Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrance Howard
Dir: Jon Favreau
Rating: 5/5
Iron Man was the latest Marvel Comic book heroes to get the big screen treatment and it kicked off blockbuster summer back in May and it now arrives on DVD.
Tony Stark (Downey Jr) is a playboy business man, CEO of a major arms manufacturer whose family motto is 'Peace means having a bigger stick, and a mechanical genius.
But when his trip to Afghanistan, to unveil his new missile, goes wrong he is mortally wounded and kidnapped by a militant group. During his captivity Stark befriends Yinsen, the surgeon who saves his life by using an electro magnet powered by a car battery to keep the shrapnel out of his heart, and is forced to build the devastating weapon he was unveiling to the U.S. military.
Instead, with the help of Yinsen, he builds a high tech suit of armour and escapes captivity.
When back in America he refines the armour and when he uncovers a nefarious plot, that includes his company and the suit he has designed, he dons the new suit to protect the world and those closest to him.
The last couple of Marvel projects have been a massive disappointment to fans of the original comics. But in a bid to break this trend Paramount Pictures have thrown millions at this project... and it has worked.
Iron Man kicked off the Superhero summer in fine style laying down the gauntlet and setting the standard for the movies to come, topped only by The Dark Knight.
This movie is nothing short of fantastic as director Jon Favreau brings to the big screen a highly developed script and a fully formed and interesting character in Tony Stark.
Robert Downey Jr's performance drives the film and his character development is the most interesting aspects of the picture. Stark goes from billionaire playboy with fast cars and faster women to a man who comes to realise the damage his creations cause.
And while Robert Downey Jr may not have been an actor you would associate with these blockbusters he delivers and commanding and powerful performance. He moves between the comic elements of his character to more dramatic scenes as he realises for all his money he life has no meaning.
Downey Jr's supporting cast are also of the highest quality: Jeff Bridges is almost unrecognisable as Stark's business partner Obadiah Stane dominating the screen in ever scene.
And while neither Gwyneth Paltrow, as Stark's loyal secretary Pepper Potts, or Terrance Howard, as Stark's closest friend Jim Rhodes, are stretched their performances are solid.
Iron Man is smart funny and exciting as well as stylish, without going over the top. This film may be glossy and slick on the surface but it has a very human core.
Favreau, Downey and co have crated a franchise that has serious legs and a sequel is already in the pipeline.
Iron Man has redefined the standards of the comic book movie and those that follow later this summer will have a job matching it.
Iron Man is out on DVD now and is an absolute must have.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw