Heavy Mettle

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2008)

Director Jon Favreau scores a hit with his movie adaptation of the popular Marvel Comics character, Iron Man.
It's the story of wealthy, weapons-manufacturing, industrialist playboy, Tony Stark. During a particularly harrowing abduction episode Stark uncovers some disturbing facts about his organisation that make him rethink his approach to life.
Putting the wealth of resources at his disposal to good use yields the titular character. Iron Man is a super-soldier of sorts with all manner of modern gadgetry and weaponry on tap and ready to take out the "bad guys", whoever they may be.
Favreau makes a good call to update what was initially a Vietnam-themed story and reset it in modern times. Instead of "Charlie" we have dodgy, desert-cave dwelling, quasi-Afghan Mujahideen providing the revised backdrop.
On a technical level, the film is very satisfying - the visual effects are a treat, the story moves at a good pace, and the supporting performances are up to scratch.
But let's be clear: Robert Downey Jr.'s performance is the centre piece of this film. And it's a tour-de-force, effortlessly capturing the complexities of the Tony Stark character.
The vagaries of Downey Jr.'s personal life add an unexpected dimension of realism and credibility to his portrayal, enriching the Stark character well beyond Marvel's original design.
So Iron Man's comic-book fans can rest assured that their hero has been treated with requisite respect. There's also plenty of sequel potential, making this the first instalment of a lucrative new franchise.
Comparisons are inevitable between Marvel's Tony Stark and DC Comics' parallel character, Bruce Wayne (Batman). Although Batman is a more leading character in the DC universe, Iron Man's relative obscurity presents no impediment in this film, and he holds his own admirably.
With a new Batman instalment slated for later this year, Iron Man sets a very high bar for big releases as we enter the blockbuster season. Iron Man vs Batman will be a box-office showdown not to be missed!