"Give me a scotch. I'm starving"
The first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe stars Robert
Downey Jr as billionaire playboy/weapons developer Tony Stark. Stark is
presenting his latest weapon to the Military in Afghanistan when his convey comes
under attack. Stark is critically wounded in the attack and while imprisoned by
terrorists, fellow prisoner Yinsen (Shaun Toub) fits an electromagnet into his
chest in order to keep shrapnel out of his heart. Ordered to build a
sophisticated missile by their captors, instead the prisoners go about building
an Iron suit which Stark uses to escape. Excited by the new technology Stark
begins to develop the suit further but other parties are also interested in the
idea.
Tony Stark is a character that Robert Downey Jr was born to
play. After several years on the edges of Hollywood
the role put him back front and centre and rejuvenated his flailing career. Stark
and Downey have very similar traits and it feels
as though Downey
is enjoying the role. Paul Bettany is well cast as the voice of JARVIS, Stark’s
computer. He comes across as robotic but with just a hint of humanity and
emotion. Gwyneth Paltrow is also well cast as Stark’s assistant Pepper Potts.
She is sexy enough when she needs to be but you can understand to some extent
why Stark hasn’t noticed her in that way. Their relationship is also very fun
to watch and somewhat like a toddler and mother. It’s entertaining to watch her
attempt to keep Stark in line and out of trouble.
