Review: Iron Man - Directed by Jon Favreau
Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action.

Robert Downey Jr. as a millionaire playboy turned superhero? I could see that first part for sure, but if you told me ten years ago that Downey would be staring in a kid-friendly blockbuster, I would have scoffed. But let me say this: Whoever was in charge of casting deserves a raise.

In Iron Man, prodigal weapons manufacturer Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is taken hostage by Afghani terrorists and forced to build them a powerful missile system. In between getting tortured, Stark finds the time to build a giant suit of titanium armour and blasts his way to safety. Returning home, he decides to start protecting the people his weapons have put in harm's way--donning a new and improved suit as Iron Man.

Compared to other superhero origins movies, Iron Man isn't all that different. It features a revenge-driven protagonist, his likable buddy, a hot love interest, and a brooding villain to beat up at the end. So what puts Iron Man ahead of Fantastic 4 and Elektra's of the world? It's all about the Downey.

With his fast mouth, witty retorts, and arrogant charm, Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark is unlike any other superhero lead out there. Sure he's a jerk, but his heart-warming charm brings a sense of likable humanity to the potentially stale Iron Man character. Even when no sign of the actor is visible under the suit, he's still easy to root for because you will genuinely grow to love the man in the box.

Special effects are such an important element to these summer blockbusters, and Iron Man will not disappoint. With Stan Winston's legendary effects team behind the miniature work and Industrial Light and Magic handling the digital effects, Iron Man is a real treat for the eye (and I'm sure all set for the Blu-ray home video market).

Markedly less dramatic than, say, Batman Begins, this origins piece is equal parts actioner and comedy. Downey Jr. and crew are a refreshingly lighthearted bunch--with several expertly timed and perfectly delivered jokes sure to get an audience reaction.

The only thing detracting from this mostly enjoyable experience is the often underutilized cast. Gwyneth Paltrow's useless Pepper Pots character does little else but nag, get in trouble, and spend the movie's explosive finale talking on the phone. Moreover, Terrence Howard's biggest contribution was a fourth wall breaking line to set up the sequel.

But with an excellent lead performance, an enjoyably over the top plot, and a pitch-perfect ending, Iron Man is the perfect start to the blockbuster season. Oh, and be sure to stay until the end of the credits...it's worth the wait.

Rating: 4.5 / 5 (9/10, 90%)