Obadiah, Ozzie and Oodles of Oooohs

Rating: 8/10 (10 May 2008)

Greetings again from the darkness. Terrific screen adaptation of Stan Lee's comic creation brings Iron Man to life! Directed by Jon Favreau ("Swingers" and Tony Stark's chauffeur) the film blends extraordinary special effects and CGI with some wonderful acting and explosive action.
I have long been an admirer of the talented Robert Downey, Jr ("Chaplin" and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang") and only wish he could keep it together in real life so he could work more often. Favreau really allows Downey's knack for deadpan wise-cracking to play a huge role in defining Tony Stark ... the brilliant, billionaire, playboy, inventor and business tycoon who becomes Iron Man.
Every good comic book hero requires a terrific nemesis and Jeff Bridges is wonderful as a shaved-headed Obadiah Stane (and Iron Monger). Bridges and Downey are both top level actors and definitely bring a touch of class to the film (similar to Christian Bale as Batman). The supporting cast is rounded out by Gwyneth Paltrow (rarely seen on screen these days), Terrence Howard and Paul Bettany (the voice of Jarvis - Tony Stark's home based A.I. system). Creator Stan Lee also has a brief cameo as the guy Stark mistakes for Hugh Hefner (actually a pretty funny moment).
The only thing keeping this one from greatness is there were just no surprises or twists in the story. We spot the bad guy early and the story travels a pretty familiar arc. Still ... this one is loads of fun and a visual smörgåsbord. Tip: stay til the end of the credits.