I'm still coming down from seeing a sneak preview of "Iron Man" last night over at Cinemagic Grand.

I'd say that's a pretty sweet way to start a weekend.

I'm sure it's already painfully obvious that I am an absolute geek for comic book movies (I still have a copy of "Dick Tracey," and love it till this day.), so you can take my 10-cent review with a grain of salt.

The Iron Man
(Image Courtesy of Marvel)

That said, I loved the heck out of this movie. It's not that I was expecting not to like it, or hate it, but even for someone who read comic books I was never that much into Iron Man.

But the movie is a solid "A" as far as summer action flicks go, right up there with the first "Spider-Man" movie, largely because of Jon Favreau's ability to walk that line between fun, open and accessible and full-blown comic nerd in-jokes.

And then there's Robert Downey Jr., a guy who a lot of people had trouble picturing as an action hero. But as far as the role of Tony Stark - billionaire playboy and industrialist (there sure seem to be a lot of those in comics) - a man with many skeletons in his closet, who loves fame as much as he loves the ladies and the drinks, there is no one better suited - and Downey pulls it off easily.

One thing I think that felt strangely resonant and almost chilling was the updated origin of Tony Stark. Considering all the armed conflict in the world now we have a protagonist who benefits off violence, but ultimately the weapons maker is captured by terrorist using his own goods against him and has to come to grips with his legacy.

Bottom line: I was blown away by everything in the movie. The pacing, the story, the actors - (great stuff from Terrence Howard, Gweneth Paltrow and a surprisingly menacing Jeff "The Dude will have his weapons now" Bridges) and the effects were outstanding. The expected "superhero trial and error" sequence (Peter learns how to swing a web, Bruce puts together his utility belt, etc.) is hilarious and convincingly realistic.

If you walked away from "Batman Begins" thinking a troubled billionaire could become a one-man urban army, "Iron Man" will leave you believing a troubled billionaire can build a suit of armor that can fly...and shoot laser beams from his hands.

(Also, do yourself a favor and stay through the credits.)

FRIDAY

• SPACE Gallery has really been having some fun in the last few months, mixing in more than art openings and band. Today they're hosting a flea market from 5 - 9 p.m. in the gallery on Congress Street in Portland. Tough to say what you'll find, but that's the problem and beauty behind all flea markets. Could be a waste of time, or the most incredible thing you'd ever want (but didn't know it before you found it) could be waiting for you. Sounds like a good reason to roll the dice.

• Just in time with Cinco de Mayo around the corner One Longfellow Square is hosting a latin dance party with the music of Primo Cubano. The group's sound is as authentic as it gets, furious horns, bongos and bass, all determined to keep you on the dance floor. Show starts at 8 p.m. tickets are $8.

• Uh-oh. If high beats-per-minute and window-buzzing bass is not your thing, it may be best to detour around the White Heart tonight as Jason Keith and Matty T. host "let's go back to my House." As the name implies, the mood is house music, and the brown jacket duo are bound to have some fun. Be there at 9 p.m.
  

SATURDAY

• One of the best non-holiday's is today boys and girls – FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! In my mind this is right up there with Record Store Day in terms of importance. What two better local institutions to celebrate than your local record store and local comic book shop? I'd say aside from where I buy my bacon (Pat's Meat Market) the comic book store and the record store get a decent part of my paycheck. ANYWAY, today's about as self-explanatory as it gets - head on down to your local comic book store and they'll have a selection of titles all for FREE! Free stuff! And while you're at it you could brush up on a little Iron Man, or maybe some Batman, or Incredible Hulk.

• What would be better than National Record Store Day, or Free Comic Book day? Beer Day? Close. Did you know that the first Saturday of May is National Homebrew Day? For all you home-cookers and craft afficionados out there, today's a day to celebrate what it takes to make a good beer at home, and take pride in all your efforts. With all the microbreweries we have around this area something tells me we've probably got a good number of homebrewers as well. I'm sure my buddy Paul will be cooking up something special this weekend. You can head on over to the Brewer's Association web site to get all the details on how you can participate in the home brewin'.
  

Finally, here's the your video send-off for the weekend. It's more than a little blue, but it's worth it...especially since it's beloved cereal hawking-cartoon characters from our childhood who are using the choice words.

Ever wonder what happens when you can't get those lucky charms, coco puffs, or Trix? You, and others like you get therapy. Serious therapy. (Headphones would be advised.)

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