Before the madness of Infinity War and even before the Avengers, Iron Man made his screen debut. As the start of the superhero era, I couldn't refuse watching the movie when I found it on cable. Although I am a huge Marvel fan, it had been a long time since I have seen it.
Tony Stark's character changed in the past ten years. Although he's still the same "genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist", he developed from the simple rich boy stereotype. In his first movie, his biggest worries consist of changing his company and stopping terrorism. Although at the time these issues seemed tough, his worries have grown much bigger. Now he fights not only for his planet, but the entire galaxy.
On top of fighting aliens, Tony developed anxiety. Between him falling through a wormhole during the attack on New York and the vision Wanda showed him in Age of Ultron, Tony constantly worries about the fate of his friends, often blaming himself for the danger they are put in. Seeing Tony virtually carefree was bittersweet as I realized being a superhero has changed him forever.
Although I am sympathetic now, there was a time when I was upset with Iron Man. During Captain America: Civil War, I felt especially frustrated with his choice to sign the accords. I thought about how he seemed to be a spoiled man who had his superpower handed to him through his family's wealth. I forgot about how through his wealth, his intelligence and caring for others is how he got started as an Avenger.
Something that always blows my mind is how he built his first suit when he was kidnapped by terrorists using his company's missiles. From there, he decided not only to use his technology to save his own life, but to help the other victims, and eventually life throughout the universe. Although I still don't agree with his argument from Civil War, it was heartwarming to remember the origin and values of Iron Man.
Pepper Potts also surprised me during the film. Although now I recognize her as a side character with sporadic appearances due to Gwyneth Paltrow's fluctuating contracts, she really shined in her first Marvel film. Pepper sees the good in Tony, even through his impulsive decisions, staying by his side when he needs her the most. Not only that, but she gets into the action herself, hacking into Obadiah's computer to find out his plans and taking the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents to his hideout to confront and arrest him. She doesn't stay home while Tony's in trouble- she takes charge. Plus, she can run in heels, which is no small feat.
Although the future seems bleak for Tony now, he deserves happiness in his life after everything he's done. I hope Tony and Pepper can live long and happy lives together, even after the madness.