Comic Book Movies!

[cardero]

OK, i know I'm a little late to the party here, but what!? I am shocked that you could say this was a bad choice! If Downey Jr. was a genius billionaire, he would be Tony Stark. Even before I saw the movie, I thought he would be perfect, and now after seeing it, he was just as perfect as I imagined him to be. I cannot think a a better actor to play Stark. I would be interested to hear your take after seeing it this weekend.

THE THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IRON MAN.

1. I like the pacing of the story. In the past, comics used to start readers in the throes of a character’s conflict then backtrack (or flashback) to explain how they got in that situation.
2. The suit was well designed and the aspects of how Tony Stark outfitted it was very well realized. Special effects were very good.
3. I like the revamping and updating of the origin story. I think it made more sense than the comic book origin.
4. I also like the way they included enough Easter Eggs for the fan boys. For those that watch it again, pay close attention to the music played behind the award ceremony in the beginning, it is the same music that was used in the 1960’s Marvels cartoon features of Iron Man.


THE THINGS I DIDN’T PARTICULARY CARE ABOUT IRON MAN

1. Not enough action (a common but probably expensive problem for superhero films). All the best parts are shown on the commercial. It takes about 60 minutes for the movie to really shift into high gear.
2. I couldn’t get past the casting. I really must give credit to Robert Downey Jr. for keeping things active and entertaining but I just couldn’t muster enough belief that he was Tony Stark (I blame the movie LESS THAN ZERO for this). If the average movie goer has no previous introduction to the comic version of Tony Stark they seem to be safe if they go to see IRON MAN but I thought they way he carried himself was not loyal to the comic counterpart.
3. The Ending. It seemed as if the producers wanted to keep things topical with their current line of comic books. Audiences were given a glimpse into the Civil War storyline and apparently this version of Iron Man takes place in the Ultimate Universe due to a special cameo at the end of the credits (c’mon Marvel, what was wrong with David Hasselhoff, was he busy?)

Overall, exceptional first outing for ol’ Shellhead. Origin movies are always difficult for comic characters and Marvel did manage to hit this one out of the park. I thought Robert Downey Jr. did a competent job at what he was offered but I still think he should have waited for Hollywood to offer him the Dr. Strange franchise.

 

[Magic Man]

THE THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IRON MAN.

1. I like the revamping and pacing of the story. In the past, comics used to start readers in the throes of a character’s conflict then backtrack (or flashback) to explain how they got in that situation.
2. The suit was well designed and the aspects of how Tony Stark outfitted it was very well realized. Special effects were very good.
3. I like the revamping and updating of the origin story. I think it made more sense than the comic book origin.
4. I also like the way they included enough Easter Eggs for the fan boys. For those that watch it again, pay close attention to the music played behind the award ceremony in the beginning, it is the same music that was used in the 1960’s Marvels cartoon features of Iron Man.


THE THINGS I DIDN’T PARTICULARY CARE ABOUT IRON MAN

1. Not enough action (a common but probably expensive problem for superhero films). All the best parts are shown on the commercial.
2. I couldn’t get past the casting. I really must give credit to Robert Downey Jr. for keeping things active and entertaining but I just couldn’t muster enough belief that he was Tony Stark (I blame the movie LESS THAN ZERO for this). If any movie goer has no previous introduction to the comic version of Tony Stark they seem to be safe if they go to see IRON MAN but I thought they way he carried himself was not loyal to the comic counterpart.
3. The Ending. It seemed as if the producers wanted to keep things topical with their current line of comic books. Audiences were given a glimpse into the Civil War storyline and apparently this version of Iron Man takes place in the Ulimate Universe due to a special cameo at the end of the credits (c’mon Marvel, what was wrong with David Hasselhoff, was he busy?)

Overall, good first outing for ol’ Shellhead. Origin movies are always difficult for comic characters and Marvel did manage to hit this one out of the park. I thought Robert Downey Jr. did a competent job at what he was offered but I still think he should have waited for Hollywood to offer him the Dr. Strange franchise.

Wow, really? Dr. Strange? I guess I could see it, but not nearly as much as for Tony. I guess we'll just have to disagree there, although everyone I've talked to who reads comics loves Downey Jr. as Stark. I'm fine with Sam Jackson as Fury (Anything's better than the Hoff), as a lot of the origin movies coming out have Ultimate concepts in them. I agree with the lack of action. Hopefully we'll see more in the sequel.

EDIT: Thanks for your input and responding to my question. What did the mrs. think?

 

[Mister_T]

Wow, really? Dr. Strange? I guess I could see it, but not nearly as much as for Tony.

Actually, I thought Jonny Depp would make a good Dr Strange.

I'm fine with Sam Jackson as Fury (Anything's better than the Hoff), as a lot of the origin movies coming out have Ultimate concepts in them.

I was cool with that too. Sure I would have like to have seen silver sideburned Nick Fury, but taking a page from the Ultimate's universe was cool. Sam Raimi's done this before with Spider Man's web (I never really cared for web-shooters).

I agree with the lack of action. Hopefully we'll see more in the sequel.

I agree as well. But I think that they do that with every starting super hero movie, just to get the origins out of the way. I think the sequel will have much more action much like Spider Man 2 did (War Machine!!!!).

 

[cardero]

mball 1297 writes: Wow, really? Dr. Strange? I guess I could see it, but not nearly as much as for Tony.

I prefer Downey in dramatic roles with his sly comedy aspects in reserve if he needs them. Dr. Strange would have been more complimenting to his acting abilities (as long as the Dr. Strange costume didn’t upstage him).

mball 1297 writes: I guess we'll just have to disagree there, although everyone I've talked to who reads comics loves Downey Jr. as Stark.

In Iron Man we are ask to suspend too much belief that Downey is a rich playboy irresistible to beautiful women who must climb a step stool just to kiss him. In some scenes, it looks like Downey was encouraged to work out with weights, in other scenes he looked very much the 43 years old that he is. In the comic book, Tony Stark, for the most part, is a very handsome man with a tremendous presence in and out of costume.

mball 1297 writes: I'm fine with Sam Jackson as Fury (Anything's better than the Hoff), as a lot of the origin movies coming out have Ultimate concepts in them.

I have a problem with Marvel’s movies making ethnic switches (they’re usually practical but never Marvelous). It is not a racial concern with me, it is a matter of accuracy (Daredevil’s Kingpin is an example of this). David Hasselhoff did portray a wonderful Sgt. Fury in the TV movie Nick Fury: Agent Of Shield it was just that the movie’s story wasn’t any good. If Marvel was going for the Ultimate Universe version of Nick Fury, then yes, Samual Jackson fits the role. Marvel should not be confusing their audiences with such alternative universes and should just be concerned about laying down and presenting a legendary, familiar universe.

mball 1297 writes: I agree with the lack of action. Hopefully we'll see more in the sequel.

As I mentioned, this is a glaring problem with origin movies but Iron Man’s saving grace was the film’s structure (the action first, then the build up to that point and then the lead in to the present). Very comic booky but effective.

mball 1297 writes: EDIT: Thanks for your input and responding to my question. What did the mrs. think?

Mrscardero was a little restless in her seat throughout the first hour and she did admit that she almost fell asleep and that she got teary-eyed during Stark’s captivity. But when Stark was rescued and in the new Iron Man suit, I continually had to chase her down the theater aisle because she kept running up to the movie screen for the action sequences. I had to pick her up and put her back in her seat so many times, I may have missed some parts. This may have been due to the fact that we ate supper before the movie and she was full and wasn’t able to make a mockery of the bottom-less popcorn and soda concession offer. Mrscardero (though a huge Iron Man fan) was unfamiliar with the character’s humble origins and asked my friend Ralph and I if the aspect of his heart condition was accurate. If her interest in Iron Man is substantial, I may pick up Marvel’s Essential Iron Man Vol. 1 for her so that she can read about the character’s beginnings.

 

[cardero]

I agree as well. But I think that they do that with every starting super hero movie, just to get the origins out of the way. I think the sequel will have much more action much like Spider Man 2 did (War Machine!!!!).

They weren't even subtle about this but I'm like you. BRING IT ON!!

 

[Mister_T]

Marvel should not be confusing their audiences with such alternative universes and should just be concerned about laying down and presenting a legendary, familiar universe.

*cough* Batman *cough* Harvey Dent.

 

[Magic Man]

I prefer Downey in dramatic roles with his sly comedy aspects in reserve if he needs them. Dr. Strange would have been more complimenting to his acting abilities (as long as the Dr. Strange costume didn’t upstage him).

I saw this a dramatic role with his sly wit thrown in, as it should be for Stark. I don't see his personality being quite right for Strange.

In Iron Man we are ask to suspend too much belief that Downey is a rich playboy irresistible to beautiful women who must climb a step stool just to kiss him. In some scenes, it looks like

Downey was encouraged to work out with weights, in other scenes he looked very much the 43 years old that he is. In the comic book, Tony Stark, for the most part, is a very handsome man with a tremendous presence in and out of costume.

I don't understand your first point. Are you saying we are asked to forget that Downey is in real life a rich playboy irresistible to beautiful women because that's not the way Stark is, or forget that Stark is that way because that's not the way Downey is, or that Downey is just too short? I think Downey is perfect precisely because he is that way and so is Stark. Their personalities, to me, are almost exactly the same. If it's just that you think he's too short, I don't think it's that much of a stumbling block to him doing the character well.

I have a problem with Marvel’s movies making ethnic switches (they’re usually practical but never Marvelous). It is not a racial concern with me, it is a matter of accuracy (Daredevil’s Kingpin is an example of this). David Hasselhoff did portray a wonderful Sgt. Fury in the TV movie Nick Fury: Agent Of Shield it was just that the movie’s story wasn’t any good. If Marvel was going for the Ultimate Universe version of Nick Fury, then yes, Samual Jackson fits the role. Marvel should not be confusing their audiences with such alternative universes and should just be concerned about laying down and presenting a legendary, familiar universe.

I don't see it as confusing anyone. They have two different versions of the character, and they choose to go with the more updated one. They don't have to change everything, as long as it all works well together. The Ultimates isn't supposed to be completely different from the original, just a different take on it, so mixing and matching to update things is OK with me, as long as they leave the important stuff alone. And the only thing the Hoff has ever done well was Knight Rider. He is definitely not Nick Fury.

As I mentioned, this is a glaring problem with origin movies but Iron Man’s saving grace was the film’s structure (the action first, then the build up to that point and then the lead in to the present). Very comic booky but effective.

As Nick said, it's a symptom of the introduction portion of the story.

Mrscardero was a little restless in her seat throughout the first hour and she did admit that she almost fell asleep and that she got teary-eyed during Stark’s captivity. But when Stark was rescued and in the new Iron Man suit, I continually had to chase her down the theater aisle because she kept running up to the movie screen for the action sequences. I had to pick her up and put her back in her seat so many times, I may have missed some parts. This may have been due to the fact that we ate supper before the movie and she was full and wasn’t able to make a mockery of the bottom-less popcorn and soda concession offer. Mrscardero (though a huge Iron Man fan) was unfamiliar with the character’s humble origins and asked my friend Ralph and I if the aspect of his heart condition was accurate. If her interest in Iron Man is substantial, I may pick up Marvel’s

Essential Iron Man Vol. 1 for her so that she can read about the character’s beginnings.

It's too bad she didn't enjoy it more.

 

[Mister_T]

They weren't even subtle about this but I'm like you. BRING IT ON!!

I know! When Terrence Howard said "Next time baby!" my inner geek had an orgasm!

Looks like they're ging to do a trilogy from what I'm hearing (that's on top of the Avenger movies I believe) :bow: Supposedly, Iron Man's going to make an apperance in The Incredible Hulk too. Not sure if it's Stark himself or Iron Man. Personally, I hoping for Hulk-Buster suit.

 

[Magic Man]

I know! When Terrence Howard said "Next time baby!" my inner geek had an orgasm!

Looks like they're ging to do a trilogy from what I'm hearing (that's on top of the Avenger movies I believe) :bow: Supposedly, Iron Man's going to make an apperance in The Incredible Hulk too. Not sure if it's Stark himself or Iron Man. Personally, I hoping for Hulk-Buster suit.

Last I heard, the Avengers movie was going to be considered the third Iron Man, as in it's sort of a trilogy.

 

[Mister_T]

Last I heard, the Avengers movie was going to be considered the third Iron Man, as in it's sort of a trilogy.

*Ahem*

IGN: Iron Man Trilogy?

 

[cardero]

Mball writes: I saw this a dramatic role with his sly wit thrown in, as it should be for Stark. I don't see his personality being quite right for Strange. I don't understand your first point. Are you saying we are asked to forget that Downey is in real life a rich playboy irresistible to beautiful women because that's not the way Stark is, or forget that Stark is that way because that's not the way Downey is, or that Downey is just too short? I think Downey is perfect precisely because he is that way and so is Stark. Their personalities, to me, are almost exactly the same. If it's just that you think he's too short, I don't think it's that much of a stumbling block to him doing the character well.

The startling character flaw with Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal was that I could not believe that his character could be as resourceful or intelligent to do the things he was written to do in the movie. His demeanor was a bit awkward and I thought his wit (in some parts) conflicted with the dramatic apects of the film (I kept on expecting his character to break out in schtick when he was held captive). Again, if one never picked up an Iron Man comic before walking into the theater than Robert Downey Jr does an apt portrayal of an inventor, entrepreneur and (snicker) playboy named Tony Stark, just not the Tony Stark that I fondly perceived from my reading of the comics.

Mball writes: The Ultimates isn't supposed to be completely different from the original, just a different take on it, so mixing and matching to update things is OK with me, as long as they leave the important stuff alone.

I am not sure how far they are going to go with the whole S.H.I.E.L.D. concept in Marvel movies but I do have reservations about the Ultimate Universe portrayed in comics and movies (I think it is a bit gimmicky). I have a feeling this is what the Avengers will be leading to. If Marvel is going to go this way then I wouldn’t want them to “cherry pick” from different universes, just go with one universe or the other. I would appreciate the consisitency.

Mball writes: And the only thing the Hoff has ever done well was Knight Rider. He is definitely not Nick Fury.

At this point I must ask you if had seen the Nick Fury: Agent Of Shield movie. Like I mentioned, the movie’s story wasn’t as memorable as most of Marvel’s theatrical releases but David Hasselhoff portrays a very convincing Nick Fury. You will believe a man can wear an eye patch and chomp cigars.

Mball writes: It's too bad she didn't enjoy it more.

I think she did but I will encourage her to give you her version of it. I think the circimstances were a bit uncommon for her this day (lack of sleep, no popcorn during the movie).

 

[Magic Man]

The startling character flaw with Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal was that I could not believe that his character could be as resourceful or intelligent to do the things he was written to do in the movie. His demeanor was a bit awkward and I thought his wit (in some parts) conflicted with the dramatic apects of the film (I kept on expecting his character to break out in schtick when he was held captive). Again, if one never picked up an Iron Man comic before walking into the theater than Robert Downey Jr does an apt portrayal of an inventor, entrepreneur and (snicker) playboy named Tony Stark, just not the Tony Stark that I fondly perceived from my reading of the comics.

Again, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. To me, Downey fit my conception of Tony Stark perfectly. I don't think they could pick a better Stark. This is coming from someone who has read comics for 20 years. (Not to imply that I know more than you, just that it's not someone who has no pre-conceived idea of Stark)

I am not sure how far they are going to go with the whole S.H.I.E.L.D. concept in Marvel movies but I do have reservations about the Ultimate Universe portrayed in comics and movies (I think it is a bit gimmicky). I have a feeling this is what the Avengers will be leading to. If Marvel is going to go this way then I wouldn’t want them to “cherry pick” from different universes, just go with one universe or the other. I would appreciate the consisitency.

As I said, as long as they keep the important stuff intact, as I think they have so far, at least with Iron Man, I don't mind them making small changes like Fury. I did have a problem with Kingpin in Daredevil, but I had a lot of problems with that movie.

At this point I must ask you if had seen the Nick Fury: Agent Of Shield movie. Like I mentioned, the movie’s story wasn’t as memorable as most of Marvel’s theatrical releases but David Hasselhoff portrays a very convincing Nick Fury. You will believe a man can wear an eye patch and chomp cigars.

I have seen it, yes. I just can't believe Hoff as the character. He's not gruff and bada$$ enough.

I think she did but I will encourage her to give you her version of it. I think the circimstances were a bit uncommon for her this day (lack of sleep, no popcorn during the movie).

Thanks! That would be cool, if she feels like it.

 

[cardero]

Mball writes: I did have a problem with Kingpin in Daredevil, but I had a lot of problems with that movie.

Me too, and it is because of these problems we may never see another cinematic take on the Daredevil character.

Mball writes: I have seen it, yes. I just can't believe Hoff as the character. He's not gruff and bada$$ enough.

He had the look, the gruff and the authority, it is just when they put him in action sequences that the audience was required to suspend a bit more belief. He may be too old to continue his role as Nick Fury but for this cameo in Iron Man, I would have gleefully howled like a commando if they chose him to represent the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. (depending of course whether the producers were actually setting up and promoting an Ultimate Universe).

 

[Mister_T]

Apparently, Toby McGuire's set to do Spidey 4 and 5

IGN: Spidey's Marvelous Deal

The Lizard's pretty much a shoe-in. I'm not sure if they'll just stick with one villian this time or not. If they brought in another villian, I think Kraven would be a good tie in with the Lizard.

There's also supposed to be a Venom film in the works too.

 

[Mister_T]

Terrance Howard out, Don Cheadle in:


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That sucks. I thought he'd be good as War Machine.

 

[Magic Man]

Yeah, I love Don Cheadle, but I hate when these changes are made.

 

[doppelganger]

(Anything's better than the Hoff)

Lucky for you Hoff has never said anything commending the murder of infidels.

 

[Magic Man]

Lucky for you Hoff has never said anything commending the murder of infidels.

Nah, me and the Hoff are like this )(. He knows I'm just kidding.

 

[Yes Man]

Watchmen (2009) :drool:

 

[FyreBrigidIce]

I loved Electra and all the X-Men movies and and and Spiderman movies and I can't think of any others that I have seen. lol