Title: Iron Man

Year Released/Rating: 2008 PG-13

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Terrance Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow

Directed By: Jon Favreau

Written By: Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, Stan Lee, Don Heck, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby

Star Rating:   5/5 stars

Trivia: The script was not completely prepared when filming began, since the filmmakers were more focused on the story and the action, so the dialogue was mostly ad-libbed throughout filming; Jon Favreau acknowledged this made the film feel more natural. Some scenes were shot with two cameras to capture lines improvised on the spot;Robert Downey Jr. would ask for many takes of one scene since he wanted to try something new. Gwyneth Paltrow, on the other hand, had a difficult time trying to match Downey with a suitable line, as she never knew what he would say.

Extra Trivia: Agent Phil Coulson repeatedly states he is a member of the 'Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division' (finally shortening it to SHIELD). In the comics, the SHIELD agency originally stood for the 'Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage/Law-Enforcement Division', then in 1991 was revised to the 'Strategic Hazard Intervention/Espionage Logistics Directorate'.

Tonight I wanted some action and not a quirky comedy.  We chose between Indiana Jones (my pick: The Last Crusade) and Iron Man.  Obviously we went with Iron Man.  I think the main reason I love this movie is Robert Downey Jr.  He is Tony Stark.  He's not an actor playing Tony Stark.  He really is Tony Stark.  In interviews Robert Downey Jr.further described his portrayal of Stark as "a challenge of making a wealthy, establishmentarian, weapons-manufacturing, hard-drinking, womanizing prick into a character who is likable and a hero."  That's it, right there.  He's an asshole, you want to hate him, and yet you still really root for him.  And speaking of, Jeff Bridges is the ultimate villain.  He's that slimy businessman that runs a bit of double dealing on the side.  He's making you money, but also has higher aspirations.  Watch out for him!  So nicely done.  I really appreciated it.  Especially since Mickey Rourke's villan in Iron Man 2 is so week.  At least Justin Hammer is fun to watch.  Definitely my favorite of the Avengers movies so far.

Best Bits: 

Virginia 'Pepper' Potts: [ walking in on Stark's robots trying to get him out of the Iron Man suit] What is going on here? Tony Stark: Let's face it, this is not the worst thing you've caught me doing. Virginia 'Pepper' Potts: Are those bullet holes?

~~

Tony Stark: [ reading the newspaper] "Iron Man". That's kind of catchy. It's got a nice ring to it.

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Tony Stark: Give me a scotch. I'm starving.

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Tony Stark: Hmmm. Your eyes are red. Tears for your long lost boss?

Virginia 'Pepper' Potts: Tears of joy. I hate job hunting. Tony Stark: Yeah, well, vacation's over.

~~

Agent Phil Coulson: I'm Agent Phil Coulson with the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.

Virginia 'Pepper' Potts: That's quite a mouthful. Agent Phil Coulson: I know. We're working on it.

~~

Agent Phil Coulson: This isn't my first rodeo, Mr. Stark.

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Obadiah Stane: [ discussing the company's future with Tony] We're iron mongers, we make weapons.

~~

Virginia 'Pepper' Potts: Agent Coulson, I just wanted to say thank you very much for all of your help.

Agent Phil Coulson: That's what we do. You'll be hearing from us. Virginia 'Pepper' Potts: From the Strategic Homeland... Agent Phil Coulson: [ interrupting] Just call us SHIELD.