Movie Review: Iron Man

Overview

"I am Iron Ma-a-a-an!" (to be said out loud in a metallic sounding voice). Based on the comic book character of the same name, the film Iron Man centers on the life of weapons mogul Tony Stark and his journey of redemption from wild and uncaring playboy to unlikely hero.

Wild parties, fast cars and a new woman every night... oh, and a company built upon weapons. Tony Stark has created for himself a life that, on the surface, is what many people strive for. That is, until he receives a reality check in a most severe manner. While demonstrating a new weapons system for the military, Stark's convoy is attacked by a group of terrorists. Stark is held captive for the purpose of building the very weapon he demonstrated only hours before. Captive with him is another scientist who helps Tony explore the legacy he had been leaving behind. With the realization that he has led an empty life, Stark sets about escaping his captors to begin his new purpose in life, that of the armored hero Iron Man.

From a pure entertainment viewpoint, this was quite the movie. Not only did this self-described comic book nerd enjoy it, but my wife (whom I dragged with me) actually wants to see it again! Amazing special effects, superb casting, and a solid story help create one of the best superhero films of all time.

But... this is not a kid movie.

Much in the vein of Transformers, moviegoers were entertained but just enough was inserted into this movie to make parents squirm. My wife and I were both bothered by the number of kids that were in the theater. There's simply too much violence and other adult subject matter to make this movie kid-friendly.


Concerns

In an effort to fully contrast the life before and after Tony's harrowing experience, we see several scenes with drinking and partying. We also see Tony experience empty relationship upon empty relationship, including one scene, while not graphic, depicting his latest conquest. We witness several people being killed, and though not bloody, there are quite a few deaths.


Teachable Themes

• The Value of Relationships
  Tony Stark comes to a great realization while being held captive, that all the power and money in the world means little without relationships. Through all of his jet setting and play living, Tony had no real friends and no deep relationships. When faced with that reality, he recognized how empty life is without people to love and to be loved in return.


• One Person Can Make A Difference
  When given the opportunity to help others and make a difference, Tony Stark makes the most of it. Using all of his considerable gifts and talents, Stark demonstrates that anyone, regardless of background, can change lives.


• The Love of Money
  Tony's life initially runs on money. He has all of the excesses of life and yet no fulfillment. Only when he realizes that he can use his gifts for helping others does he begin to be satisfied. The main villain is one also corrupted by greed and power. He cannot seem to get enough and it ultimately leads to his poor decisions.


• Legacy
  Tony's greatest change comes when he recognizes how he will be remembered. He then attempts to change the legacy of the Stark family name and the company upon which it was built.

Biblical References

• The Value of Relationships:
  • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
  
  
  • Proverbs 18:24 - "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."


• One Person Can Make A Difference:
  • Proverbs 11:25 - "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
  
  
  • Romans 13:8 - "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."


• The Love of Money:
  • Luke 12:15 - "Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
  
  
  • Proverbs 15:27 - "A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live."


• Legacy:
  • Psalm 112: 1-6 - "Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever."

Discussion Questions

• The Value of Relationships:
  1. Why is it important to have friends?
  2. What do you think is more important: friends or money? Why?
  
  
• The Love of Money:
  1. Why is it so hard to make wise choices when we have too much money?
  2. What are some things we can do with our money to make God look good?
  
  
• Legacy:
  1. What are some ways you can make a difference without having to build a suit of armor?
  2. What do you want your friends to say about you when you are gone? How can you make sure you are doing those things?

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