* Ironman!

I have been struck by lighting or something, because I am all about comic characters of late: X Men, Batman, now Ironman. This isn't my usual taste, so maybe I'm finally allowing my inner child to express itself. That, or I'm in the midst of a mid-life crisis, and I'm innocuously enjoying some fantasies.

Ironman appeals to me for a host of reasons; here are the top three:

1)  Robert Downey, Jr. is a phenom. He has more acting talent in his tail bone than a tankload of more current "favourite" actors. And this is 43-year-old man in his prime: mentally, physically, and presumably emotionally, since he's silenced his abuse demons. He's a wonder to see, a real treat to watch on screen.

2)  Ironman the movie is pure entertainment. The casting is sublime, the chemistry sizzles, the dialogue memorable, the special effects dazzle, and the comedy is subtle and accessible. It's the perfect summer film. I've seen it twice; I'll probably see it a third time before it heads to DVD.

3)  The subtext is inspiring -- attempt to succeed until you do. I love the humanity of that enduring hope, of making more of yourself through trial and error.

Here's RDJ voicing that very thing. http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2212823321/

And here's a trailer for the film: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1605304601/