Iron Man

A fun popcorn fairy tale, totally comparable to Green Lantern in my view. No, I don't feel that Iron Man is significantly better. The whole thing stands and falls on the stardom of Robert, who almost killed Ally McBeal with his incompetence a few years ago, but he is very popular these days. Gwyneth is cute, but she's getting on in years after all, and Jeff is already in the "saying goodbye to his audience" category. It’s a straightforward film that is more satisfying when Stan Lee's cameo arrives. (2013-05-01)

Iron Man is silly but fun flick that won’t rivet you to your seat with the dynamics and spectacle of X-Men or Spider-Man, but it will amuse you with Robert Downey’s showing-off (the whole film rises and falls with him) and surprise you with its interesting cast. It’s not often that you see Jeff Bridges as a bald villain and Gwyneth Paltrow as a superhero’s assistant. Otherwise, however, Iron Man is super harmless and family-friendly, bordering on childish. It could have used more cynicism and an ironic adult perspective. (2008-05-02)

A funny and entertaining gem that is several miles ahead of the awkward and clumsy Spiderman with its lightness and detachment. Robert Downey Jr. is incredibly sharp, his condo in Malibu beach is flawless, just like the black Rolls & Royce tearing up the roads. All of this wrapped in a dynamic action suit with the label “500 charges”. Unlike Spider-Man, Hulk or Hellboy, this guy will dig deep under your skin and make you want to see him in action again and again. He's not a good guy, not a classic do-gooder, and he indulges himself in luxury to the fullest. And that's exactly why he can afford to be so confident and smoothly move forward where most competitors play the good souls and saviors of humanity, while the whole usually grinds. The most entertaining and adult comic-book film of the past few years. Understandably made 300 million in the USA. Technically flawless. (2008-09-25)

Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man. Without him, this film would really be just routine scrap metal, but thanks to Downey, Gwynneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges, it's a surprisingly catchy and likeable film. Of course, it's hard not to see Favreau et al. behind Downey with all those action scenes that lack decent ideas. Nevertheless, except for the ending, I had more fun with this stupid thing than I have had for a long time. Marvel should perhaps find better directors and better screenplays, but even the first X-Men feels a bit cumbersome... I’m happy to wait for Stark's next arrival. (2008-05-04)

A film for boys who still want to and can play. The villain is ruthless, the friend loyal, the secretary kind and faithful, and we all know where it's all heading. But this is exactly what I wanted and I got it served up so quickly and humorously that I hold my breath at the thought of a sequel. Moreover, Downey seems to have been born in a massive suit, and his lines, jeers, or subtle compliments to Pepper are exactly the kind of glosses that everyone wants to conjure up at some point, just a little late to the party. He's an incredible rich man who can fly and have the most beautiful girls. And I wish him all that, I don't envy him, and I am only fervently rooting for him. (2008-05-31)