IronMan

Every once in a while you come across a movie that does something to you. I think the first one I can recall just being dazzled by was ‘Indiana Jones Raiders Of The Lost Ark”. I was just a kid when I saw that one and I can still remember walking out of the theater with that tingly feeling. You know the one that gets all the hairs on your arm standing up?

Since then, very few have managed to get added to that list. I suspect some of that has to do with getting older and less easy to impress. Despite the years tho, IronMan has managed to bring back that feeling I’ve been missing for a very long time. Back when I was a kid, I would have just called it “Awesome Factor”. Today, we get a bit more specific by discussing things like editing, directing, writing, etc.

In the case of IronMan, the discussion about writing would have to start with the comic book of the same name. The good news is that if you have never picked up a comic book in your life, you are still likely to really enjoy this movie. If you have ever loved an action flick, your not going to be disappointed here.

I have not read the comic version myself, but if the writing in the movie is any indication, I just might have to make a point of reading up.

Your not going to find yourself looking at your watch either. The movie has been edited and shot so that the roller-coaster ride has just the right amount ups, downs and turns to keep you interested without leaving you time to wonder if you locked the doors to your car.

Next, let’s talk about Robert Downey Jr. Whether you are a fan of his previous work or not, let me suggest you take the time to check this performance out. After seeing it, you will be convinced that there is not another soul on the planet who could be Mr. Stark (IronMans alter identity) but Robert Downey, Jr. His transition from womanizing drunk to … well… a more aware womanizing drunk, is believable and leaves you wondering who came first, Stark or Downey.

Then there is the soundtrack. Normally, this kind of thing just sits there and serves as a backdrop to the movie – operating at an almost subconscious level. There is some of that here, but some of the standout music from folks like AC/DC add some very cool punctuation marks to already amazing movie.

I consider myself a pretty tough critic of movies. I am particularly annoyed by bad editing and timing. In my case, once the first scene in the HummVee had rolled by, I was captivated. The amazing thing is that I just saw this movie yesterday, and I will likely see it again today – something I have not done since high school…. that should tell you something!