Iron Man

The summer movie season officially kicks off this week with Iron Man, the first major movie release of 2008.

Iron Man stars Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark and, well, Iron Man.  While in the Middle East showcasing his war technology, Stark is taken captive by an evil mastermind.  To fight his way to freedom, Stark builds a high tech, but clunky looking suit of armor… the first of the Iron Man suits.

What’s interesting about the story of Tony Stark is he continues to be Iron Man to stop the misuse of his own war technology.  In essence, he comes to a point where he has a new understanding of peace.  He’s now set on cleaning up the violent mess he created.  And, he’s very much human.  He’s not just a billionaire playboy with a perfect life.  He’s an alcoholic with very real, very personal demons to fight.

First off, casting Downey as Stark is brilliant.  It’s somewhat typecasting, allowing Downey to pour his real life problems of the past into a role that allows him to sort of poke fun at himself.

And that’s also what’s great about Iron Man.  There’s nothing brooding about this movie.  It’s pure fun with truly awesome technology and great humor.

So, here’s to the summer movie season of 2008!