"Ah!"
"Phew… What did you do to me?"
"Saved your life. I removed as many shrapnel pieces as possible from your body, but some remain. To prevent them from reaching your heart, I made this using a car battery—an electromagnet. With your intelligence, you should understand it at a glance."
"So these people kidnapped me for weapons?"
"Otherwise? Everyone knows now that possessing Stark's latest weapons is equivalent to possessing hegemony!"
"I suppose you never expected to be hit by your own weapons one day."
"I… I just never expected the weapons to be sold to these people."
On the big screen, Tony Stark awoke from a crude sickbed.
Painful memories surfaced one after another, and Robert Downey Jr. displayed exquisite acting in a short time.
It was clear he was in immense pain, but as the proud Tony Stark, he had to endure it.
After touring the secret base, Tony was even more shocked by the array of equipment produced by his own company.
To escape, Tony Stark pulled out the blueprints for Mark I.
Its rugged appearance excited many viewers. Was it finally getting to the main event? Was the armor built here? But it didn't look quite like the one in the trailer.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
Tony hammered the metal plates one after another. Since deciding to kick his bad habits, Robert Downey Jr. had chosen a new hobby for himself.
Chinese kung fu, specifically Wing Chun. After more than a year, not only were his bad habits suppressed, but he also developed a muscular physique.
Wearing a somewhat dirty vest, with a scruffy beard, sweat trickling down his muscles, he exuded a certain masculine romance and sexiness.
Female viewers, in particular, nodded. "Although this guy is a bit older, he's still quite handsome."
"Remember the sound of hammering here; it marks the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe."
Hearing Eric's words, Downey pouted, "It was just a hassle during filming; I almost got burned."
"It's worth it. Who knows how many actors would trade an injury for ten times their pay."
"Hmm? Are you saying my salary will increase to 2 million dollars?"
"Have some confidence, Downey, at least 5 million dollars."
"Wow! That's a truly frightening number."
The components of Mark I were gradually completed. Using blind spots in the surveillance, the two began to don the equipment.
During the process, Ethan sacrificed himself to buy Stark time.
In this scene, Robert Downey Jr. once again delivered top-notch acting, perfectly showcasing Stark's conflicted inner turmoil through micro-expressions.
He also said "thank you" for the first time, thanking Ethan for saving his life and his soul.
Subsequently, Mark I began to wreak havoc in the terrorist base, revealing its full form.
It was crude, like a tin can, with uneven chisel marks on its surface, and many linkages and wires exposed, emphasizing a primitive style.
Ultimately, Stark destroyed all the weapons produced by his company in the base, fled in chaos amidst explosions, and was eventually found by Colonel Rhodes.
At the airport, Pepper Potts waited. Amy Adams fully expressed her emotions: excitement, joy, yet also restraint.
But after experiencing the ups and downs of life, he temporarily had no time for Pepper, instead eagerly holding a press conference.
"This trip to the Middle East made me experience a lot. I thought a lot. I thought about my father, Howard Stark."
"If possible, I would like to ask him if he ever felt conflicted about becoming Stark Industries, or if he ever doubted the purpose of the weapons produced."
"I witnessed many things, countless people killed: young people, women, children, the elderly, unarmed people."
"I realized that I was just a privileged, irresponsible class."
"Mr. Stark, what exactly did you experience?"
"Many things. I realized that I should bring more and better things to the world, not just explosive killing tools."
"Therefore, I now officially announce the indefinite closure of Stark Industries' weapon research and development department, effective immediately!"
The plot then moved into Tony's development of Mark II, blending high-tech with Marvel's characteristic humor.
Watching the armor gradually improve, the audience's spirits also soared.
Whoa!
When the armor first took Tony soaring into the sky in its complete form, screams immediately erupted in cinemas across the United States.
This feeling was completely different from superheroes like Spider-Man, X-Men, and Blade, who relied on genetic mutation.
Iron Man forged a completely new path, with a sense of technology, machinery, and modernity, all hitting every sensitive spot for the audience.
It was so novel, so incredible, to actually see such a scene on the big screen.
Adrenaline surged with Tony; it was exhilarating!
And upon learning that Stark Industries was still involved in arms dealing, Iron Man entered his first real battle.
He effortlessly destroyed the entire enemy force, showcasing the armor's power to its fullest.
Many viewers thought of Spider-Man, still in theaters. If Peter Parker were here, he would likely be defeated.
The street-fighting action scenes and this explosion-filled battle, the latter clearly stimulated the nerves more.
Then he played a game with the United States Air Force. The original version only had two fighter jets.
How could two be enough? It was too stingy; the production team was still too poor.
Eric made a call to the Nevada base, and like transformers, they mobilized a squadron of fighter jets. Eleven F-22s formed a crossfire, but still couldn't avoid being toyed with by Iron Man.
Missiles flew wildly in the sky, and firepower erupted in a crossfire, making the audience's blood boil. This was the feeling they wanted.
At this point, the movie had been going on for over an hour. The big boss, Obadiah Stane, revealed his true colors, and the Iron Monger project was activated.
He stole the arc reactor from Tony's chest, essentially taking his heart, and left him to die.
In this scene, Robert Downey Jr. once again delivered superb acting. His face was as pale as a zombie, and the aura of impending death directly impacted everyone.
Especially as this arrogant playboy crawled on the ground like a desperate stray dog, trembling all over.
The background music was still the thumping of a heartbeat. Although everyone knew the protagonist wouldn't die, this sense of impending death still suffocated the audience.
Until the previous generation's arc reactor was reinstalled, the final battle arrived: Iron Man vs. Iron Monger.
The original version of this sequence wasn't particularly well-filmed, still limited by tight funding, so both the special effects and the intensity of the fight were merely passable.
Especially setting the background at night, it was obvious to discerning viewers that this was to save money, as darkness can conceal many flaws.
If they had chosen to film during the day, the level of detail for various special effects would have had to increase by a notch.
But was MGM short on money?
A massive investment of 150 million dollars, combined with inflation for various costs, would be equivalent to 200 million dollars in the future.
Film in daylight, extend the duration, add special effects, go all out!
If the audience was going to watch, they should be thoroughly entertained.
Thus, a thrilling and explosive battle ensued.
Iron Monger was massive in size, with immense strength, and his punches, kicks, and weapons were extremely destructive.
Iron Man, on the other hand, was small and agile, with ample resilience, and his weapons were equally diverse.
Armor-piercing rounds, flares, infrared, Maxim gun barrage.
The two fought from the ground to underground, and then from underground to the water's surface. Every second was unmissable.
If anyone's phone dared to ring at this moment, they would surely be cursed at.
Finally, with a combination of Tony's might and wisdom, and Pepper's assistance, Iron Monger was defeated.
The audience's suspenseful hearts finally settled, and the movie reached its final scene.
"Some people suspect I was involved in yesterday's incident, but this—"
"Sorry, Mr. Stark, do you think we'd believe the story of a robot bodyguard falling from the sky?"
"Uh… I know it sounds a bit incredible, but questioning the official explanation is one thing; suspecting me of being a superhero and criticizing me is another."
"Mr. Stark, no one said you were a superhero."
"No? That's good, because I have a ton of bad habits and am clearly not hero material."
"Tony, stick to the script," Rhode whispered, reminding him.
But if Tony Stark were to stick to a script, he wouldn't be Tony Stark. He was a cynical rich second-generation, an unconventional inventor, a groundbreaking super genius.
Ultimately, he was an extremely unique individual.
Looking at the script in his hand, Tony's gaze shifted slightly, and he tossed it aside.
"In fact, I am Iron Man!"
Dynamic music played as the movie concluded with the image of Iron Man.
As the lights came on, a portion of the audience initially stood and applauded, and slowly everyone joined in the applause.
Even film critics who were indifferent to superheroes had to admit that this was an excellent commercial blockbuster.
Moreover, it contained reflections on war and peace, especially the segment about terrorists, which seemed to allude to the current government.
It didn't steal the show, but it was very good, satisfying the needs of general audiences while also impressing professionals.
Iron Man was undoubtedly an excellent film.
Many people offered congratulations and encouragement to Robert Downey Jr., who accepted them with a smile, appearing quite different from Tony Stark.
"Look at the audience's reaction. I said your pay would increase by 5 million dollars. Do you believe it now?"
"I'm starting to feel it. As long as everyone is satisfied, that's good."
"Eric, how much do you think my pay can increase?"
Eric looked at Amy Adams: "As long as you continue to play the role of Pepper Potts, you will definitely have a place among the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood."
"Really?" Amy Adams was somewhat incredulous.
"Haha. It seems you're not confident enough about the box office. Let's wait and see."
The attention on Iron Man was too high; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was the most anticipated film of the Christmas season.
With many viewers, reviews came out quickly.
Many viewers wrote down their feelings overnight after watching it.
When Eric woke up, the internet was already flooded with movie reviews.
"Iron Man is undoubtedly the most exhilarating film of this Christmas season. It's not the most profound, but it's the most satisfying to watch. I love that armor."
"This is an unparalleled superhero movie. When you watch it, you don't have to worry about it being similar to past superheroes. Iron Man is unique and highly distinctive."
"Iron Man can be considered a prime example of a popcorn movie: it has passion, friendship, and a surprisingly handsome Iron Man, despite his arrogance."
"After watching Iron Man, I dream of becoming Tony Stark. What should I do?"
"This is a humorous, arrogant, and talkative hero! Especially that line at the end, 'I am Iron Man!' So cool!"
"The movie was brilliant, but what left the deepest impression on me was Robert Downey Jr.'s acting. He truly brought Tony Stark to life, perfectly capturing the essence of the comic."
"Robert Downey Jr. is indeed an Oscar nominee. He delivered an astonishing performance, especially Stark's transformation and despair. Perhaps this is what it means to become one with the character."
"Eric Cooper is truly skilled at casting. When the film was being prepared, no one favored Robert Downey Jr., a drug addict. But now everyone has to praise his excellent choice, and Amy Adams too; she is gentle yet resolute, truly beautiful."
"Although armored superheroes have existed before, like RoboCop, Iron Man is undoubtedly cooler and more dazzling, capable of providing an unparalleled visual feast."
"I haven't read the comics, but this movie doesn't affect understanding the plot at all. I've become a fan of Iron Man."
"I highly recommend Iron Man. When I walked out of the cinema, Tony's transformation process kept replaying in my mind."
Most of the reviews Eric saw were positive. Although some called the plot clichéd, a few voices couldn't stop the surge of organic hype.
Good word-of-mouth and positive reviews had formed, naturally pushing more people into cinemas.
The first day's box office results were the best proof.
Iron Man strongly broke the record set by transformers with 41.5 million dollars.
3,945 theaters averaged over 10,000 dollars per screen. It's worth noting that the wider the release, the smaller the per-screen average tends to be.
3,945 theaters already exceeded 90% of all cinemas in the United States, yet still managed to break 10,000 dollars per screen, which shows the audience's frenzy.
Iron Man also became the best-opening film since the start of this year's big battle.
In contrast, Disney's hastily deployed the chronicles of narnia, as a commercial fantasy blockbuster with a built-in fanbase, performed well.
It was well-made, and the quality was good, with mostly positive feedback from viewers.
However, too much of the audience was diverted by Iron Man, and most people wouldn't choose to watch two movies in one day.
Especially for teenagers with limited money, watching once a week was already good.
Coupled with other blockbusters like Inception, Spider-Man 2, the incredibles, and wanted also vying for attention, the chronicles of narnia's opening was disastrous.
Over 16 million dollars—a figure that would make Mickey Mouse and his team shiver.
The scales began to tip!