Iron Man

When watching Iron Man I had to get myself used to the huge screen again, as I'm nowadays used to go to smaller venues where the screens are still big, but apparently far less big than the ones from the Pathé cinemas. Another thing getting used to was the fast cutting and the explosions on screen which causes explosions of flickering light, as well as the shaky camera to capture all the action. Having seen a lot of smaller films lately, most of which are from outside the US, watching a summer blockbuster as Iron Man asks for a whole different way of viewing. But as soon as Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) turns into Iron Man the film takes full flight and turns into a fun thrill ride. Nice performances from both Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow aside, as well as the amazing special effects, Iron Man follows the basic concept which everyone who has seen an adapated Marvel comic for the big screen has come to get used to. There's the young guy turning into a superhero and wanting to better the world, a villain who our superhero will fight at the end, and a young woman who our superhero has a weak for. The entire film is action packed and makes for light summer entertainment. Iron Man succeeds in being a great summer blockbuster which is fun from beginning to end. Downey Jr. is great in the lead role which he fits perfectly. At times it's a bit too unrealistic, especially the beginning feels kind of fake at times and jokes don't always work, but apart from that it's a very solid and fun film from start to finish.

Verdict: Cool summer flick which is not that different from the usual Marvel formula which can be seen in for example the Spider-man trilogy, but it are the performances and incredible special-effects which distinguishes it from earlier Marvel adaptations and make Iron Man tons of fun.