When arms-dealer/industrialist/playboy/billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) is kidnapped by a terrorist group in the deserts of
Afghanistan, he is left nursing a life threatening wound and a new perspective on life.

After seeing first hand that the weapons he has designed and sold are being used against innocent people, Stark decides to use his
knowledge of technology to fight evil by building a sophisticated battle suit.
But will his ambitious weapons company partner Obediah Stane (Jeff Bridges) support the move away from war?

Although Iron Man is the first flick Marvel Studios have released with no big studio backing, thanks to an enviable cast of Oscar winners in the lead roles, and an opening weekend that most execs would sell their first born for, the future looks very promising for the budding film house.

Yet again, director Jon Favreau has put together a solid piece of cinema that checks all the necessary boxes of action, drama, comedy
and romance.
Having balanced effects with family entertainment in Elf and Zathura, he ups the ante to bring a hefty bucket of pure and simple popcorn fun.

Abstaining from the dark and gloom of Christopher Nolan's Batman re- imagining while thankfully side-stepping the over the top
technicolour of The Fantastic Four, Iron Man falls somewhere in the middle: eager to highlight contemporary society's fears, but quick to
throw some humorous banter in.

While an illustrious cast all shine in their roles (Terence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges are all on top form), Downey Jr is
the certainly the spirit and soul of the film, bringing his enigmatic blend of wit, charm and charisma to the character to make the spoilt,
philandering brat seem not only likeable, but heroic.

Despite a relatively predictable narrative focusing on the usual 'origins' story and (of course) the obligatory cameo by Marvel staple Stan Lee; a clean style, good pace and stunning effects courtesy of ILM make for a thoroughly entertaining watch.

And with more than enough nods to the original source material to keep even the most ardent fans appeased, expect at least one more
sequel.

8/10 – Heavy metal mayhem!