Confused? Don't be. As we've mentioned before we at Jack Manly we have a variety of interests including comic books and graphic novels. As such we like to take a break on our site and in the blog from the world of male erotica, gay-themed TV shows and movies, etc. With that in mind, we had the pleasure of seeing a preview of Iron Man, the latest movie to spring from the pages of a comic book series, and wanted to share our review (as spoiler free as possible).

 Iron Man may be the most satisfying Marvel Comics movie adaptation to date. It's smart, witty and action-packed film that manages to be very true to its comic book origins while satisfying mainstream audiences. Director Jon Favreau performs a very successful balancing act here by carefully choosing elements from the 40-plus history of the comic book, updating them and creating a film that is cohesive and accessible to all.  This was not an easy task as even the most successful comic book adaptations were not as respectful towards their origins as Iron Man is. Fans should be very happy.

 The biggest change from the comics is also the biggest risk---the casting of Robert Downey, Jr as Tony Stark, the man inside the armor. The early 60s comic book Tony Stark was a somewhat dashing executive/playboy (think James Bond with as mustache). As played by Robert Downey, Jr Tony Stark is a spoiled, somewhat smarmy "cool dude" with money (his fortune comes from his late father's weapons manufacturing corporation) In the comic and in the movie Tony Stark's  life is put in peril and he must use his high-tech aptitude to save himself. In the process he finds his inner hero and his life takes on a new purpose. For Downey's Tony Stark this journey is more dramatic and in some ways more fulfilling than the comic version.

  As we mentioned elements from the comic's lengthy continuity are neatly woven into this story. Gwyneth Paltrow plays Pepper Potts, Stark's assistant and although she hasn't appeared in the comics in years the choice to put her into the film was brilliant. The chemistry between Paltrow and Downey is one of the movie's many highlights and provides the movie with humor and poignancy. If you aren't a fan of Paltrow you may be after this film. Terrence Howard plays his friend Jim Rhodes who is there to ground his friend to reality. Jeff Bridges plays Obadiah Stane, the slick executive who runs the Stark Enterprises and whose intentions and motivations are at the core of the story's development. 


  The somewhat  lengthy "origin story"may have been the trickiest part of the movie to navigate for Favreau and the writers. There's a lot of set up and might very well bore those who are already familiar with the story or those looking for CGI effects and action sequences. There's also another sequence that covers the development and evolution of the Iron Man armor that is handled logically and intelligently. It's all done with realism and humor and longtime fans of the comic will appreciate how the evolution of the armor has been neatly condensed and fit into the film. In fact if you see the film with a comic fan (or an audience comprised of fanboys) you'll probably be perplexed by hear chuckles in several instances. There are inside jokes that aren't just witty--they pay tribute to the comic.

  The weakest portion of the film may be the climax and the prerequisite fight sequence. It obviously required lots of special effects technology to create the sequence but it is the least innovative part of the film. It didn't ruin there film for us but we wish it seemed less obvious and as fresh as the rest of the film.

  Finally, one of the things that we appreciate about the effort to bring Iron Man to the screen is that it is a great set-up for future films. Aside from a poor box-office performance the only obstacle is also one of the film's twists, but this can easily be corrected. Besides, there is a rich history yet to be tapped into that would provide many good plots. We think you'll pleasantly surprised by Iron Man.

  If you enjoy the film there's also lots to read AFTER you see the film. Here are just a few of the essentials: