Looking back on what I was writing in early May during years past, I was struck by this brief capsule review of Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man.
There’s no hint at this point of the juggernaut that the Marvel Cinematic Universe was to become, and it all feels like a much more innocent time.
Robert Downey Jr. is one of those movie brats who seems to have been born in front of a camera (check out his almost perfect performance as Chaplin for Richard Attenborough in 1992). He hasn’t been getting the lead roles he deserves (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was the last one) but Iron Man is surely going to change that. Downey Jr.‘s effortless screen charisma is the foundation of a highly entertaining action movie that is only let down by a not-quite-big-enough set-piece at the end. Billionaire and playboy arms manufacturer Tony Stark has his eyes opened to the evils his products enable when he is kidnapped in Afghanistan. After escaping, he decides to use his technology for good (while still having as much fun as possible). A good supporting cast (including Jeff Bridges looking like Daddy Warbucks) keeps things moving.
This column also features Todd Haynes’ I’m not There., Patrick Dempsey rom-com Made of Honour, Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche in Dan in Real Life, retirement home comedy How About You, and the 2008 Human Rights Film Festival. Some of those merit a future appearance in this newsletter, I wonder if you can guess which.
Where to watch Iron Man
Worldwide: Streaming on Disney+
Editor’s note
I just wanted to put the word out to everyone that I am available for freelance, part-time, casual or full-time gigs at the moment. I have a few regular clients (e.g. RNZ, NZ On Screen) but there’s always room for more. Check out my LinkedIn for a summary of what I have done in the past and what I am capable of in the future. If you have anything (or know of anything) please feel free to let me know.