Tuesday, May 13, 2008

At the Movies: Iron Man

You probably don't need me to tell you to see Iron Man. In fact, you've probably already seen it if you have any interest at all, as it's already made more money than I'll ever see in my lifetime. However, if you are on the fence about the first big blockbuster of the summer movie season, we here at GitW strongly recommend you check it out. We've all seen it and we all really liked it (I think Liz really liked it. We never actually talked about it, even though we saw it together. We went to the bar afterward (I rocked the karaoke mic with some Journey while Liz tended to her very drunk gentleman sidekick) instead of getting some pie and discussing the depths of Tony Stark).

Iron Man is a straight up, good time, comic book movie. I am not a comic book reader, but I love a good comic book movie...especially when it's smart and funny and has someone like Robert Downey Jr. as the superhero. I've always been a huge Robert Downey Jr. fan. He's a terrific actor and Iron Man is really his movie. He brings so much humor and intelligence and even delivers the cheesy superhero one liners with aplomb (50 cents for that word, please). Also along for the ride is Gwyneth Paltrow as Stark's lovely (ginger) personal assistant (after her first scene, I leaned over to Liz and said "Ah, Gwyneth. So nice to see you again." Sure, Gwyneth could be added to Liz's Actresses Most People Hate, but She Loves list, but it's nice to see her back in something worth watching (I'm looking at you, Running with Scissors)). Further credit is due to Jon Faverau for crafting a wonderful film. As Garney said, "Jon Favreau is turning into quite the talented commercial filmmaker." Indeed.

So, yeah, go see Iron Man if you haven't already and be sure to stick around through the end of the credits to see what Dave calls "The Nerdgasam" (and then email him and ask him to explain what the hell it's all about). Or if you've already seen it, let us know what you thought below.

13 comments:

Garney said...

It's the beginning of the Downey / Coogan summer juggernaut... Robert Downey Jr in this, then both in Tropic Thunder, and then Coogan in Hamlet 2.

Dave Harrington said...

RJ-Dizzle fo Shizzle.

Favorite part was the Jim Cramer Mad Money scene, "SELL SELL SELL!!!"

Dave Harrington said...

FYI, Jon Favreau talks epic Avengers nerd-gasm:

http://www.beyondhollywood.com/iron-man-to-lead-into-avengers-movie/

Falwless said...

I've harbored a crush on Jon Favreau ever since Swingers.

I really don't enjoy most of these action/adventure/comic movies. I know, I know, I'm such a girl.

Dave Harrington said...

Well say they did Iron Man versus Snakes on a Plane, you would watch THAT, right?

Liz said...

Snakes on a Plane was my favorite movie of last summer. I stand by it. I liked it better than Iron Man.

Red said...

Fal: I totally heard you re: Jon Favreau. He's so money and he doesn't even know it.

paperback reader said...

I liked the part where you sang Journey. My problem with movies like this: I bet it's good, but I feel the same way about this as I do about "The Kite Runner" - I can't justify spending a few hours on it when I haven't read Madame Bovary/seen The Purple Rose of Cairo.

I am the oldest man alive.

Red said...

Pistols: You haven't see The Purple Rose of Cairo?!?!? Great movie. You need Netflix.

If I ever meet you, I will sing Don't Stop Believin' and I will blow your mind.

feathers said...

luv'd it! it was funny, sexy, exciting, educational, inspiring, and down-right life changing! I laughed, I cried, I became a new person... i am of course talking about Red's version of Don't Stop Believing later that evening after the movie! Phe-nom!!

I also REALLY liked Iron Man!
Fav line: How was the Funvee?


Someone used the word 'aplomb' in a review about me! Admittedly I had to look it up. Should have just called Red!

ah hell, who doesn't love a little shameless self promotion!
"Heather Paton as Ilona Ritter is the other feminine delight. She plays coquettish, angry and loving with equal aplomb (and a first- rate voice to boot)."

Liz said...

I've never heard of this Purple Rose of Cairo business, but having read Madame Bovary in high school English, you'd probably have more fun at Iron Man.

paperback reader said...

Red - I'll look forward to the performance. Liz - probably, but after Vonnegut spoke so highly of it in Palm Sunday, I'll feel ignorant 'til I read it. Plus, then I can pick up on high school chicks, which is what literature's all about.

Liz said...

True dat