No, really not bad at all.

Rating: 9/10 (20 May 2008)

Okay, kudos where kudos are due. First of all, the casting was really astute. Robert Downey, Jr. was an inspired choice for Tony Stark, and Jeff Bridges was a great Obadiah Stane.
This movie was a ton of fun. Playful and intense by turns, highlighted by an exuberant performance from Downey. I enjoyed how the film allowed the visual effects to serve the plot, rather than becoming the point of the film. This choice of focus allowed you to really buy into the high-technology world of the film.
The plot moved well, and spent just enough time between development of Stark's conscience, and the conflict that drives this origin story. In terms of developing a franchise, this was a terrific first step. Not to give too much away, but stay until the end of the credits for a peek into where things might be headed in future films.
Definitely worth the price of admission!