a deadly weapon for his captors with the help of fellow prisoner, Yinsen.
In the midst of all this and despite a life-threatening injury, Stark uses his ingenuity to build a suit of armour to escape from his hell-hole. This harrowing ordeal transforms the callous, flamboyant businessman into superhero Iron Man.
Oscar-nominated Downey charms with his charismatic performance in this fast-paced, action-packed film that places more emphasis on Stark's intellect than his newfound sense of mission. His character's transformation, though somewhat believable, lacks conviction due to the strictures of the script.
Unlike the original storyline, there is no mention of Stark's personal chauffeur, Harold "Happy" Hogan, in the movie. Much attention is, however, placed on his good pal, James Rhodes (Terrence Howard), and secretary Virginia "Pepper" Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) as he battles mentor-traitor, Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges).
As the only Oscar winner among notable Oscar nominees – Howard and Bridges included – there is an understated expectation that Paltrow would spruce up her supporting role and deliver a memorable performance. But alas, that is not to be.
Though feisty, her secretarial role hardly sizzles and her onscreen chemistry with Downey fizzles out almost at the start.
But all is not lost in the romance department of this film adaptation of the comic series.
Downey has reportedly signed on to star in three Iron Man movies and if the Batman feature films are anything to go by, his love interests will vary as often as the weapons systems of Stark's suit.
In any case, this is a film that adults and slightly older kids will enjoy, thanks to the impressive show of high-tech devices that will leave them completely enthralled. As for comic-book fans, this movie serves to bring to life innovations that once captivated their imagination.
- CNA/so
|
