Directed by: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard
Rated: PG-13

It all started with the movies Blade, X-Men, and let’s not forget Spider Man.

The latest release to come from Marvel Studios is Iron Man. He may not be as well known, or for that matter, as limber as Spiderman, but Iron Man does have a back-story, and is armed with enough genius technical knowledge to make him an appropriate superhero for the 21st Century.

The country of Vietnam was originally the setting for the 1960s comic book series of Iron Man(conceived by comic genius Stan Lee), but to make it more relevant for 2008, the Vietnam locale has been abandoned for Afghan battlefields.

In Iron Man, Robert Downey Junior plays Tony Stark, the heir to Stark Industries, the world’s leading weapons supplier. On a trip to Afghanistan to sell weapons, Mr Stark is captured by Afghani terrorists who demand that Stark build them a deadly missile. Stark instead creates a powerful armored suit which he uses to escape. On his return to America, he vows to protect all those he has endangered, and he enhances the suit in order to fight crime as Iron Man.

At first glance, Robert Downey Jr is an unusual choice for a superhero. But his superficial, egotistical style proves to be suitable for playing playboy Tony Stark. Downey’s personal baggage adds to the character’s struggle as a party animal forced to change his ways. It’s this flawed character, after all, that gives the film Iron Man its strength.

Downey is surrounded by an A-list cast who conduct themselves as well as the roles allow. Gwyneth Paltrow acts admirably as Stark’s assistant Pepper Potts, who creates suitable romantic tension, although the role feels too limited for her.

Jeff Bridges does best as Stark’s bearded business partner Obadiah Stane, a sinister role for the usually pleasant actor, whilst Terrence Howard looks uncomfortable in his role as Stark’s gruff military liaison Rhodes.

On the whole, Iron Man represents a variation on the typical comic book film, and the film contains a little more emotion and character exploration than you expect.
 
This is not to say that the film will not satisfy those looking for a bit more action or impressive visual effects. Favreau demonstrates with this film that he knows how to create action, whilst not losing the characters or storyline amid the spectacle.

Whilst the film’s themes may sound less than original (Transformers or RoboCop anyone?), Iron Man is highly entertaining, intelligent and provides a satisfying dose of visual effects by Industrial Light and Magic(ILM) for those simply seeking some dazzling gadgetry.

4 super villains out of 5