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Ambush Bug wants to be IRON MAN when he grows up!
SPOILER ALERT !!
I AM IRON MANNNN!!!!
Well, I’m not. But after seeing this movie, I wish I was!
I’m actually Ambush Bug from AICN Comics. Having read almost every IRON MAN comic since the original series and reviewed my fair share of Iron Man-centric books through the years, one might say I’m a bit of a fan. Although I’m not a fan of the way Tony Stark has been portrayed recently in comics (as a complete control freak fascist/nanite infected robot-man/out of control douchebag), I do have to say, I was stoked when I found out I’d have a chance to see the film last Monday at AICN’s Chicago Premiere put together by Capone. All of the previews I had seen continued to inspire hope that the people behind this one would get the movie right. So when the lights faded and I saw the movie start right in the middle of the action with Tony Stark being caught in the blast of an enemy missile bearing the name of his own company, I have to say, I felt pretty good that the stoked feeling I walked in with wasn’t going to fade.
And I’m happy to say it didn’t fade throughout the entire film.
I know by now there have been numerous reviews on this site by Mori and Harry and the rest—all giving their personal takes. But having been a comic fan through most of my life and having been burned by Hollywood most of that life too, I thought I’d offer another perspective to the site as a die hard comic book fan savvy to the Iron Man of old all the way up until the latest issue that dropped two weeks ago.
Let me get this in right now. I’m not a big fan of the origin film. I know every audience must be introduced to the character, but although the originals were good, I prefer SPIDER-MAN 2 to the first film. Same with X-MEN. I think once the origin is out of the way, the people bringing the comic to life on screen have more freedom to explore, expand, and make it a thing unto itself, rather than just shot for shot remake the actions from the comic. Although, I hate changes for changes sake where the filmmaker wants to make this his SPIDER-MAN and not THE SPIDER-MAN (can we say organic webshooters, Mr’s Cameron and Raimi?), I do understand that when a comic is translated into film, certain tweaks must be made for that transition to occur.
Happily, that’s really not much of the case here. Director John Favreau and his writing team have taken the core elements of the story and schmelded them with a hammer and tongs in a cave somewhere in Afghanistan and created, to me, a pretty rock solid super hero film.
What makes this film so good first and foremost is the acting, but I’ll get to that in a minute. First, Favreau has to be commended for being a director that shines in two particular ways:
1. Favreau knows his strengths and uses them well. Favreau has proven he can make with the fun, witty and light banter. There are quite a few scenes where Favreau lets the actors have fun with the characters. There’s some Mamet bullet-speak in there. There’s some Sorkin over-talk that isn’t taken to the annoying level STUDIO 60 often went, but made it seem as if these characters interacting with each other knew one another for quite some time. Both the script and the direction made the characters in this film seem lived in and whole to me, allowing the actors to really shine.
2. Favreau knows when to get out of the way and let those who excel at what he doesn’t excel in do what they do best. It takes a humble director to stand back and let the special effects guys handle the effects shots so well. Having seen ZATHURA, I can’t say I had high hopes for the action shots in IRON MAN, but the more often I see these types of CGI style films, the more I think this comes from some techie behind a computer desk instead of the mind of the director. I’m sure Favreau had his input and everything was ok-ed by him, but Iron Man moved like he should move or at least in my mind, in the movie in my head, which often unspools while reading the comics. Favreau let the special effect guys shine in this film, but doesn’t weigh the film down with unnecessary effects spectacles. Sure there were a few short scenes in the final fight that moved a bit too quickly where the action was obscured, but these are minor details made even more minor by the quality of the rest of the film.
On top of Favreau’s two best qualities, he also peppered a lot of fun throughout the entire film. The use of Tony’s robots were often hilarious. Seeing Stark cavort around; drink in hand and pants eager to drop at the sight of any pretty face made the entire audience burst out in laughter every time.
And that’s one of the things I want to point out with this film. Do you know that moment in just about every comic book movie (good or bad), where some little tidbit is added that makes the comic book fan inside of you (the one that somehow wants to communicate to the world why you like comics and why they should too) cringe and die a little--like every time Peter Parker dances down the street or when Mr. Fantastic does a dance scene or when the Bat-nipples stand erect or howzabout when Superman throws the big S decal? Do you know those moments? Don’t you hate them. I do too. Well, I was preparing myself for a moment like that in this film and it never came. This is a comic book film that makes me proud to be a comic book fan. It took things seriously while making it into an enjoyable popcorn experience as well.
I loved the tidbits dropped throughout that hopefully (and looks to be likely) will be elaborated on in a sequel. I loved seeing Rhodey eye the spare Iron Man suit. I loved the hints as Tony’s out of control drinking. I loved the Ten Rings and what that means for future villain possibilities. The people behind this don’t wedge in these nuggets of joy. They look like natural extensions of the story.
So I mentioned acting earlier and again, going into this film, although I was stoked, I did have fears that some of the actors may slum it through this to make a paycheck. But none of them really seemed to.
Robert Downey Jr. makes the film, of course. His snide wit and flippant mannerisms would make James Bond blush. The way he either screws or buys his way out of everything doesn’t really set him up to be a hero someone is supposed to identify with like Peter Parker. He’s more like what every geek WANTS to be. Everyone wants the hot arm candy, the millions of dollars, the fast car. Downey makes this role his and and does so in a manner that makes you want to play that role yourself in real life.
I was surprised by the supporting characters as well. I’ve never seen a bad performance from Terrance Howard and I can’t wait for his character to have more to work with in the sequels. Here he plays Stark’s Jiminy Cricket, warning him that he is out of control, but as seen in an early scene, not above letting loose and having fun himself.
Gwyneth Paltrow shocked me though. There was a bit of light coming from those cold, dead eyes of hers. I liked the banter between her and Stark. There’s a longing behind those sad, waif eyes, but also too much pride to give in (and maybe a little fright) to become another one of Stark’s conquests.
Jeff Bridges is menacing and powerful, but never plays it over the top. Sure his Obediah Stane has been retrofitted into this origin, but it’s a natural fit in and Bridges' performance which could have easily gone hammy, presents as pure rage for the money Stark is losing him—money he feels he deserves due to a lifetime commitment to Stark Industries. He’s a constant presence throughout the film. In the background ominously, then making shady dealings behind Stark’s back, not confronting him until the last act, of course.
This film wasn’t without its faults. The aforementioned ambiguous, all-too-fast action shots near the end. The device that comes out of the blue in the third act that renders a person paralyzed. The fact that Stark goes on a killing rampage once he finds out about his weapons (but this was just as he starts out as a hero and according to Hollywood 101, comic book heroes are supposed to have a few deaths under their belts before developing that whole “respect for all life” thing).
But when I walked out of the theater, I found myself enjoying the movie. And a few days later, I’m still liking it and planning on seeing it again this weekend. Most importantly, it made me want to check out some of my old IRON MAN comics. So now that the origin is out of the way, where Favreau will go from here is questionable. I hope to see more IRON MAN films. You’ve got the ARMOR WARS (which even though this is touched on here, would still make a kick ass film as Tony takes on a bunch of villains that have stolen his tech) and the classic DEMON IN A BOTTLE storyline (dealing with Stark’s alcoholism and Rhodey’s rise as his replacement). Or will Favreau do a 360 and go medieval and incorporate the alien-ring wearing Mandarin and maybe the giant alien dragon in short pants, Fin Fang Foom into the mix? With this cast and crew behind it, I’d be first in line to see versions of any of these storylines on screen.
So from this die hard comic book reader’s perspective, IRON MAN is a winner. Although not completely perfect, the positives far outweigh the negatives and the performances, effects, and pure fun throughout is going to make it a hard act to follow for the rest of the summer super hero movies.
If you’re as Iron-Stoked as I was after seeing the film this weekend, here’s a list of books I’d recommend you check out at your local comic store.
IRON MAN: ARMOR WARS Trade Paperback (TPB)
IRON MAN: DEMON IN A BOTTLE TPB
IRON MAN: INEVITABLE TPB (a very fun miniseries with amazing art by Frazier Irving)
ESSENTIAL IRON MAN COLLECTIONS (where you can see the origin from the film and some nice early stories with Fin Fang Foom, the Mandarin, and other villainous villains)
I’m not a big fan of the current IRON MAN series written by the Knauffs (the minds behind CARNIVALE), but you might want to check that out those issues too. Some people like the EXTEMIS storyline by Warren Ellis and Avi Garov (the guy who designed the look of the armor), but I’m not a fan and rumor has it, neither is Favreuau. But some of today’s kiddies like it, so you might want to check that trade out too. And more recently, I really dug the first issue of IRON MAN: LEGACY OF DOOM #1 (reviewed by me here ) where Iron Man faces off against the evil FF enemy, Doctor Doom.
Good Iron Manning, folks.
IRON MAN: DEMON IN A BOTTLE TPB
IRON MAN: INEVITABLE TPB (a very fun miniseries with amazing art by Frazier Irving)
ESSENTIAL IRON MAN COLLECTIONS (where you can see the origin from the film and some nice early stories with Fin Fang Foom, the Mandarin, and other villainous villains)
Ambush Bug is Mark L. Miller, reviewer and co-editor of AICN Comics for seven years. Look for his first published work in MUSCLES & FIGHTS 3 (available now!!!!) from Cream City Comics.
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Armor is so 19th Century! Just kidding. Can't wait to see this movie.
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you got it mixed up
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Is there someone out there that really disliked this film? Now the expectations are really, really high for this movie.
I've been stoked before for films that have been jizzed over here on AICN, then let down when going to see them.
I truly hope this film kicks the ammount of ass that has been shown here in the last few days.
...that said... BRING IT ON! -
to remain a little skeptical until you check it for yourself, I find. A lot of people here jizzed over Rambo, which I was looking forward to--but which I found okay at best, certainly not great. But yeah, given the number of very good write-ups, and Iron Man's current RT score, the mark has been set high for we normal folks who haven't laid eyes on it yet.
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Wanna be a Iron man when you grow up? Eh, little boy? Wanna be a superhero? I'll tell you what you can do; There's a valuable piece of art that some big bad studio wants to ruin. You go tell your daddy, Harry, that you want to start a petition to save our friend, Spike Jonze. O.k? Alright big guy? That's a good boy! Yes you are!
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I submitted a review to AICN (saw it a few hours ago), and I raved it about it. Not a classic (yet), but it is pretty damn excellent.
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Christ, imagine what it'll be like when TDK comes out. There will probably be 30.
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they like the movie, so what. Hey: Predator 2 sucked Danny Glover!Ambush Bug, that was a pleasant review with many new points. Thank You.
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Fascist cunt? Fuck yeah. His books are selling like crazy and they have good stories and good lord talk about serious adult shit, espionage comics and politics. Awesome.
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After seeing this flick, they could launch into Civil War rather easily. Tony may be the 'good guy', but they subtly hint at how amoral he is when doing the right thing.
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More Iron Man reviews! Yes!!!! B/C no one would rather see the movie at this point than read the 800th glowingly positive review!
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have to get through alot more before they even think of a civil war movie and i'm pretty sure they'ed do a heroes band together marvel team up movie first before they beat the shit out of each other. I know alot of fans didn't like civil war pretty much due to the outcome, which shows what a bunch of fanboys they are. I'm pretty sure if it was made and taken as seriously with all the politics and including the story in Frontline it would be praised as intelligent and thought provoking by critics who are not fanboys and scared of change. Plus the outcome actually did change the Marvel U and brought out those sides of people you didn't know were there, just like real life, could be years before you realize what they're really like and it can make you disollusioned.
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What I meant was that, personality wise, it won't take a lot to get Tony Stark there. He's already there. Granted they don't fixate too much on it, but there's a lot of subtle hint that the guy is convinced that everything he does after he escapes capture is right, and there's one particular moment where he makes a choice that on the one hand is justified, but on the other really isn't the sign of a humanitarian. And for the record, I love Civil War. But I side with Cap in that issue, governmental registration has its perks but when superheroes become government employed they lose the ability to make instinct based decisions on right or wrong and become drones to be sent to fight unjust wars.
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Dear God, where?!!!!!!!!
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captain dc angle grinder mangoogle
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Some of us haven't read the comics in decades. I'm aware of the premise of Civil War, and that Tony went "bad," convicing Peter Parker to "out" himself, and then having a hand in the death of Cap. But what else? After the war, did Stark stay "bad" or repent or turn his back on the government at all?
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Try www.imdb.com.
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THIS Saturday is www.freecomicbookday.com
I'm not affliated with anyone, I'm just spreadin' the word -
Tony Stark became Head of SHIELD. That sums it all up, quite frankly. Not in a bad way, but in how they gave a guy somewhat responsible for a Civil War a position of governmental power.
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FOR ANOTHER FUCKING IRON MAN REVIEW!
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how about that Iron Man cartoon movie they did a couple years back that's only $7.50 at Walmart? That any good?
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I am a very long time fan, and I too share the disgust at how they have perverted the character. I stopped collecting a while ago, but i will not part with any of the true classics. From the gorgeous Johhny Craig issues, up to the incredible (can I use that term with Iron Man?) David Michelinie/Bob Layton collaboration. I bought IM 128 off the stands, then bought a second copy off the stands because I knew it was something special.
Suffice it to say, i am totally geeked about seeing the movie. It could have had the worse reviews of all time, and I still would have gone, just to see with my own eyes. I am very glad however, that a fellow long timer, has chimed in with such a positive review. -
The animated movie wasn't half bad. Does the origin story with Stark's captivity, etc. Tony gets to use a couple different "specialty" armors. But I enjoyed the Avengers animated movies more, because of the diversity of heroes. I picked those up at BestBuy for like 5.99 each, and they've been worth it, warranting a couple repeat watches for the kids. I'm not advocating downloads, but the animated Iron Man is out there, so to speak.
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This is the first summer movie. For comic book film geeks, this is the season home opener. The first one is just gonna get more attention. Things will tone down from here. Like, Moriarty will probably review Speed Racer and Narnia 2 but Harry will skip them, and we'll have fewer second stringers. Everyone will come back on board for Indy, Then it'll be spurts here and there as only half the crew at a time will show up for the likes of Kung Fu Panda, Wall-e, and Hulk 2. (yeah, I'm gonna call it Hulk 2.) Probably another reconvergence for Dark Knight, and that'll be all, folks.
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What happens in IM128? If it's cool I might pick it up saturday at free comic book day. I usually like buying a thing or two at the local shop to thank them for having FCBD. Cuz otherwise I wouldn't go there at all, I gave up collecting only because they cost too f*&king much.
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Marvel Heroes Ultimate Alliance. That was pretty cool and Iron Man was a dependable bruiser with all around cool moves. Had the PC version, and it won't run on my current system now. But, maybe I'll pick up the Wii version, which can be gotten on the cheap...
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But... I'll probably hold off and go in totally fresh for the real movie. I have to say, I had been totally disinterested in the film, (a month ago, I would have said my summer starts with Speed Racer next week,) but the reviews have peeked my interest. Hell, I may catch the midnight tonight, and go again with my brother on Sunday.
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Iron Man Marketing NOW!
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You may categirize me as a 'fanboy'. I started collecting IM when I was 8. Then I went back and bought the early issues from the mid sixties on. I read IM continuously up until the early 2000's. I think I can speak for the true long time fans of the series - call us fanboy's if you wish, when I say that Stark's character, was a known quantity.
So for him the behave in such a radical & despicable manner, I think it is very justified that long time fans would feel alienated.
I do realize that characters must grow. That change is the one true dynamic. I also realize that new writers are brought in to inject new storylines and ideas. But to completely betray a character that has been built up over 40 years, is far more than saying 'there is another side of the character that you have never seen, and now we reveal it.'
No. Marvel can and will do what they want to the character, but I truly hope someone comes to their senses over there and brings back the Golden Avenger - flawed, yes. Heroic, undoubtedly. -
I sthe famosu "Demon in a Bottle" Issue. That is where IM faces the Alcoholism head on for the first time. Amazing issue.
There has been some revisionism from subsequent writers on the series - Denny O'Niel for one, that said the alcohol issue was too compact, and thus O'neil dragged Stark through the gutter -literally. I didnot agree with his take on the character at all.
IM 128 stands as one of the truly groundbreaking issues in comics.
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May 01, 2008 1:19:55 PM CDT
So this Iron Man movie I've hardly heard anything about
by hawaiian organ donor
You guys think it's any good?
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The Iron Harry avatar the site's been using lately. Fat Iron Harry is just wrong.
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Only 6hrs. for me.
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rotten tomatoes has it at 92%, sounds like the aicn guys hit it on the head.
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A. To stop anyone from putting a bomb in his ribcage. DING
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Save him for the Nextwave film!
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He basically fucked everyone over though he thinks he's doing the right thing, so he doesn't care if he goes into those gray areas. a big one was the way he handled she hulk who was on the pro reg side until she found out that the illuminati(reed richards, iron man, black blot, doctor strange(though i don't think he had a hand in this)) sent hulk into space away from earth and She hulk didn't like it and Tony always knew that there was this chance she'd rebel so he inserted nanites in her and turned off her powers. basically all the typical right wing security before freedom shit. I think if you read all the issues you'd find it fascinating. Seeing a superhero who acts like real people albeit in a fantasy world, i mean yes it's awesome.
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How about the lame crash into the ceiling? Or the bastardized Obadiah? The lousy Mk.I armor? The dancing scene with Pepper? The shitty dialogues? Those were pretty awkward.
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Unfortunately Marvel won't do it for a while considering Iron Man is selling like a motherfucker. more covers than ever and selling a shitload of books. By fanboy I mean those not wanting change, alot of them who complain that it's just a big crossover basically got change and they didn't like it, The Marvel U is no different, there are right wing heroes and left wing heroes, rebels and politics etc, and the fact it did change and not go back to the status quo is what bugged them and that is fanboyish. And I don't agree that they change his character so much, if you read all the issues you see the pieces falling together, that he is holding this thing together and doing unethical things to keep this security. You see it in "the road to civil war" and "frontline" too. I'm with Cap and always will be with Cap.
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Some dude is way ahead of you! He's got a puffy red&gold suit and a jetpack!
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what a film geek. the mk 1 armor was cheesy. how was the dancing scene cringe inducing, it was a fuckng slow dance. and obadiah was made real. man you must be a pretty fucking pathetic nerd.
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because it isn't.
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Nothing wrong with being cheesy, so long as its true to the characters.
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Who's in, who's out, character-wise?
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One of the finest superhero films in recent years. Just saw it and loved it.
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right?
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its actually up to 95% now, it was 92 this morning. i am seeing it at midnight over here on the east coast in DLP, imax's illegitimate stepson. CANT FRIGGIN WAIT!!!!!
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CW fairies how interesting
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To blithely destroy the She Hulk (no he did not kill her, but he destroyed her powers), that is not the Iron Man/Tony Stark that I grew up with, in the comics I collected long into adulthood. Because she represented a threat, he destroys her powers? IM went toe to toe with the Hulk and beat him (Not in the world war Hulk I know), and She Hulk could not have presented a physical challenge to him. Surely he could have found another way. But even the concept of him needing to find another way, is what I find despicable. Dropping into the real world for a minute, I realize that people can rationalize behavior – given a certain set of circumstances. Situational ethics I believe it would be called. But to change fundamentally. To become something diametrically opposed to what you once were, that I hard to fathom, barring some extreme psychological or physical change.
That being said, I have zero problem with characters espousing political doctrines that I either agree or disagree with, but make sure that it is a part of their established character to do so, not just pulled out of thin air. I characterize a fundamental shift, as one that ignores 40 plus years of a character, in favor of a radical ret-con.
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Looking forward to tonight's sold out screening myself.
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Uh yeah, god forbid anyone on AICN actually has a few complaints about IRON MAN. You'd think the goddamned rapture was at hand judging by the amount of praise they're piling on this flick. Now look, Rickey has yet to see it, so obviously he can't comment one way or the other, but don't you think that calling people who have issues with some small elements of the movie "sad pathetic nerds" is a little silly? Just askin'. What, you want everyone to collectively blow their loads over a film they haven't even seen yet? And if they don't, that's worthy of your fanboy scorn? Please.
Here's a little question for you since you claim to be such an enlightened comic book expert... If Tony Stark is a billionaire with unlimited resources, why the hell is he building a suit to fly around in? Why not just build a robot to send to fight crime? We're all curious what a brilliant mind like yourself has to say about that Messi. -
No need to look at the comic books...to know what THAT would imply for the "IRON MAN" sequel(s). Lots of room to play. Remember, even Superman became the underdog when he took on 3 super-villains who matched him in power. How cool would it be to make Tony Stark even MORE of the underdog? Awesome potential. (Next time, just make sure the music-score can live up to the fantastic moving images.)
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Just kidding. But the reason why Stark builds a suit for himself instead of making a robot is a) the very real reason to escape captivity, b) because he has a desire to personally right the wrongs of his company, c) has an almost childish desire to be a superhero (an aspect of his vanity to have the cool toys, like driving a hot car) and d) because of how his body is already kinda mechanically hybrid due to the heart device (there's some deeper philosophical stuff there). See the movie because they touch on all this stuff.
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And he's still kind of a dick.
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Well, it goes without saying we've got The Hulk (villain or hero?) and Iron Man. Thor is an upcoming film, so we've got him, too.
I'd guess they'll go with characters who can carry a film on their own. That means Captain America, Black Panther, and probably Ant Man.
I can't imagine a Scarlet Witch or Vision movie. I can't see them making a Hawkeye flick. Wonder Man is out because he's pretty weak as a character.
I could see a possible Ms. Marvel film though. She'd be interesting and would break up the sausage-fest in Avengers Mansion. -
to this site? casue reading at all the positive reviews, you would think that either A) this is the second coming of christ.. or B)paramount paid good money for an aintitcool blow job... i saw the movie twice last night(work as a projectionist) and while i am not saying the movie is bad, it actually isnt, but is not as great as people here are making it out to be.
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88% fresh rating among critics on the tomatometer. Damn, Favs pulled it off! He deserves an "attaboy"!
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...'cause he doesn't know how to.I have no issues with taking characters in new directions, but it's an entirely other to writer characters as though you are writing them for the first time.That's what Civil War was....Fuck the outcome. It's not that I didn't like what happened, it's that it was written for shit. All rushed and EVERYONE was completely out of character.Then they realized what a stupid mistake it was to unmask Spidey and we get One More Day...UGH!!! Thank God for Bendis and Secret Invasion, or I'd be a Permi-DC FANBOY....and yes, I'm a fanboy, dammit. PROUD!!!
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Favreau based the origin on the Extremis reboot (you'd know that if you'd read the interviews and kept up with his posts on his IM MySpace message board). The only thing he didn't care for was the Extremis upgrade, the nano-armor that pours out of his skin; he doesn't care for the classic armor, either, the kind that was rubbery until magnetized, and that flexed and adhered to the shape of Stark's muscle (probably because it would be too difficult to make it look practical in live action).Personally, I really enjoyed the Extremis reboot, despite the delays of the book. For Stark to advance his armor to the point at which he melds with it is a natural progression of his technology which is always way ahead of the current real-world standard.
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There have been several story arcs in which Stark does indeed remotely control the armor, instead of wearing it. In the recent mini "Iron Man: Hypervelocity" by Adam Warren, Stark uploaded his consciousness into the armor.
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the whole marvel U has adjusted to it, read new avengers, it works great. it's heroes sticking it to the man. Everyone was not out fo character. Reed Richards and Tony Stark were always sly people. You know those times when you have a friend and then you realize a part of them you didn't know about before. That's what life is like. The Outcome has made good stories(ok i'll give you one more day) and changed the marvel u and sold shitloads of books. yeah fuck the outcome. Maybe DC should fuck the outcome too and maybe they'll start putting out some stories that can compete(excluding Green Lantern).
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he did it recently in the New Avengers Annual. He likes using the suit. he likes hvaing control. ever think maybe that was the answer?
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Bring on TDK, IJATKOTCS, and the IH.
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From the very beginning. That is not to say he was a right wing conservative, but he was a very low key and upstanding, and highly respected hero. Within the Avengers, he was second only to Cap with the respect from the others. And his power could be off the charts - when he so desired. Tony Stark, on the other hand, was flamboyant, and care free, but haunted. Being rich does not solve all of ones problems. He even at one time thought to escape totally within his Iron Man persona.
Yes, Stark provided weapons to SHEILD and the U.S. govt'. Yes, Stark was and is Patriotic, but he was never a jingoistic, sadistic, morals and ethics be damned individual. And neither was the Iron Man persona.
There was a character already like that, he name is Nick Fury.
This is my point, there were several major playors who started out as the type that could easily become what the writers have turned Iron man into, a fascist. Ther was no need to Ret-Con Stark into something he never was in his entire 40 plus year career. And no amount of, 'revealing the hidden, sly, side' can explain away that kind of shift. I am not saying that it is impossible, because people can become more conservative, or more liberal over time. What I am saying is that the shift was too far, too out of character, and not even necessary.
However, while I re-read my earlier post, i noticed that I said 'The Iron Man i grew up with'.That sounds like and old foggy, and I do not mean to say that he should not change. Of course he will be different, change is inevitable, but great characters, while changing in ways we might not expect, still need not become fundamentally different.
Just one long time fans opinion. new fans who like this direction, well, I hope it brings you the same amount of joy that I derived while having the heroic Iron Man to look forward to. -
Ok, so that wasn't "comic-booky", or sensical, for that matter, but was duplicate Supermans, Zods, etc that true, either? Yeah the whole scene is silly, but I stand up for the giant cellophane S
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How about Doom Quest for readers?
I loved the Samuel L.Jackson cameo.
Great to see him at his badass best after he was wasted in the star wars prequels. -
Like the subject line.
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Stick to Iron Man/Tony Stark facing high-tech threats. Maybe you could have War Machine and a few of the old villains like Whiplash and Spymaster...and Madame Masque for the second film. Given the protagonists it could be more of a spy suspence. And then third movie it's all Armor Wars where Tony go all out trying to get his stolen technology back that has served to creat out tech menaces like Titanium Man, Crimson Dynamo and all other armored menaces. And then if it goes beyond three films then you bring out something more fantasy, something Tony would have trouble dealing with with the rise of the Mandarin and mid-easter mysticism.
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May 01, 2008 9:31:26 PM CDT
Is there anybody left at AICN who HASN'T done a full review?
by half vader
??? Jesus! Get ready for the "over-hyped" backlash, AICNers!
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but I hate opening weekend! Arrggh deliver me from crowded theaters and noisy kids.
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Mmmm. Sky-scrapery. You'll see what I mean.
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Really well done! Please write a review for every comic book movie that comes out this summer!! All the recommendations, this is all just great. One of the best reviews I ever read on this site.
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..hand over the reigns to 2nd unit/SF directors to design and shoot shit that they're too cowardly or lazy or stupid to do themselves. it gives nearly every single action scene in all these movies the boilerplate feeling, that you've seen it before, you jump into "action scene view" with swoopy, digitally smooth camera movements. and then come ridiculous moments typically filled with too much gloss and hyper-fast, over-loud, and nonsensical action with nary a shred of poetic grace and flying onward with a shiny, sleek lack of humanity. i'm fucking fed up with it. and i'm not going to watch any more of these half-assed melodramas with cliched symphonic score signifiers equalling "romantic action," with half-enunciated, throaty, starbucks-soaked dry dialogue trying desperately to stand up under the weight of its own adolescent mediocrity, with the obvious love interest the conflicted hero the predictable outcomes the snappy one-liners we're better than all this, please.
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Seen it, loved it, can't say anything bad about it. They nailed it!
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absolutely fuckin' loved it, great time at the movies, so much fun its up there with the best in the genre easily in my opinion
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have you seen the movie?
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most 2nd unit directors are aslo stunt directors.
And by SF did you mean VFX?
And just to refute one more thing, the poetic and graceful shots of the Falcon swooping and flying in Empire (original version) WERE directed by the VFX guy, and WERE done with a digital move (never heard why Dykstraflex was such a big thing?) and WERE out of place with the rest of the film, which is mostly done with shot composition and editing, not movement within the frame. Yet those Falcon shots work beautifully BECAUSE of the juxtaposition. Don't tar everything with the same brush, dude.
Also, it has nothing even necessarily to do with digital. Ever notice how the cinematic language would change the instant the action started in an old western? That wasn't because it was directed by the director OR the Stunt director/2nd A.D. - and everything to do with not showing the stuntie's face. As for too cowardly and lazy, man, take a look at the process and WHY things may be done this way. Those two things don't generally have much to do with it, but VERY occassionally, yes you're right.
You might also want to take a look at your own stuff before getting so high and mighty about movie writing. That run-on sentence and lack of caps was worse than my own! ;) -
Oops!
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...then this is unoriginal tosh that we've all seen before.
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where did you read this info about the falcon in empire, because that's one of the visuals that is 'greatest' in my head. one of the most beautiful pieces of movement ever.
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I do think the change was necessary, because it has brought about great stories and iron man has some of the best stories right now that he's had in years.
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I want to geek out fully for this and it would seem that it's a unanimus thumbs up around here but if it was as perfect as all you guys are saying then it would be getting full on 10/10s or 5/5s in all the reviws and it aint!
Oh wait the movie mags like Empire suck ass!
I'm still trying to rein in my inner excitement so I don't overhype and implode i a big puddle of disapointment!is it really THAT good!? -
I have read only a few of the new IM books, and chose not to read anymore. I do not doubt that it can make for fascinating and even compelling storylines. Take any hero and turn him into a real or quasi-villain, and voila, fascinating storyline. Old as time. Wrestling has been doing it for years. Yes, it works short term. But it is still nothing more than a cheap trick. A stunt. Even when it is carried on far longer than should be expected. It does what Marvel wants, it makes people like me and you debate the merits of the change. It gets people talking. It creates controversy. But, unless they decide to make the next 40 years of this character like this, then that is all it will ever be: a cheap stunt. It drives sales, it probably makes fascinating, albeit temporary storylines, but at what cost? At betraying what the character, that was built up over time was. By disgarding a figurative lifetime of achievement.
I would really be interested in what messr's Michilenie and Layton, the men responsible for creating the greatest Iron Man story's - and driving sales through the roof, while making him an even greater, albeit flawed hero, would have to say about this change. Perhaps they embrace it, perhaps not. I did hear that they are back to scripting some story's. I may check it out and see if the start changing him back - slowly to be sure. -
yes because the poster is a great barometer for how good a film will be...DOUCHE
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I saw the film last night. I was stunned the theater was not sold out, but maybe people did not get the word. The film was great. Now when I see a film I will pick it apart. I will go over the film and really point out faults in the film, the performances, the sets, the costumes, just like everyone else here. With this, I had the rare pleasure of not having anything to gripe about. I really liked everything and was very pleased. I even look forward to seeing The Incredible Hulk now.
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YourGeekNews has an 8-Minute preview featuring interviews with Favreau, Terrence Howard and Robert Downey Jr, as well as some bad-ass scenes from the film!
Take a look, they've got some very cool things to say: http://tinyurl.com/4ppxxq -
God, dude, no one source, and over many many years in interviews and effects mags/books. It's just something I thought was obvious and true, really. Muren and Joe johnston designed the moves, which are just lyrical. Note they're not just repetitive cuts either. And there are plenty of shots showing it being filmed with the Dykstraflex. As for the dichotomy in cinematic style, look at the rest of the movie. Note I'm not saying the talking heads/moving action sequences structure wasn't intentional on the part of Kershner, more that it would have ended up that way anyway. Ends up being a chicken and egg thing. Actually, I'd love to read an article on that sort of structure/dynamic because for that movie it works superbly (which is why I brought it up in the first place). Although Foree would obviously hate it. ;)
What blows my geeky mind are the (triple I or something? can't remember the name) CG tests that were done in 78 (78 for fuck's sake!) with the CG x-wings that had texturemapping and everything! Lucas being the cheaparse he is (well, he DID pay for Empire himself) nixed it and probably fair enough, but can you IMAGINE how much further along things would have been if CG had really started then rather than ostensibly in the nineties (not counting Young Sherlock Holmes here)? SW was a quantum leap, but if Empire had gone CG and with artists like Dennis Muren and Joe Johnston driving the ideas and shot design the way they did the computer-controlled models, animatronics and cameras, my head starts to explode. Not to mention we would have missed the whole internet whinging that's going on over in the Hulk thread (I'm going to add my two cents' worth in there too, fuck it). I just like the Empire thing because it's a great example of artists (be they director or not) at the right end of the process and the tech accomplishing their vision. How Muren and others programmed the Dykstaflex (to be fair, Dykstra did NOT invent motion control - the Trumbullflex was first) which is really an overgrown calculator to pull off those moves is to much maths for my feeble brain. I'd also like to know how many retakes 'til it was non-mechanical looking. He said in an interview it was the hardest thing he's EVER done. Actually I think there's stuff about it in a big interview he did in an old Cinefex, with the Falcon on the cover. Like from the mid-nineties. -
when they kept going on about the magnet stopping the shrapnel entering his heart - which was strangely located in the CENTRE of his chest?! ;)
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Abyss was 89 I think. Ah well, you get my point though. I did say ostensibly...
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because it's symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing, find something better to gripe about for fuck's sake, plus the actual magnet was in his chest, so it could be pointing towards the heart...or something
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Do I need to spell it out?
Did you not see the little winking man? Do you now feel slightly silly? Relax, my friend. -
What is mulch?
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please email me at vincetripodi@hotmail.com
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I'm posting this response in here so that maybe the more in-the-know comic dudes can reply. I just got back from watching the movie and I can absolutely see how Stark could become a fascist douche. The movie definitely showed that he's got control issues and he's ultraserious about defending innocents from harm, which when taken to an extreme can become fascism. Is the movie out of line with the character? Is his current iteration way off base, or is it just a ramped-up version of tendencies he's always shown?
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http://eattheblinds.blogspot.com/
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Is that Mace Windu with an eye patch?
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is what I think you meant to say.
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Iron Man kicks all their bleeding asses and makes them like it. Some of the CGI was weak and cartoony but damnit I just don't give a fuck. This movie was fan-fucking-tabulous. I'm going on record as believing this is chocolate covered Teresa Palmer pussy juice. That's right, I went there...
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The movie is in character, the current comics one some say is out of character though alot fo people think it is in character and is a natural progression given the circumstances. Tony is one of the most flawed human heroes, and I don't mean that in the sense that he sells arms or he drinks, but in decency as a human being. Captain America is one of the most decent, noblest, righteous in the Marvel U and Tony isn't as good a person as him. Juxtaposing with real human beings it's a natural progression. Alot of people think they're dong the right thing even though they may know it's unethical. What Civil War did was show the more noble heroes(New Avengers) and the shadier heroes. Alot of Marvel's characters aren't even heroes, just people ith powers who help out here and there, but they aren't decent people like Superman or Kyle Rayner. And Tony isn't part of those righteous heroes.
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I emailed you. Whassup?
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...or Captain America in terms of ANYTHING needs to be smacked upside the head with a comic box full of 1990s foiled covers.No matter HOW weaselly Stark gets, he'll ALWAYS be more decent and righteous than DC 5th-rate Green Lantern.Rayner's basically GL's overrated version of Steel.
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I can go on about what I liked but there was too much. Why the hell aren't more superhero movies like these being made? It went above and beyond respectful to the source and when they did change stuff they actually made me like it. I'm one of the people that hates unnecessary change but this rare time I saw the purpose. It had everything. Even his house looks like the suped up one he had in the Iron Wars. I wish Obadiah played some chess or shown a fondess for it though. I could of gone for Stane being even more craftier and scheming like the classic character that took over his company and left Stark an emotionally wrecked, drunkin wino but I knew wasn't going to be any time for that. I hoped they wouldn't kill him off. Killing him off so early in the book is what makes all the Iron Man fans forget about him. He was Iron Man's Lex Luthor. Lots of writers say they will make a proper villain for Iron Man but I can't help but think if they hadn't killed Iron monger they wouldn't of had to. Probably the only Marvel char to stay dead. I cant even imagine what the sequel will be! But this is how you make me happy. Don't know about anyone else.
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does not go back to his old habit of resurrecting his career only to squash it with drugs. I know it's selfish but nobody wants to hear about another talented person ODing. It seems like it's always risky to cast him in anything but I can't really see anyone else in the roll now.
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I saw the movie today and I highly concur. More than any Marvel adaptation to date, including the first two excellent SPIDER-MAN movies, this one had the purest love for the comic. I like how they took the best elements from several eras. The comic book Stark did indeed stop making weapons during the Viet Nam war, he did set out to destroy his murderous creations during the Armor Wars, etc.Downey is a great actor. Hopefully, his drug problems are behind him and he can be the actor and movie star that many have always felt he could be.Gotta say, it's great that comic book films are starting to cast appropriate, well regarded actors who aren't condescending toward the material. Christian Bale, Edward Norton and Robert Downey Jr. are three of the best actors around, in my book.Little worried about the INCREDIBLE HULK. There was about one and half good movies in Ang Lee's HULK, as well was two or three bad ones. This one looks better. Dig the scene with Banner talking to the future Doc Sampson, but the CGI for Hulk and Abomination bothers me. Also, there's no reason they couldn't have made the monsters talk.
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I saw the trailer for a new movie about a man who takes over the world, like a hero. He had a pet pig and he was dressed in a military uniform. He made everyone happy. Did anyone else see it? it was called dictatormovie I think.
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it's nothing to do with how you view him as a character or how you like him, everyone knows Kyle Rayner is one of the noblest heroes in the DCU. Whenever people make lists of the best most righteous heroes, Superman and Kyle are always there. And please, a 5th rate Lantern who saved the Green Lantern title. He comes in and sells more than Hal did in years.
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