You know you're going to get a different kind of superhero when you cast Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role. And Iron Man is different, in welcome ways. Cleverly updated from Marvel Comics' longstanding series, Iron Man puts billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (that's Downey) in the path of some Middle Eastern terrorists; in a brilliantly paced section, Stark invents an indestructible suit that allows him to escape. If the rest of the movie never quite hits that precise rhythm again, it nevertheless offers plenty of pleasure, as the renewed Stark swears off his past as a weapons manufacturer, develops his new Iron Man suit, and puzzles both his business partner (Jeff Bridges in great form) and executive assistant (Gwyneth Paltrow). Director Jon Favreau geeks out in fun ways with the hardware, but never lets it overpower the movie, and there's always a goofy one-liner or a slapstick pratfall around to break the tension. As for Downey, he doesn't get to jitterbug around too much in his improv way, but he brings enough of his unpredictable personality to keep the thing fresh. And listen up, hardcore Marvel mavens: even if you know the Stan Lee cameo is coming, you won't be able to guess it until it's on the screen. It all builds to a splendid final scene, with a concluding line delivery by Downey that just feels absolutely right. --Robert Horton
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Briliant Enjoyable, mindless, and very funny. Downey Jr. was surprisingly brilliant. Little plot or real substance but who cares, just fun hokum and the best film I've seen for a while. Recommended.
Even if you're not a Comic Book fan this is great A really good film from start to finish. Even if you are not a comic book fan this is a great film. Don't take it too seriously, just watch it for what it is.
Very enjoyable blockbuster, good stuff This is great entertainment and I really enjoyed watching it. This is real fun and I'd recommend it.
Not a fan, but my 9 year old is! My then 8 year old dragged me along to see this. I'm a cynical, long-in-the-tooth 42 year old who doesn't have time to watch adverts much less a super hero movie. So yes, I found the story implausible and far-fetched, and would have fallen asleep if the music wasn't so loud......but my son LOVED it - and is now hassling me for the DVD which will be in his Xmas stocking. So, if you're buying for a pre-teen they'll love it, but stick in the mud accountants like me won't!
