This week, I made a long overdue return trip to the local movie theater to catch Iron Man (and Speed Racer, although that was unexpected). I 'll also be going tomorrow to see Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull, but before I address that, let me talk about the two films Isaw last night.



I'm not much of a follower of the Iron Man series, and lately if you read the current issues of Avengers or Iron Man, you noticed that as of late, Tony Stark has become a bit of a...well, I think the word 'dick' is most appropriate. But I digress; the movie however washes way any bitter memories of the Tony Stark that has become prominent in Civil War. Here, Robert Downey jr portrays the genius behind the Iron Man suit with a playboy attitude and a weakness for all things alcohol and he dows it with such wit and style, you would be hard pressed to convine me that he was born to play the role. Of equal billing is his supporting cast: Gwyneth Paltrow as his secretary and possible love interest Pepper Potts and Terrance Howard as Col. James Rhodes, the best friend who sometimes needs to talk common sense into Tony. Oh yeah, if he dowsn't become War Machine in the inevitable sequel, I will riot.



What's good about the movie is not just the scenes when Tony is in full gear (and man, are they sweet) but many of the events that influence Tony's decision to change Stark Industries. The movie points out many of the problems that the world has to answer for when weapons can be sold to anyone without fear of reprecussions and Tony's struggle with what damage his tech has wrought. I hope the momentum stays for the sequel.



As for Speed Racer, I have to admit, I do like the visual effects, but script wise, maybe a little more time could have ben spent on it to get it right. Nice adaptation of the show though, and the y REALLY went all out to make it seem like a live action anime, but it could have been a bit better. Emile Hirsch did do a good job, however, I will say that.



Now then, Indy. There's been a bit of a controversy concerning the reviews of Indian Jones' latest adventure. While internet critics seem to villify and loathe this one, newspaper & tv critics seem to be more welcoming of this entr into the series. My only advice to anyone who is waiting to see this film is to be your own critic and judge this movie on your own merits. I have faith that Spielberg did a good job on this one (my faith in Lucas, however, is shaky.) and will see this movie, regardless of how much someone like say Harry Knowles may hate it.



Speaking of bad movie experiences, that idiot director we all love to shit on, Uwe Boll, will have to face the fact that his movie 'ostal' will be on a vey, VERY limited run in the US.



[link]



Boll has gone public with his views on why this film will not see a wide release. I have my own theory: People will tend to look down on you when you use the WTC plane attacks as satire to comment on America in a post 9/11 world. Especially when you're a prick who thinks he's a good director.