Iron Man is a well-crafted and enjoyable superhero movie with very few flaws. It follows Tony Stark, wealthy war profiteer and weapons manufacturer, who undergoes a change of heart after being captured in Afghanistan while demonstrating his new defense system. The plot progression is impeccable. I went into the theater with very little sleep and was certain I would doze off during the movie, but I didn't! I was captivated by every word and action. The dialogue is peppered throughout with comedic moments and wonderful asides. Sometimes, it did seem random and worthless, or it had really bad (not bad-ass) one-liners, but these moments were few and far between. The action, on the other hand, built and climaxed in just the right moments for the entire length of the movie. The acting by all parties was spectacular. Robert Downey Jr. gives Tony Stark an inimitable and likable persona. I loved this movie, but the reason I didn't give it a higher rating is because there was nothing more to it than $10 well-spent. It was a simple superhero tale, without complex characters and provocative backgrounds a la Hulk. Oh well, can't win 'em all.
What I liked most about Iron Man was how it broke all the rules of a superhero movie. He didn't become who he was through wealth (Batman) or misfortune (X-Men, Spiderman), but through intelligence and determination. Not only that, but he announces his identity, instead of hiding from it. Granted, these are just cool little nuggets and won't make or break the movie for anyone, but the action and comedy in this movie are more than enough reason for you to go out and see it.IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/