Movies

In his article, Iron Man Suited Up for Fun, Chuck Koplinski reviews the film Iron Man, directed by Jon Favreau.  This film is based upon the Marvel Comic series of the same name.

Based on the review, it seems clear that Koplinski came to the film already a fan of the original comic strip.  Based on this, it is doubtful that he would have needed to take any notes during his viewing.  Koplinski begins his review with concerns that the pre-release promotions might give away the whole film.  Given the volume of material shown in advance of the film as well as Koplinskis familiarity with the subject matter, it is unlikely that he needed a pen and paper to keep up.

The audience Koplinski speaks to in his review may well be the comic geeks he refers to in his introductory paragraph- but he also speaks to readers not familiar with the original story.  He addresses both when referring to elements of the film that will please fanboys and newbies to the Tony Stark universe alike.  Again, Koplinski speaks from the perspective of the established fan (already familiar with the Tony Stark universe) - but also includes the uninitiated by giving a basic synopsis of the story and characters.  

Koplinski organizes his review loosely in chronological order, while interspersing background information and critical commentary within this format.  As mentioned already, the review begins before the film even begins- with a discussion of the prerelease hype.  He goes on to describe the main characters and storyline and then describes the relative skill with which the screenwriters and director brought the story to film.  Koplinski concludes with an assessment of the relative success of the special effects and also of the acting performances.

In the review, Koplinski compares Iron Man to the Spider- Man series.  The reader understands that Iron Man is primarily intended as a summer time action film- though more grown up than the teenage geared Spider- Man.  Koplinski also briefly mentions Hulk and Fantastic Four- other comics that were made into films- but references them more for their character familiarity to audiences than for any film style comparison.

Concluding the review, Koplinski viewed the main strengths of Iron Man to be the performance given by lead actor Robert Downey, Jr., the faithfulness shown to the original comic, and to the nuanced sense of humor brought out by the director.  The main weaknesses seemed to be a predictable subplot of the film, along with some confusing action sequences.  Not having seen the film, I cannot say to whether I completely agree with Koplinskis review- but he seems to understand the balance necessary in bringing good original material to life in a new context.