The summer blockbuster movie season begins in... Iowa!

What can I say?  I'm a huge sucker for summer blockbuster hits, and besides the new Batman movie, I've been anxiously waiting to see Iron Man.  So when it was determined that we would be spending our day off in Des Moines, Iowa, I immediately got on the net and found the nearest movie theatre showing it.  The Carmike Southridge 12!  What can I say about thee?  First off, I knew I wasn't in Los Angeles when I realized I paid only 6 dollars for the film.  Easily, the biggest bargain of this tour.   Secondly, I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I saw  a promotional poster in the lobby for BYOB Tuesdays.  Nope, unfortunately not that type of BYOB, although some of us actually did encounter another BYOB promotion later in the day... Bring Your Own...Bucket!  For 50 cents, the theatre will fill up your own personal bucket from home (up to 3 gallons) with hot buttery popcorn.  Alas, Ian and I had no bucket so we opted for the over-priced popcorn bag instead.

I have to say right now that Robert Downey, Jr. was incredible in Iron Man.  He was the sole reason why I would have to rate this movie among the top three super-hero movies I have ever seen (just behind Batman Begins and ahead of Spiderman 2).  In his performance as Tony Stark, Downey is able to bring to life one of the most interesting characters in the Marvel Universe.  In fact, I found myself wanting to see more of the free-drinking, kiss-stealing, wheelin-dealing, jet plane-flying, Tony Stark than the morally-changed Stark in the Iron Man suit.  Maybe that's just the Ric Flair fan in me.  Anyways, the movie was great.  You have to see it.  And for all of you really hardcore Marvel fans, make sure to stay after the end credits for a tasty bonus scene. And make sure to check back here soon for a counter-review to follow from Ian!

By the way, Ian's review won't be the first time he'll be called upon to make a judgement.  Check this pic out...

  

I better go now, time to get in the van and make the trek to Omaha, Nebraska!  

Cheers -Bri