MOVIE REVIEW - Ironman

Let's get ready to roll out the summer blockbusters! Hollywood trotted out the seasons first big movie Robert Downey Jr's Ironman!

Also starring Jeff Bridges, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Terrance Howard, Ironman is the latest in the ongoing trend of superhero movies. And Ironman is easily, without question the best of the entire lot. Spiderman, Superman, Batman, and even the Incredible Hulk which opens in a few weeks better really tune it up, because Ironman just raised the bar - high!

Ironman is the story of genius Tony Stark (Downey) who owns Stark Enterprises a defense contractor. He is kidnapped in the middle east while debuting a new weapon to be used on the war on terror. He escapes and decides to turn his company into one that does good in the world and not broker weapons anymore. That's as far as I'm going into plot because you're going to want to see Ironman and I'll leave it there.

Paltrow is perfectly cast as Pepper Potts, Starks' trusty assistant, as is Bridges as Starks' business partner. Bridges is terrific and you've never seen him like this before in any movie. Effects a plenty, fun action, and a real nice story make Ironman successful.

The real separator with Ironman is the story. Set in the modern world with real world events surrounding this fantasy world give it real soul. You know the whole time that it's a comic book story, but you're not bothered by the unbelievability of it all. Also the presence of real mature actors give Ironman instant credibility. Sometimes superhero action flicks cast so young, it's tough to root for your hero the way you want to. I think many root for Robert Downey Jr in real life because of his checkered past, so it's easy to root for him here. Downey is perfectly cast and to be honest I look forward to the next installment here.

Ironman is so much more intelligent than most comic books that end up at the theaters. Ironman is action packed, but doesn't fall in love with itself and go over the top. Ironman knows that enough of a good thing is enough and doesn't wear you out. But absolutely DOES give you your moneys worth and pays off in every regard on why you went to the movies in the first place.

I've been around theaters in the summer months long enough to know that Ironman will be one of the warm weathers best this year. Ironman is strong in every regard. No reason the kids can't go see it with you. Take them and you'll be the real superhero. You see, Hollywood can make action movies with a brain. They should do so more often. No need to be afraid of Ironman. Just great! Bravo!