By Greg Vellante
Correspondent
May 11, 2008 04:21 am "They say the best weapon is one you never have to fire. I respectfully disagree." Tony Stark stands in front of a crowd as he introduces the latest weapon of the multibillion dollar Stark Industries, The Jericho. The missile is fired, makes impact, explodes and sends a sonic boom that keeps Stark stable but nearly knocks the crowd off their feet. Then, Tony grabs himself a drink. What's ironic about this scene, which happens very early in "Iron Man," is that Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) eventually turns against his initial disagreement. He soon emerges as a force that fights to destroy the weapons that he originally was a part of, righting the wrongs of his past. Tony Stark does this all by becoming none other than Iron Man. Armored and technological beyond the norm, Stark invents a suit after a near-death experience with terrorists who wanted to use his weapons against his country. Stark, with another prisoner's assistance, secretly designs and builds a prototype suit that ultimately helps him escape from imprisonment. Back at home, Stark perfects the design, making it more impenetrable and high-tech, complete with flight capabilities and artificial intelligence. This film combines an intelligent storyline, brilliant effects, intricate set pieces, witty and refreshing humor, great characters, captivating action, and ... does it seem like I'm going on a bit? "Iron Man" was a film that kept me on the edge of my seat to the point that my knees were on the floor. If someone even tried to form a more perfect film than this one to kick off the summer movie lineup, I'd gladly bet against their effort. The superlative aspect of the film is the fact that it chooses to focus more on Tony Stark the man, rather than Tony Stark the "Iron Man." Rather than crowding screen time with excessive action sequences that show off the latest in special-effect technology, "Iron Man" shows us the man behind the suit. Ultimately, Tony Stark is a man who, despite his shield of armored metal, is just as vulnerable as the rest of us. "Iron Man" is an anomaly in superhero cinema. The film is not only about entertainment (though it is rather generous in this department) but it also provokes the viewer and allows the audience to relate to the characters, especially Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Stark. Beneath the action and the effects, "Iron Man" is truly a film about one man's attempt to make a difference.
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