Round up of the Year

So it's that time of year (Well it was a couple of weeks ago anyway) where we traditionally have a look back at what has impressed us from the year. There was going to be a whole top five for each thing I've been blogging about but... having had a think about it I'm just going to tell you the years essential game, album and film.

First off.

Film - Iron Man

Obviously there was some stiff competition from the The Dark Knight this year. I will also readily admit I'm not the hugest comic fan. For me it comes down to three elements. Firstly acting. Heath Ledger was good. Very good. Would he be in the running for an Oscar for a superhero movie if he where still alive? Not for me to say. Does he carry the film? No. Robert Downey Jr IS Tony Stark. He's got more charisma both as the Hero and as the Alter Ego than Bale. Downey Jr is the actor of his generation. He lights up the screen in everything he's in. Bale is intense.. but for me that's all he brings to the party.

The second element would be the action sequences. Iron Man has some brilliant action sequences. The Dark Knight is very exciting but somehow the direction let's it down. Apart from the opening bank robbery (which obviously doesn't feature Batman) all the action sequences are edited and directed so choppily it's actually difficult to see what's going on most of the time. Iron Man on the other hand is clear and concise. The camera angles are selected to give the best view of the action and last long enough for it you to be able to see what's going on. The Dark Knight is, understandably dark but the action chops and changes so quickly and at such odd angles (even second time of viewing) I couldn't actually describe an action sequence to you apart from in the vaguest terms. Iron Man on the other hand is bright and vibrantly, comic bookly, colourful. The direction is great but it's not trying to hard. The most iconic image of the cinematic year? After Iron Man has fired the rocket at the tank he doesn't even need to watch it explode.. just turns and walks away.

The third element is a blend of pacing and plot. The Dark Knight is over long and (rather like Spiderman 3) tried to fit too much in. There's a weak climax (where they possibly run out of Ledger time) and it's like Nolan doesn't know when to end it (A bit like Peter Jackson in Return of the King).. Second time of watching and there's far too much dullness to action quotient and the plot was actually no clearer. Iron Man on the other hand tells a clear story very well. There's a twist. It all makes sense. It frames the action. There's also some nice running jokes and the hint of a love story without getting to soppy.

Crucially Iron Man is a delight to show to people who haven't seen it before. The combination of Downey Jr's magnetism, A cracking script that's still funny fourth time through and a visual feast can't be beaten. I saw The Dark Knight twice.. I don't think I could sit through it all again.