delivers what's expected but goes on longer than it needs to

Rating: Null/10 (3 May 2008)

Downey brings the perfect blend of strength, smarts, and humor to the role of Tony Stark, a flip and wealthy industrialist who's made a name for himself by following in the footsteps of his late father and producing high-tech weaponry without assuming any responsibility. A near-fatal accident in the Afghan desert leaves him with an artificial heart, and for the first time allows him to see the repercussions of his business endeavors. A changed man, he decides to pull the plug on weapons marketing and covertly constructs a state-of-the-art iron suit that gives him the capability to combat rebel militia groups who've acquired his technology under the table...unfortunately that's easier said than done. Marvel Comics adaptation is less fanciful than most of its predecessors but certainly true to the genre, with intriguing—and believable—characters, spectacular action/effects sequences, and an engaging hero, the only thing it lacks is a human story compelling enough to sustain its length. ***