It’s hard to watch Iron Man now without knowledge of the larger MCU creeping in. In terms of scope and number of characters it’s quaint. But it’s far stronger than most MCU films, and a prime example of what makes the MCU successful. It also shines a light on the issues the MCU now often finds itself tripping over.
This film is still so strong! Downey is excellent, with the MCU likely not gaining the traction and leeway it needed early on to become what it is without him. There aren’t many comic book roles that can be considered perfect casting, but he is one of them. Bridges provides a great counterpoint in a time where we didn’t know that “hero ability but different colour” would be a continual villain thing. It’s odd seeing Terrence Howard as Rhodey now, as Don Cheadle has been in the role for so long now. He was fine, but I much prefer the Downey/Cheadle chemistry.
Recent MCU entries have seemed mixed or even confused in their tone at times. Importantly, Iron Man’s only excess is Tony Stark’s lifestyle. It’s humour could even be considered subtle at times, mainly due to it coming from the characters. There’s no need to undercut everything with a joke, with everything far more natural.
We’re fourteen years and twenty-nine films into the MCU now, and it speaks volumes that Iron Man comfortably holds it’s own in the top five. It also leaves me yearning for a simpler time, with more self-contained stories.
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