To Tony Stark: Thanks for the Memories

Over the weekend, while I was still wiping my tears of joy and sorrow away from seeing Avengers, I came across this great image and post.

It’s amazing where this man has come in his career. A career that was close to over, mentally and physically. I joke with my husband often that RDJ was his character in the 1987 flick “Less Than Zero.” I know I’m not the first to make that connection. It was life imitating art at its finest. He literally was on the brink of killing himself and came back from that, came back to something UNREAL. I’m sure there are other success stories like his in Hollywood that I’m forgetting or don’t even know about but his feels like the most awesome, especially given the legacy he leaves as Iron Man.

I knew the Russo brothers would rip my heart out with that movie. It was inevitable. I was prepared for a big loss but I really didn’t think it would be Tony. As the movie went on though, the possibility was there, even after Scarlett met her end. That was too easy that she would be the only sacrifice. I was told to bring Kleenex and it was needed.

I listened to the giant IMAX theater attendees as Tony took his last breath, dying with Pepper at his side, along with all his brothers and sisters. There were gasps and sniffles throughout. My mom handed me the Kleenex box. I looked over and my tough as nails Mean Girl Regina George daughter was crying too, rubbing at her eyes under her 3D glasses.

Even though we lost our hero, it made for great cinema, A+ cinema, according to the interwebs and the buckets of cash they made. I loved every minute of the three hours and didn’t have to leave my seat to pee. I did have to sacrifice my usual beer but it was worth it.

So, Mr. Starks, if that lady of yours was the one that helped you turn your life around many moons ago or some other force of nature stepped in, I thank them from the bottom of my nerd heart. It’s been awesome to see you kick-ass as Iron Man for the past 11 years. Those are mighty large shoes to fill for the next guy (or gal, ahem, Pepper maybe? ;)) who suits up. I can’t wait to see what you do next. Love you 3000.