4. Iron Man (2008)
Iron Man seemed destined to join Daredevil and Ghost Rider in Marvel movie mediocrity. He was a somewhat obscure superhero to the mainstream masses, one who played second fiddle to the likes of Spider-Man and the X-Men and even the Incredible Hulk. Thanks to skillful direction from Jon Favreau and a stellar performance by a revived Robert Downey, Jr., Iron Man became an overnight sensation and household name.
The smart-alecky, playboy scientist is essentially what Batman would be if he were able to have a little fun. Downey certainly seems to be having fun, too, in the role of Tony Stark, and we all benefit just by watching it unfold, too. Honestly, Tony Stark’s decision to become Iron Man is the ultimate solution to a mid-life crisis. Why buy a Corvette when you can wear a freaking jet, you know?
Iron Man the superhero is very cool, sure, but the acting is also pretty snappy. Not only is Downey perfect in his role, embracing it with Hugh Jackman-levels of dedication, but the usually demure Gwyneth Paltrow is energetic, intelligent, and witty as Pepper Potts, Tony Stark’s personal secretary and love interest. The corporate espionage and terrorism plot aren’t much to write home about, and the recent Oscar-winner Jeff Bridges is possibly too nice to play a villain, but that’s hardly the main draw of the movie.
Iron Man was the first step towards a unified Marvel movie universe – it was so successful, both critically and financially, that it’s spawned not just the inevitable sequel, but has also encouraged Marvel to pursue development on even more obscure properties, like Thor, ultimately building up to a huge event film with The Avengers. And millions of fans can’t wait to see them.
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