Sadly not based on the Black Sabbath song, this big-screen version of Marvel Comics' B-list armored avenger is one of the better movies to emerge from the bloated, nerd-fed superhero genre. Billionaire weapons-maker/media playboy Tony Stark (Downey) builds an amazing suit of armor to help him escape from terrorists and decides to make a go of it as a card-carrying hero, much to the confusion of his flirty assistant (Paltrow) and chagrin of his business partner (Bridges). There's some great FX and sharp dialogue, but 95 percent of the movie's appeal comes from Downey, who brings a ridiculous charm and energy to the whole affair. On the flip side, the plot is paper-thin and you saw all the best bits in the trailer. Not exactly iron, but solid summer fun, nonetheless.
Review by Brian Tallerico
It has a lot to do with the strength of the source material, but there’s a rule that you can follow when it comes to superhero movies - trust the “man." Batman,X-Men, Spider-Man - with the exception of a bit ...Read More
It doesn't just manage to deliver a little bit of everything but it does it with style and integrity. Iron Man is a film everyone can enjoy because it cares enough to deliver excellence on every front. The mega talented cast fit each main character perfectly and the story itself is told in a masterful, crisp manner. The dialogue is witty and what humor there is works its way seamlessly in to the natural order of the story. A couple of comic book style slugfests are included but inserted only as a vehicle for the story. Things aren't blown up just for the sake of seeing them go boom. What makes Iron Man a true rarity is that it's a fine film for kids but it's even greater if you're an intelligent adult. How many movies can you say that about? This is truly movie making of the most entertaining order and it easily deserves all the praise it has generated both from fans and critics alike.
Good movie, not just good "superhero" movie mfaerber at 2009-02-25 13:13:28
Even the non-comic geeks will enjoy this movie - well done and Downey is perfectly cast. Good mix of humor, action and laying the groundwork for what will hopefully be a longer franchise...