iron man
AMC has this deal (at least in the Minneapolis market) where you can go to any show, any time Monday through Thursday for only $6. So they released Iron Man in theaters early: 8:00 pm on Thursday. A brand new release for $6... how could we not?
I have been itching to see this one, for a couple of reasons. First, I love Robert Downey Jr. Yes, I realize he is (or was) a cokehead. Whatever. He's hot. And he seems to be cleaning up, so yay for him. Second, it just seemed like a great story, not your average superhero. Tony Stark is extremely flawed, and he's middle-aged when he chooses to transform himself. It gives me hope, like it's never too late to make different choices. Third, whenever I hear those first strains of of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man", my blood starts to vibrate.
Iron Man doesn't disappoint. I am so in love with the casting choices. Downey was fantastic, of course, but so were Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, and especially Jeff Bridges. Really, I can't think of a time I enjoyed Jeff Bridges this much since Starman.
The comedy was on point, the pathos was perfectly timed, the action was stellar... the storyline was a tad predictable, but hey: this is no indie. It is what it is, and as summer movies go, Iron Man hits it out of the park.
All that said... my movie experience wasn't perfect. It seems despite our best efforts, a lot of people don't really know how to behave at the movies. Yeah, jackholes at AMC Rosedale, Theater 8, at 8:00 on May 1... I'm talking to you.
Coming soon on The Center Seat: the 5 most obnoxious douchebags that can sit by you at the movie theater.
I have been itching to see this one, for a couple of reasons. First, I love Robert Downey Jr. Yes, I realize he is (or was) a cokehead. Whatever. He's hot. And he seems to be cleaning up, so yay for him. Second, it just seemed like a great story, not your average superhero. Tony Stark is extremely flawed, and he's middle-aged when he chooses to transform himself. It gives me hope, like it's never too late to make different choices. Third, whenever I hear those first strains of of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man", my blood starts to vibrate.
Iron Man doesn't disappoint. I am so in love with the casting choices. Downey was fantastic, of course, but so were Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, and especially Jeff Bridges. Really, I can't think of a time I enjoyed Jeff Bridges this much since Starman.
The comedy was on point, the pathos was perfectly timed, the action was stellar... the storyline was a tad predictable, but hey: this is no indie. It is what it is, and as summer movies go, Iron Man hits it out of the park.
All that said... my movie experience wasn't perfect. It seems despite our best efforts, a lot of people don't really know how to behave at the movies. Yeah, jackholes at AMC Rosedale, Theater 8, at 8:00 on May 1... I'm talking to you.
Coming soon on The Center Seat: the 5 most obnoxious douchebags that can sit by you at the movie theater.
May 2, 2008 at 10:07 AM
I think movie theaters need to start using more aggressive ushers of the beat-em-up variety. Of course, the beating must occur outside of the theater as to not disturb the other guests. There's a quote from the TV show Firefly I like that goes (And I paraphrase) "You will burn in a very special level of hell. A level reserved for child molesters and people who talk at the theater."
Also, I was kind of on the fence about Iron Man, but I think I'll go check it out after your review.
May 2, 2008 at 10:41 AM
I don't know if this counts as a d'bag that is "sitting next to you", but I think my #1 annoyance is "the late arrivers"... the couple that walks in with an armful of concessions, standing around until their eyes adjust to the dark, and talking like it's ok to talk b/c THEY haven't seated themselves yet.
... then, to top it off, they sit in front of you! :(
May 2, 2008 at 3:27 PM
This review sounds like the conversation my daughter and I had on the walk home after the film last night. Loved it!
Can't wait for the douchebag post. Have to say, in my experience, New York and Boston movie audiences are the most polite .... go figure!
May 2, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Check this out:
http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail167.html
May 2, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Hi, Nayana -- I liked Iron Man, too. You don't often get to see Jeff Bridges as a bad guy (oops ... a spoiler).
My son, who was with me, said "but ... but ... that's the Dude!
May 3, 2008 at 2:44 AM
I think I've sat next to those 5 people...and wrote about it, too. Though it was 7 people. ;)
May 3, 2008 at 2:51 PM
I don't know why I'm leaving so many comments on this one, but I just wanted to add to your review.
One of the reasons why Downey is a great choice is because of his past addiction(s). Tony Stark has a pretty infamous battle with alcoholism, so if there's a sequel, Downey can bring a lot to this character.
May 6, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Yes, I know those 5 very well. Somehow I'm magnetically attracted to the seat right in front of them for every movie, too.
I saw IM at Block E, where the guy across the aisle accomplished the incredible feat of literally talking for 2 hrs and 16 minutes. No bathroom break, no water break. It was as impressive as anything on the screen.
I'm ready to institute silence as early as the ticket line. Or, I may have to move forward with my soon-to-be-patented idea for individual headsets for every seat.
May 6, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Iron Man was practically flawless as a super hero flick; it drops pretty obvious hints that would indicate a sequel as well... i'm thinking the next one should be equally great
May 11, 2008 at 6:22 AM
We are looking forward to seeing this one :)
May 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I hate those kind of people.
Anyway, I loved Iron Man indeed, very much.
May 27, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Not bad for a comic book!
May 27, 2008 at 1:49 PM
You're right, Mark. It's not.