Yes, I prejudged this movie. No, I didn’t like the premise beforehand. Yes, I thought it sounded like a Hallmark or Lifetime movie. (Actually, I’d be shocked if it doesn’t appear on Lifetime in the future.) But, here comes the shocker… I kind of liked it anyway. What can I say? It was a feel-good movie, and those are hard to dislike. The weaknesses would be the predictability (go figure, the bratty rich kid changes for the better!) and the little-girl-with-terminal-illness schtick (yes, I cried a little, shut up). The strengths would be the performances of the actors. James Garner has always been a stud (I had a minor crush on him after Murphy’s Romance) and Abigail Breslin is a talented little girl. Even the lead actor (whatever his name is) did a great job of transforming throughout. It was worth my time. I give it a solid B.

I enjoyed this movie. I would and have watched it again. The movie is about the responsibility of man to be great by going thru the lessons of life. Jason has lived a privileged life and these lessons were bypassed. He is given several tasks to understand great character. Most people learn strong character from their teachers, friends and family. Will the movie change you, will it stop you from drifting thru life probable not but it could. Its a time for you to Dream…could you be better, could you help someone, could you be part of someones perfect day. The movie has a great cast and has a feel good quality. “Change the world.” I give it a strong b+.

Keeanu Reeve’s worst movie…miscast, very hard to believe anything he says or does. Its not Training Day..thou written and directed by the same guy. I have not one good thing to say about the movie. I wish I could get that time back. Thou some have given it good reviews…don’t watch it. Grade=F

~HAZ

People skipping work, some going twice, going opening night. My overall view was its not a bad film but is was just another average flim. It missed ACTION!!!! Where is the action…its a hyped up, 2hr blockbuster with 5-10 min of total action. The whole movie felt improbable, slowed down, predictable and lacked action. My opinion the writers failed to create a connection to the viewer like the other comic book movies..ie Spiderman, XMEN, Batman etc.. Iron Man had potential to be a lot more.  The casting was good, Downey jr was a good fit and had several funny parts. Paltrow, wow! she looked great, attractive and very likeable. Jeff Bridges as the villain worked but he was limited. My grade is B, its watchable but its not something I would watch again.

~HAZ

I am not a superhero fan. In fact, I usually shy away from the Marvel Comics franchise like Superman ’shies away’ from cryptonite. The casting of Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, however, piqued my interest enough to check out the new blockbuster. What a spectacular gamble! I’ve always enjoyed the scenes that showcase the hero’s evolution. The mortals are submersed in a situation in which their moral fiber is tested and the result is always the same - a superhero is born. The first third of Iron Man is just that, and I was enthralled from that point on. I have trashed Downey, Jr. in the past, but I can’t imagine anyone else delivering Tony Stark’s smart-ass lines like he did. Somehow, I was even attracted to him. Hm. Paltrow did a great job, even though I wasn’t happy with her choice in taking this role. I imagine her as Lady Wessex in Shakespeare in Love forever! Another one of my favorites, Jeff Bridges, was the villain of Iron Man. Unfortunately, I guessed he was the villain right away even though he was supposed to be Tony Stark’s mentor and friend. Overall, I was totally into this movie. It was funny and action-packed and endearing at the same time. I give it an A.

“Oh, you hate your job? Why didn’t you say so? There’s a support group for that. It’s called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar.”
–Drew Carey