Released in May, this movie didn't let down most of the movie-goers including me and Shin. It starts out with light humour for the first 3 minutes or so showing how charming Mr. Anthony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is and very much the lady-person. The lead female is his secretary or right-hand person (Gwyneth Paltrow). It's over 2hr long but worth-watching. Some action and some humorous scenes (his robot acting like an emergency unit has a penchance for dousing him even when there's no fire). It starts off with his brutal kidnapping by guerillas or rather terrorist groups. This is where he saw the harm and danger of what his company (Start industry) created; when the weapons lay in the wrong hands- it's deadly. The Ironman outfit was first created while he secretly built it from scratch in the cave where he was imprisoned, promising the bad guys he's helping them built weapons instead. Later after he made it back to the States, he wanted to stop making weapons and laboured to perfect his Ironman creation. There's also conspiracy and betrayal but no spoilers here... And towards the end, not a very subtle hint that there's a follow-up.Critics score: B+ (7.5-7.9)
My Score: B+
About Robert Downey Jr.:
He was in Zodiac (2007/I), Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005) and Gothika (2003). He also apperared in the ally McBeal series and heavily involved in music with the likes of Sting and Elton John. From 1996 until 2001 Downey was arrested numerous times for substance abuse and possession of heroine, valium and cocaine. He also previously date Sarah Jessica Parker (our Ms. Carrie Bradshaw)
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Bruce Banner goes on the big screen again, this time staring Edward Norton and his love-interest Betty (Liv Tyler). Bruce is a scientist in many ways manipulated by the liutenant, Betty's father. When he tested the gamma rays on himself, his cells underwent permanent radical change (his red blood cells look green under the microscope) turning the mild-mannered man to a green monster with a temper and roar bigger than his physique. He changes to his alter ego once he gets aggravated (high pulserate or heart beat). He's a fugitive who keeps in contact with a fellow anonymous scientist called Mr.Blue to find a solution to remove this from his being to stop the government from using him as a weapon. Things gets complicated when a soldier in his late 30s was brought into the taskforce to catch Banner. This Russian thirst for power both over his body and strength and loved nothing more than to beat the Hulk, eventually he gets his hands on it and turn to a ugly monster with spines at his spinal cord- watch it for yourself. This film is not about art, my cup-of-tea unlike Ang Lee's version. It's still No.1 at the Boxoffice since its release. Watch-it!Critics score: B- (6.8-7.0)
My Score: B+
About Edward Norton:
You've probably seen him in The Illusionist (2006), The Italian Job (2003), and Red Dragon (2002). While his Banner character was mild, in real life, the actor has gotten into a lot of controversies. The latest involved skipping out of promoting the Hulk by going off to vacation in Africa. Norton speaks Japanese and dated Courtney Love and actress Salma Hayek.
>>> Towards the end of The Hulk, we see Stark appearing. It's practically begging viewers to compare the two and a hint of what is to come. According to Shin and what he read in comics, the Ironman will..... turn bad and fight other super heroes- and i suppose in this case- The Hulk.
* I gave both movies a B+ cause in reality it's hard to compare an apple and an orange. Though they are both adapted from Marvel comics, they are directed differently. The mood and setting is different. Ironman's starting was a little political to me; while Hulk showed the popular fable. Ironman has more quirks while Hulk is more serious. Both are packed with nice action. The romance is more in Hulk. But both casts were terrific. For Marvel fans, a definite go. But I'm still doubtful if they make a Ironman vs. Hulk.... that's what they are hinting thus far
