Episode 486: Iron Man (2008)

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It's the start of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) for this pairing, and two superhero origin stories, including arguably the best one! But we start as the MCU started, with the very first film of "Phase 1" and an interesting choice it was! Directed by Jon Vavreau himself, 2008's "Iron Man" tells the story of tech mogul, inventor, and playboy Tony Stark Jr. (Robert Downey Jr.) who, after demoing a frightening new weapon for the military in Afghanistan, is captured by insurgents and forced to recreate the weapon for his captors. Unbeknownst to them, however, Tony decides first to create a miniature Arc Reactor to help keep the shrapnel from the bomb that exploded next to him from reaching his heart. But he also decides to build a power suit of armor to use to facilitate his escepa, along with his companion in capture, Yinsen (Shaun Toub). He escapes, but loses Yinsen in the attempt. He is rescued by his friend and soldier James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Terrence Howard). Back in the USA, he's reuinited with his right-hand woman, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and his business partner and mentor Obidiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). At a hastily-called news conference, he announces that his company, Stark Enterprises, will no longer be manufacturing weapons. This sets in motion a series of events where Tony is staying out of the public spotlight while Obidiah handles Stark's board of directors, given Tony's announcement. While at home, Tony creates a significantly more powerful version of his chest Arc Reactor, and then sets about creating a much more streamlined and capable suit of armor. Unfortunately, while this is happening, Obidiah is secretly working against Tony, having been the one who arranged for the insurgents to capture Tony in the first place. As Tony and Obidiah head inexorably toward open conflict, Tony's genius is put to the test, and his legacy is on the line! Also starring Leslie Bibb, Faran Tahir, Paul Bettany, Jon Favreau, and Clark Gregg!

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