In Theaters Now Best For Tweens (10-12)
Rated PG-13
Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Action Adventure
After his weapons are used against him by insurgents in Afghanistan, billionaire arms manufacturer Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) undergoes a change of heart and transforms himself into a metal-clad superhero, determined to rid the world of evil.
Based on the Marvel comic character, Stark is an unlikely hero, whose boozing and womanizing make his story a bit inappropriate for younger audiences. Tweens will enjoy the non-stop action, especially when Iron Man whooshes across the universe, and they'll be glad to see that he, just like that other famous Tin Man, finally does get a heart.
This movie is intended for older children.
This movie is intended for older children.
Children in this age group will probably want to see the movie after watching the action-packed trailers, but it may be too intense for those on the younger end. In its long 126 minutes, there's plenty of violence and a number of disturbing moments, including the death of a man who saves Stark's life and a scene in which Stark, covered in blood, pulls a tube out of his nose. Older kids will be fascinated by Stark, who manages to create Iron Man while being held captive in a cave.
Tweens may actually find much to think about as they realize, along with Stark, that people are being killed by the same weapons that were created to protect them. They'll understand when Stark is described as "a man who has everything--and nothing," and will find it empowering when he takes a dying friend's words, "don't waste your life," to heart. They'll enjoy the abundant humor and Stark's irreverent attitude, and will laugh when, after three months in captivity, he just wants a cheeseburger.
