The Reel Review: Ironheart

"The Reel Review" host gives the Disney+ series "Ironheart" a score of 3.5 out of 5 popcorn buckets, calling it "pretty good" and "entertaining," though "nothing amazing." The host emphasizes that the show does not deserve the widespread hate it has received online, attributing much of the criticism to racial bias.

Plot and Character

The series follows Riri Williams (Ironheart), a brilliant MIT student who is expelled for helping other students cheat. Grappling with the loss of her best friend and stepdad to gun violence, Riri is in a dark emotional place. Her financial struggles lead her to take on jobs for a mysterious gang leader known only as "the cloak guy."

A central element of the show is Riri's relationship with an AI companion she creates based on her deceased best friend, Natalie. This AI serves as her confidante and moral compass as she navigates the criminal underworld to gather parts for her suit.

The plot thickens as Riri becomes suspicious of her employer, leading to a confrontation that reveals his deceptive and murderous nature. After the gang disbands, Riri seeks help from a mother-daughter duo who practice magic to understand the powerful cloak worn by her former boss. She then rebuilds her suit, incorporating both technology and magic.

The series culminates in a final battle where Riri defeats "the cloak guy." However, the victory comes at a cost, as she is forced to make a deal with a powerful magical entity named Manifesto to bring the real Natalie back to life.

Reviewer's Impressions

The host of "The Reel Review" praises the show's writing, acting, and character development, highlighting Riri's relatability as a flawed and struggling hero. He draws a parallel between the criticism leveled at Riri and the initial reception of Iron Man, suggesting a double standard for Black superheroes. The reviewer also notes that Robert Downey Jr. himself has shown support for the "Ironheart" show.

Ultimately, "The Reel Review" finds "Ironheart" to be a solid and entertaining series with compelling characters. The introduction of the powerful and dangerous Manifesto is seen as an exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, opening up intriguing possibilities for future storylines.