Director: Jon Favreau. Screenplay: Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby and Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, based on Characters created by Stan Lee, Don Heck, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby. Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow. Released: May 2, 2008.
Summary
Iron Man tells how terrorists order weapons manufacturer Tony Stark (Downey) to build a missile for them; Stark instead builds a powered exoskeleton to make his escape, which he later improves. His changed world view brings him into conflict with his mentor, leading to an ironclad showdown.
Comments
Marvel's latest blockbuster adaptation taps cult comic hero Iron Man, played by the superbly acerbic Robert Downey Jr. The deal with Iron Man is that, like Batman, his powers derive not from superhuman ability but rather from an exceptional brain that turns technology into power. Directed by Jon Favreau (Made, Elf, Zathura); Gwyneth Paltrow is his assistant (!); Terrence Howard is a pilot and friend; Jeff Bridges plays a villain. In development for 18 years, Iron Man surpasses the basics of the genre with a smart look and a strong lead performance.
