Iron Man revives Superhero genre

Rating: 9/10 (3 May 2008)

Ever since 'X-Men' was released in 2000, the superhero genre has been a constant on our screens. In the last few of years, the novelty looked to have finally faded, with films like 'Daredevil', 'Superman Returns', 'Ghost Rider', 'Spider-Man 3' and the "Fantastic Four' films failing. However the genre has been given a boost thanks to 'Iron Man', the best superhero film since 'Batman Begins' and will rival its sequel 'The Dark Knight' (out in July) as the big blockbuster movie for 2008.
The plot concerns Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) a prodigal weapons manufacturer (who inherited his company – Stark Industries - from his late father) who likes to drink and party, with secretary Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) – and Jim Rhoades - his only allies. On a mission to Afghanistan (which is updated from the Vietnam setting in the comics), he is captured and forced by terrorists to build his new weapon, the Jericho. With some help from Yinsen – who builds a magnet which keeps the shrapnel in Tony's body from reaching his heart - Tony creates an "Iron Man" suit and escapes. Upon reaching home, he announces that he's downgrading the weapons part of his business, which doesn't sit well with Obiah Stone (Jeff Bridges) who's only concerned about the bottom line, and lusts after Tony's job. Stone, desperate to have the company for his own, builds his own suit (from remains of Tony's original suit left behind in Afghanistan) to become the "Iron Monger". Seeing the destruction his weapons can cause if in the wrong hands, Tony vows to harness his "Iron Man" suit to save mankind.
'Iron Man' works for a number of reasons: It manages to balance the necessary origin story with enough action and humour to keep the audience interested; Robert Downey Jr is fantastic as the troubled genius Tony Stark. He manages to portray the hard-living, slightly egotistical Tony with humour and avoided making him look like a complete jerk; It's very well-written. While it's a touch over two hours, not a moment is wasted. Like every good movie, nothing in 'Iron Man' is accidental. There's even time for an obligatory cameo from Stan Lee, and a nod to Rhodes' appearance as Iron Man's partner.
Overall, "Iron Man' is brilliant. Downey Jr is superb is his role and is one of the most charismatic heroes since Christopher Reeve. With numerous sequels all but guaranteed, filmgoers will be seeing a lot more of 'Iron Man' in years to come.