I had been anticipating "Iron Man" since I caught the preview at a Q&A panel with Jon Fraveau, Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow et al. at Comic Con last July. Guess Fraveau has joined the ranks of director Sam Raimi ("Spiderman"), Brian Singer ("Superman," "X-Men"), Christopher Nolan ("Batman"). "Iron Man" blew me away.
Absolutely exhilarating. Ingenious (meticulous creation of the armor suit depicted in stages, 3D interactions, technologically advanced mansion, breathtaking special effects), audacious (closing scene), hilarious (hilarity peppered throughout and delivered). The working mechanics of the technology that make things in the movie seem to be "grounded" in reality, rather than some fantasy.
While suspension of disbelief is a must in every superhero movie, "Iron Man" really does look like a future reality. The set is "real" as well (and local to me). No futuristic Chicago or retro New York. Just plain 'ol Los Angeles, Malibu and Santa Monica, California.
The phenomenal feeling was akin to when I watched the first "Spiderman" or "X-Men." There is a novelty factor ("Batman" and "Superman," we had seen them on the big screen before). The characters are flawed. And people can relate to the human theme that is core in each movie. Be it the feeling of agony for being different and isolation, frustration for inadequacy or inferiority, having the chance to redeem and right oneself for erroneous ways in the past.
Flamboyant and brilliant, Tony Stark has a place in a crowded superhero society. Not dark and brooding as Bruce Wayne, not at all mighty and good as Clark Kent, and unlike the average Joe of Peter Parker. Unlike "Spiderman" or "X-Men," no overly or extended emotional scenes in "Iron Man," but the undercurrent subtleties actually work just fine. There are still smidges of heartfelt moments weaved in among the gizmos.
Lastly, it ought to be mentioned - such an amazing feat for casting a 40+ year old well-known actor with less than sterling reputation in a major superhero role (couldn't have imagined Downey in that role earlier).
Wait till the last of the credits roll. There's a bonus scene at the end. All I can say is sequel, sequel!