MCU in Review - Iron Man 10 Years Later

Iron Man helmet - Best Clipart Blog

I don't believe I truly appreciated Iron Man when I first saw it years ago. I'm pretty sure I may have even slept through part of it... :(  Another issue was that I also confused it with The Rocketeer, an older movie that had been out for some time.

This time, however, I made sure to pay attention and lose myself in the story.

Even though it's been 10 years, it still holds up. The jokes are still relevant and feel fresh. Tony's transformation from selfish jerk to responsible hero is still impact-full. And the casting remains perfect.

Obidiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) - writeups.org

Jeff Bridges' Obidiah Stane is well played. The man is a great actor and he does villain well. Stane's motivation is well developed. He is one of Marvel's better baddies, but he somehow almost always gets overlooked. Having been by Howard Stark's side as Stark Industries was being built, 'Obie' does not want to play second fiddle to Howard's pompous son. This is even more prevalent when he confesses at the gala that he ordered an injunction to keep Tony out of the business.

Colonel James Rhodes (Terrance Howard) - Film Review Online

Tony's best friend, Colonel James 'Rhodie' Rhodes, is played, in this film, by Terrance Howard. Despite Rhodes' best efforts to be the responsible one in the bromance, Tony is able to wear him down easily. The Air Force officer is drawn into Stark's charm just as much as anyone else. However, Rhodes knows when to trust his friend and take a step back.  Although Don Cheadle does an excellent job in future films, I have to admit I do miss Howard.

Tony Stark (Robert Downy Jr.) - Hollywood Reporter

Then, of course, there is the centerpiece of the film. Robert Downy Jr.'s Tony Stark. Downy is effortless in the part. Stark's transition from self centered to selfless is completly believable. Probably because of how closely Robert's own experience mirrors his character's. Originally, producers wanted Tom Cruise. Thankfully, director Jon Favreau convinced them otherwise. To me, Cruise is too stiff; he's well suited to some action roles, yes. But a good comic book hero requires spirit and fluidity, which Downy is overflowing with. This, along with Robert's rapid pace delivery, adds to Tony's charm. You might not like him, but you can't help but to love him.

These different and unique pieces work together beautifully. I was hesitant at first, but looking back now, I know. As the hard chords of 'Iron Man' by Black Sabbath begin playing over the end credits, you realize that you've witnessed the beginning of an epic universe!