Movie Fan Zone

A few days ago, Paramount Pictures announced that Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow (whom I have always maintained that she is an overrated actress and star) of “Shakespeare In Love” fame has signed on to be in the live-action film adaptation of the popular Marvel Comics character “Iron Man”. It was also announced that filming will take place in the next few weeks.

Gwyneth will reportedly play the part of Virginia “Pepper” Potts, who in the comic books is a known assistant of Iron Man’s alter-ego, the billionaire Tony Stark. She joins the cast led by Robert Downey Jr. and Terrence Howard, who is playing the pivotal role of Jim Rhodes, the hero’s best buddy.

Helming the film, which is slated for release in 2008, is Jon Favreau, whose directing credits include “Elf” and “Zathura”. It is the first film to be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment. (Paramount will just be distributing the film)

For now, let us grade the casting calls and the directing choice…

I. Robert Downey Jr. - A lot of fanboys are not fond of this decision. As for me, I couldn’t love it better. For one, the dude is an Academy Award-nominated actor. Come on, he played Charlie Chaplin convincingly! Plus, if the storyline ever goes to Tony Stark’s alcoholism, similar to the source, wouldn’t he be the perfect choice? At least they did not cast that supposed geek Nicolas Cage…

Grade: A-

II. Gwyneth Paltrow - Now, I have stated earlier that this gal is quite overrated. However, if there is one thing I can say nice about her, it is that she rarely destroys a film with her acting. She can have chemistry with just about anyone in Hollywood. Remember her in “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow”? What I am trying to say is that while there could have been better actresses for this role, they could have done worse too…

Grade: B

III. Terrence Howard - The latest toast of Hollywood is an inspired choice for the man who would turn out to be War Machine. Now is his chance to become a big star. His turn in “Hustle and Flow” is proof that this man can handle anything…

Grade: A-

IV. Jon Favreau - While “Elf” was entertaining, it hardly qualifies as an audition to do this sort of material. That being said, press releases by this man have indicated that he would be faithful to the comic books. That is a good sign…

Grade: B-

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Iron Man, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jon Favreau, Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Shakespeare In Love, Charlie Chaplin, Tony Stark, Academy Awards, Oscars, Zathura, Elf, War Machine, Virginia Pepper Potts, Jim Rhodes, Hustle and Flow

[image from: ew.com]

[source ew.com]