Iron Man

Let me preface this review by saying that I have never read an "Iron Man" comic book, nor do I know the differences between the comic book and the movie. Even so, "Iron Man" is an outstanding start to the summer blockbuster movie season! Even if you are not a fan of "comic book" movies, this one surpasses your basic expectations.

Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark, a high-profile playboy who runs Stark Industries, a primary producer of weapons of mass destruction. After being captured by a band of rebels in Afghanistan, Stark if forced to create a giant missile for them. Instead, he figures out a way to create a suit of iron that will help him escape his captors. This experience also opens his eyes to the destructive nature of his own business operations.

His declaration of closing down his bomb making business does not settle well with investors, but he really doesn't care. Stark has become determined to refine his original suit to create a more efficient method of flight in order to eventually take on the terrorists who originally captured him. He soon finds himself in a fight for his life.

The movie spends a lot of time in character development, something we don't often see in superhero movies. While this may slow down some movies, Downey makes it fun. He is cavalier with his character and seems to be having a great time. There are also some great special effects, but some of the best scenes end up being the simple ones between Stark and his assistant (Gwyneth Paltrow). The only negative I would point out is how quickly Stark's nemesis figures out how to operate his own evil suit when it took Stark half the movie to learn the same.

Regardless, "Iron Man" provides fun and adventure without being a mindless time in the theater. Oh, and don't leave until the credits are done! "Iron Man" should be on your must-see summer movie list. I give it an A.

"Iron Man" is rated PG-13 with a running time of 126 minutes.