Tag Archives: Robert Downey Jr.

The Avengers (2012)

There’s no scenario where Joss Whedon gets the credit he deserves for The Avengers. Certainly he’ll be lauded for the cash this box-office bogart is already piling up, and critics seem impressed enough with the film to plant it firmly in the upper echelon of “comic book” movies. But the success Whedon has achieved is far loftier than that, encompassing years of Marvel canon, hoards of characters beloved to fans, and unparalleled expectations. Put another way: making this movie was an unprecedented challenge. And The Avengers isn’t perfect, though that was never really an option in the first place; there are far too many elements that would have to be handled flawlessly, far too much scrutiny from far too many directions to ever truly be called “perfect.” It is, however, as good as it was ever going to be, and considering the circumstances, that’s pretty damn good.

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Due Date (2010)

The average fan of a Todd Phillips movie probably wouldn’t recognize his name or be able to pick him out of a lineup.  This is surprising not only because he’s directed enough solid comedies to rival Judd Apatow (Road Trip, Old School, Starsky & Hutch, The Hangover), but because he’s appeared as some curly-headed oddball character in all of them.  The Hangover is Phillips’ biggest critical and financial success (the sequel is shooting now) and along with that movie’s breakout star Zach Galifianakis the reason Due Date is sure to bring a big Box Office.  In some ways Phillips’ latest feels a bit like the cocky follow up to a surprise hit, banking on names and humor and seeming just a bit too unconcerned with story.  And so, like any number of comedies, Due Date is a Yin and Yang of solid, absurdist comedy and weak, mailed-in plot.  Which way do the scales tip?  Guess.

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Iron Man II (2010)

Here’s what I’m going to do: In honor of this being an Iron Man II review, I’m going to break it down into two parts: My general opinions of the film and my thoughts on the incredibly frustrating Terrence Howard/Don Cheadle fiasco.  The first is important to you, while the second is mostly important to me.  You’ll read it anyway.

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