Iron Man: The Fans Strike Back!

As the most influential reviewer on the planet I "get" that occasionally there will be dissent where one of my reviews is concerned. It makes sense because when I speak wide swaths of people follow -- think how much cash Iron Man would have made if I'd given it an A++ (hint: over ONE BILLION DOLLARS). This was the exact reason US Weekly personally named me "Laremy the M.I.R.E" (most influential reviewer ever) in 2005 -- they realized the awesome power of my prose in a way that mainstream media refused to back then.

However, the people are starting to rise up, and Iron Man seems to be their rallying cry. I only gave the film a B, a "good" grade by my own definition, while calling the film "must-see."

I thought this would be enough.

However, public outcry has led me to believe there may be a fundamental misunderstanding about where I came down on Iron Man. So let's get to it, your emails and comments re: my own personal Iron Man review.

Note: for some reason our current comment system isn't running on full cylinders. We have our best and brightest on it but until the comments magically appear again you'll have to trust me that these are actual comments from actual readers.

First off:

Well, Laremy Legel, looks like you need to go back to an educational engineering school, because Gwyneth Paltrow, Pepper, was total awesome in her role and showed great wit and was a PERFECT fit for this role.

First off, I've never been to educational engineering school, so I cede the point there. However, many people have taken umbrage with my comments on Paltrow's Potts, so I'd like to point out that I said: "She's cool in the first few scenes but she devolves into a comic book character... as the movie rolls on." Yes, I think I still stand by that.

Paltrow actually was a perfect fit though -- she was just given silly things to do near the end of the film. My complaint was taking an initially strong female character and turning her into something a bit more standard (the damsel in distress). Furthermore, I hope that educational engineering school will never be a requirement to write about movies or else this staff is about to take a HUGE hit. I'm pretty sure the only guy attended E.E. school was Phil over in accounts payable.

Next complaint?

This is typical, as the stats show 75% of viewers gave it an A+. Illustrating as usual [that] critics think they need to be critical for no reason, and do not reflect the public. IRONMAN blew Batman Begins away.

Wow. First off, the poll actually shows that 75% gave an "A" not an "A+": no "A+" was available. Secondly, I'm not a critic. I'm a fellow who really likes movies. Critics are guys who work for Variety and go golfing a bunch with their giants bags of money. I don't feel the "need" to be critical, I just give my opinion, which I don't consider "right" or "sacred." Essentially, I'm trying to inform or entertain people, that's it. That's the sum goal. I don't expect to represent the public anymore than the public represents the public. The world is made up of a million different viewpoints and many of them are valid. If you liked Iron Man better than Batman Begins I'm happy for you. You got your money's worth.

And then?

I absolutely loved this movie. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) was amazing, his witty and sarcastic personality just made the movie that much more interesting and fun to watch.

I agree wholeheartedly. Your move commenter!

I personally thought it was an A+ movie but everybody's taste is different I suppose. I didn't really agree with the fact that you stated it to be "typical." I thought it definitely had originality.

Yes! Precisely! Everyone's taste is different. But the fun part about movies is talking about those differences, not simply shooting people down. Now, I thought the typical part was the ending. Hero fights overwhelming bad guy to save gal. In my opinion they could have taken it to a more interesting place. That's all I'm saying. No aspersions cast upon you or yours, we're simpatico.

On to a bit more anger:

This movie was the greatest, right up there with every Marvel character brought to life so far!

Fair enough. Wait, was Ghost Rider Marvel?

I was born in 1960 and all we had was comic books and to see these characters I KNEW PERSONALLY BROUGHT TO LIFE (big screen) is fantastic, so all of you experts and young, little know-nothing-only-been-on-the-earth-20-some-odd-years, shut up .

Hmmm, how can I be both an "expert" and a "little know-nothing"? You're correct that I've been on Earth X amount of years but thankfully I've been on other planets waaaaay more time than that. So you should trust me. Remember US Weekly. Those guys don't pick losers. The comment continues:

THESE MOVIES ARE HISTORY. You know jack, just like Speed Racer coming up ... watch a lot of don't-know-nothing, so-called experts and candy pants talk stupid. Everything is not always perfect but it's been presented to you by the darn creator STAN LEE so shut up, if he allowed the changes, chill.

I would agree that everything is not always perfect. That's why I gave the film a B. It wasn't perfect in my book. I think you have some decent points too, though. The one about "movies being history" for instance. Very true, can't be beat. Also, for the record, I liked the Stan Lee cameo. Heck, I like Stan Lee in general. Lastly, I haven't been called "candy pants" in many years, not since the unfortunate 9th grade "M&Ms massacre" which eventually led to an out of court settlement. But you've all heard that story already, if not, check the May 1999 issue of Esquire.

Anyhow, I appreciate all the emails, comments, and singing telegrams. I truly do believe it takes a movie village and I'm not giving up hope that we can make this site a place where fun and interesting dialogue takes place. I might be the most influential reviewer ever but that doesn't mean I'm always right. Take today for instance. Milk was a bad choice.

Your friend,
Laremy

PS: If you'd like to hear my own flesh and blood turn on me enjoy the audio segment below: (warning: spoilers)

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