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Star Wars: The Force Awakens
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It's true — all of it! The blockbuster movie jumps from the big screen to the comic-book page!...
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Kevin Phillipson (10069 KP) rated Eternals (2021) in Movies
Nov 25, 2021
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The League of Regrettable Superheroes: Half-Baked Heroes from Comic Book History
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A fun, funny, and affectionate look at the strangest superheroes to ever appear in comics, some so...
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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Iron Man (2008) in Movies
Jan 27, 2020
As such, none of these films we ever close to being part of a connected universe.
Along comes 2008, and Marvel Comics and Kevin Feige hit the scene with their first offering from Marvel Studios. A company determined to just that, with the properties they still have left.
Before 2008, Iron Man was a beloved character to the comic book faithful. A lot of casual moviegoers had no idea who he was, and Iron Man was essentially a B-list risk. And now, in 2020, that couldn't be further from the truth. The trifecta of Iron Man, Tony Stark, and Robert Downey Jr. are arguably the premier face of Marvel, and it's all thanks to this fantastic B-list risk.
Director Jon Favreau wastes no time in introducing us to Tony himself, and RDJ does a fine job of letting us know just how arrogant, clever and sarcastic the titular hero is. When everything goes wrong and Tony ends up captive in a terrorist environment, were given a pretty gritty origin story to how Iron Man came to be.
As Tony is quickly forced into a situation where his life becomes fragile, we see a slow burning but evident change in his behaviour, and RDJ does a great job in sweeping the audience up alongside him in his path to becoming the people's hero.
It's a simple and effective origin template that has definitely been borrowed again in other MCU projects (looking at you Dr Strange), but it's easy to see why.
Along side Downey Jr is the always charismatic Jeff Bridges. He plays Obadiah Stane, a villain who has close ties to the Stark family, and is an imposing presence throughout. His character sees him go full super villain, which honestly cheapens his otherwise great performance. Also, in the ensuing clash between Iron Man and Iron Monger, this is the first of many MCU films to do the whole 'villain-is-just-an-evil-version-of-the-hero' trope, which is fine here (let's not forget - first MCU film after all), but did become annoyingly predictable here and there.
Gwyneth Paltrow is Pepper Potts, and I suitably charming in the role, and still remains a fan favourite now.
We also have Terrance Howard as James Rhodes, the future War Machine. I enjoyed him here, and it's evident that he had good chemistry with RDJ. It's a shame that he didn't stay on for more films, but that's money for you I guess!
Considering this film is entering it's 12th year of existence, the CGI still holds up incredibly well. The classic red and gold Iron Man suit is striking and looks great. The action scenes are pretty thrilling and fun, something that Marvel Studios have excelled in since, and just to top it all off, the now infamous post credit scene sets up the conjoined Avengers franchise that we all know and love.
Iron Man is a solid first effort from Marvel Studios, and set the MCU running out the gates, whilst simultaneously setting up a new injection of quality into Marvel movies.
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Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D (1998) in Movies
Jun 18, 2019
Lisa Rinna plays Contessa Valentina "Val" Allegra de Fontaine, and Sandra Hess plays Andrea von Strucker / Viper. It was released on DVD on September 30, 2008. The film was met with a mixed to poor reception.
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Hawkeye: Kate Bishop, Vol. 1: Anchor Points
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Remember Hawkeye? No, not that Hawkeye - your favorite Hawkeye, the former Young Avenger, the...
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Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 1: Aphra
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Following her time in the clutches of Darth Vader, Doctor Aphra has barely escaped with her life. If...
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Star Wars, Vol. 11: The Scourging of Shu-Torun
Book
Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo and the heroic Rebel Alliance have suffered one of their...
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Star Wars: Jedi of the Republic - Mace Windu
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One of the most revered Jedi Masters of all stars in his own solo series! Learn all there is to know...