So, by applying the above formula, I can tell you that the story is about millionaire, playboy, alcoholic Tony Stark (played by millionaire, playboy, alcoholic Robert Downey Jr.) who’s basically a cross between Hugh Hefner and Bill Gates. Mr Stark is the proud owner a rather large weapons company and whilst in the Middle East (originally Vietnam, but obviously given a 00s update) demoing some next generation missiles to the US Army, is involved and seriously injured in what appears to be a kidnapping. Now with a gun to his head, he is forced to build weapons for his captors. He uses this chance to escape and does so by building a suit of armour which gives him extra strength, firepower and flight. Upon his return to the US, he decides that his life of warmongering must come to an end (with some amusing comedy moments trying to rebuild the suit) and in a nod towards truth, justice (and the American… no, that doesn’t work. Um, Canadian way?), rebuilds his power suit to rid the world of war. But its never that easy!
Simply put, I loved this film!!! Actor/Director Jon Favreau (with the help of the "Children of Men" writing team) originally wanted to cast an unknown for the role of Stark, however Downey Jr. pulls off the role as if he were Stark in real life. And based on all the tabloid reports about his private life over the last few years, its no surprise. He delivers the action when needed but uses his comedy background very well to show he's still the rich arse we love to hate (Like Simon Cowell only less of a "see you next tuesday"). Supporting cast also includes the usual love interest/damsel in distress, here played by the lovely Mrs Chris Martin: AKA Gwyneth Paltrow. She plays Starks loyal PA, Virginia "Pepper" Potts and when not busy picking up his dry-cleaning is wooing him from a distance. Paltrow and Downey Jr’s on screen chemistry isn’t exactly on fire as has been other hero flicks but this film (unlike the others) does not need to revolve around the usual love story and instead goes for a “will the/won’t they” approach reminding us that Favreau wants you to fix on the man in the iron suit and not what’s going on around him.
A rather odd looking Jeff Bridges also makes up a good chunk of the film as Obadiah Stane. Fans of the comics will recognise the name of the character straight away however unlike the comics, Favreau slightly re-invents the character for everyone else and keeps the fans guessing a while longer… a smart move which still keeps the fanboys on his side.
We finally have a mix of supporting cast members who serve to make Stark’s character more likeable and human from best friend Lt. Colonel "Rhodey" Rhodes: (Oscar nominated Terrence Howard) to the traditional scumbag terrorist (Faran Tahir). Oh and don’t forget to play the usual game of “Where’s Stan?”. As always Stan “The Man” Lee makes his 2 second cameo much to the delight of the audience.
So, time for the pros and cons. Pro, it’s a great action film for all the family. Con, it’s a great action film for all the family. Its an unfortunate problem but its greatest strength is also its weakness. From the comics POV, the character of Stark is far more complex, dark and seriously flawed than Fraveau is able to communicate in this first outing. In a perfect world, he could have made a gritty “Casino Royale” showing as much of Starks inner demons after years of selling death. They are hinted at with his womanising and drinking but for Marvel to catch that younger $ide of the audience, $ome thing$ had to be left out of the cut to make $ure they got their me$$age acro$$.
But with that small i$$ue aside (sorry, I’ll stop that), its still a great movie with superb action pieces and eye candy to ensure you have a great night out. In the superhero scale of movies (where Catwoman is a 1, Spidy III is a 5 and Batman Begins is a 9.5), we have ourselves a solid 8 out of 10. But be warned, this is a superhero flick for superhero fans. Unlike some hero films that have a much younger “OC” cast for young moviegoers to woo over, this one does not. Don’t get me wrong, Paltrow is nice to look at and Downey Jr is no beast, however he’s no Hugh Jackman either. This is pure hero, boys with toys action the way it should be!
You will walk out of that cinema either wanting Starks life or his suit… however one word of warning, don’t walk out too soon, as I did. Whilst writing this, I consulted the web only to discover that there is a fanboy treat and huge cameo following the end credits, so stick around true belivers!!
Cheers, Mero (Rich)
. I saw the movie twice, once in a regular theater and once at a drive in, and both times it was excellent. The acting was quite good, and I really enjoyed the storyline. The effects, and the 'gadgets' in general were absolutely awesome, although the thing I wished I could have most in the movie were Tony Stark's cars 
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