surprisingly likable

Rating: 7/10 (24 November 2008)

The superhero fad rolls on. Many were predicting that the comic-inspired flicks would burn out with Iron Man, but the wise decision to cast Robert Downey Jr. in the lead put paid to that theory. At this juncture in history, the man can do no wrong.
The story is so familiar as to be a side-issue. Arms manufacturer Tony Stark has an epiphany after being taken hostage in Afghanistan. This brings him into conflict with company bigwig Jeff Bridges, whose bald pate is strangely if crudely menacing. Yes, it is another tale of "You were like a father to me, but you've betrayed me," a la Minority Report, Mission Impossible, LA Confidential... But the obviousness of the plot is done in a nudge-wink style, as if to say "Sit back and enjoy the action sequences and Downey riffing off in his own inimitable style." And there is a lot to enjoy. Downey lights up every scene he is in. He is funny, intense, sardonic, passionate... The chemistry with Paltrow works extremely well, as does the homo-erotic undertone to Downey's relationship with Terence Davies. No doubt those two will get to scratch each other's eyes out in a sequel.
I'm not sure the franchise has the legs of a Spiderman or Batman, but the initial outing is a fun ride if you are in the mood for light fare.