Far Exceeds The Character's Usual Presentation

Rating: 7/10 (12 May 2012)

I have never been terribly fond of Iron Man. As a comic reader for twenty years, I knew him and have come across him from time to time, but never really found his story that intriguing. He is, basically, Marvel's answer to Batman. That being said, this movie was excellent.
I think they fit in all the necessary story parts, and they were executed wonderfully. Robert Downey Jr has finally made the comeback he deserves, and is bigger than ever. I am unclear about the Pepper Potts situation, but think it is being handled well in this film -- she is obviously conflicted, both in love with her boss but also wary of his womanizing. That makes sense. And the way they made his transformation from jerk to somewhat respected is a nice move.
Purists might be upset that his origins were moved from Vietnam to Afghanistan, but that would just be protesting nonsense. In order for Stark to fit the timeline of the Avengers story (in the films), he needs to be modern, and I think this was handled excellently.