With Tuesday’s release of Iron Man 2 on dvd, I wanted to provide you an updated post that was originally posted on May 8th. Buy the dvd. You’ll enjoy it.
My wife and I saw Iron Man 2 today. First, it is great to have a wife who will put up with popcorn movies! Second, you need to know that I am a typical MAN! I like sports, red meat, and lots of action. Therefore, when I go to a movie, I’m looking for two hours of fun, a lot of special effects, and mass destruction and carnage.
With that as a backdrop, here are several thoughts about my movie experience.
- Without a father in the home, there is rudderless thinking. The turning point of the movie was a message posthumously given to Tony Stark by his late father. It is a reminder that the fundamental role of leadership is to provide direction and intentionality. For fathers, this movie provides a tangible demonstration that we are daily setting precedent for a time we cannot see.
- We paid $10 each for an IMAX experience and the movie was 80% full for a 10:30 AM showing. There are economic issues in this country but people have money to apply it to where their heart is. Pastors, don’t hold off on building projects or capital campaigns because “your people are struggling”. They have the resources. You just need to let them know the compelling nature of your project.
- I have been to probably hundreds of movies. This was the first time that producers of the movie surveyed the attendees. There was solid, probing questions. Furthermore, they thanked me for my time and thoughts. They also stated that several Marvel Comics movies were forthcoming (Thor, Captain America, The Avengers) and our comments would greatly impact those productions. If a movie that will generate over $300 million is interested in the thoughts of the attendees, how important is it for church leaders to gauge the temperature of their people?
- There are only two action sequences. Granted both are exciting, but I wanted more action and felt a little unfulfilled. You must give the audience what they’re looking for.
- The quality of an action movie is always determined by the antagonist. In IM2, Mickey Rourke was spectacular and the best part of the movie. Your joy of victory will never exceed the level of what it takes to overcome your opposition.
- The Law of the Inner Circle taught by John Maxwell teaches that those closest to the leader will determine the leader’s level of success. Lt. Col. Rhodey Rhodes (played by Don Cheadle) and Natalie (Scarlett Johansson) played key roles in Stark’s ultimate success. Any level of success achieved by you will never be attained without the help of many.
I give IM2 2.5 stars. Great special effects and two fantastic action sequences. It’s worth a watch but I just wanted more action and explosions. Just call me a typical guy.
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