Monday, May 19, 2008

Nerd Man of the Month: Robert Downey, Jr.


The votes have been counted and this month's Nerd Man honors go to Robert Downey Jr. At first blush, you might think, "Robert Downey Jr? He's no kind of nerd man." Ah, but let me put forth a few salient points here: first, he's currently starring as a computer/engineering brainiac who likes to build giant robots and fly around in them in "Ironman" (cue Black Sabbath music); two, he dated Sarah Jessica Parker closer to her "Square Pegs" years than her "Sex and the City" years and three, well, who cares about three -- have you seen this picture?


Yes, he's such a badass, he can blow torch his own thigh...and not even flinch.

Seriously, though, Downey earns the honors this month for making "Ironman" such an enjoyable treat for fans and non-fans alike of the original comic book. He does what few other actors ever do in summer action flicks -- he actually acts. Aside from a questionable choice in facial hair man-scaping, Downey is flawless in this movie, giving Tony Stark a wonderful mix of humor, sarcasm, intensity, sexiness and intelligence.

I've been a fan of Downey and his extraordinary eyelashes from the moment I first saw him in a "Saturday Night Live" skit 20 years ago playing a supermodel trapped on a deserted island clutching a stuffed tiger. You had to be there, but trust me, it was good. He's a wonderful actor who always brings something different to each of his roles -- in fact, if you've never seen him in "Chaplin," rent it this weekend. He doesn't fly but he does do a fine British accent which, for an American, may be even harder than the flying thing.

For putting the snark back into sexy and for making a summer movie shine, The Park Bench is pleased to award May's Nerd Man of the Month honors to Robert Downey Jr. Let the salivating begin...

17 comments:

Sonya said...

You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to update with this month's Nerd Man. It's pathetic really. *Embarrassed*

He is so yummy. Oh, talk nerdy to me, RDJ.

Trey said...

It should be noted that he's a *huge* comic book geek, and a big Tony Stark fan. He campaigned heavily for the role.

Yay!

Liz said...

Hey Trey, that's good to know. I didn't realize that. I will admit I got fixated on the eye candy portion of this write-up and didn't do as much research as I should have. :)

Liz said...

Sonya, it's so funny you should say that because I was feeling totally bad that it took me so long to do the update. I was waiting to see "Iron Man" before I wrote it. I was supposed to see it last week and got sick and didn't see it until yesterday morning. I kept thinking, "Oh no, it's going to be June before I get this thing posted!" Thanks for your patience...and thanks for liking the Nerdy Men enough to want to read it. :)

Trey said...

Liz -

The eye candy portion is veeeeery distracting, it's true. :-)

Sonya said...

Liz, I'm surprised you could form a coherent thought with all that eye candy research. You are a better woman than I.

Unknown said...

Complete manjoyment. I've adored RDJ and his work since he started out. I hung on hoping he would get his collective sh*! together and kick that nasty drug habit and he has rewarded his fans immensely since coming back. I LOVED "Iron Man". Can't wait to see it again.

Liz said...

Sonya, it was definitely a challenge but I have to play it cool 'cause the husband reads this. :)

Gabrielle said...

This man disables my ability to make any coherent thought.

Ohh, I so agree with this choice.

Coco said...

So, I just started reading this blog (someone forwarded me the "questions to ask women who aren't us" post), but I must say...I approve. In the biggest eyecandyness way possible. :o)

The Modern Gal said...

Swoon.

Camera Obscura said...

Hokay, he wasn't one of my nominees but I must admit 1) the movie rocked, 2) he rocked the movie, and 3) ZOMFGBBQ eyecandy!!!!!111!!!

Anonymous said...

Good choice! He's really a terrific actor. For fun on a boring night, check out "Wonder Boys," where you get to see him wake up in bed with Tobey Maguire. Double the eye-candy!!

Black Eyed Gurl said...

Um, he can blowtorch my thighs any time he wants. Oh god, did I write that? Is my inner monologue broken again?

I love my RDJ, I loved him all fucked up, and I love him still. Hell, he's the only reason I ever tuned in to Ally McAnorexic. I so need to go see Iron Man. Maybe I'll do that this weekend while everyone else is going Jones crazy.

OMFG he is candylicious!

Ms. Meg said...

Dear god, yes! I saw Iron Man yesterday and my loins have been afire ever since!

Caren said...

OMG!!! I just saw the movie and who knew that computers and steel could be SO sexy!
Loved it and him ;-)

Anonymous said...

Judging by this post and all the comments, the consensus is obvious. However, I noticed that no one mentioned Rob's killer lopsided smirk. Swoon!