I hold this truth to be self-evident: Robert Downey is the best actor of my generation. Still, I remember a time not so very long ago when Downey seemed more of a cautionary tale than a functioning movie star. So as I happily prepare to go see Iron Man 2 with my wife and young sons, I find it moving to see how things have changed -- and how my boys are now devoted Downey fans just like I am. Iron Man was the first movie that my whole family ever went to see equally excited to all take the same ride, and we were even more thrilled afterwards.
In recent years, I've had the pleasure of writing for/with Downey a few times at assorted award shows, and he struck me as an incredibly bright, exceedingly pleasant and unusually gracious man who appear to have his act very much together. It was great to see up close such a talented guy take full advantage of his second chance. Yesterday when I explained to my younger son that Downey had overcome some serious problems over the years before dramatically turning his life around, my kid said, "Well, Dad, you'd have to say he's doing pretty well now, right?"
Yes, I'd say he's doing just fine.
THINGS HAVE CHANGED - Bob Dylan
I WANT LOVE - Elton John
BROKEN - Robert Downey, Jr.
I'M THE ACTOR - Phoenix
CRACKED ACTOR -David Bowie
DIGGING IN THE DIRT - Peter Gabriel
DIG, LAZARUS, DIGG!!! - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
TUFF TURF - Southside Johnny
ONLY YOU - Louis Armstrong
WEIRD SCIENCE - Oingo Boingo
CHANCES ARE - Johnny Mathis
SECOND COMING - Wu-Tang Clan
CLEAN UP YOUR ACT - Blue Magic
GO JUNIOR, GO SENIOR - Junior Senior
YOU AND ME (LESS THAN ZERO) - Glenn Danzig
SOBER - Butch Walker
STONE COLD SOBER - Del Amitri
YOUR MOVE - Yes
ACTOR IN THE STREET - Paul Westerberg
NOTHING BUT THE BEST - Frank Sinatra
SMILE - Michael Jackson
As always, please add your own songs for Junior.