Robert Downey Jr. was clearly made for this role. If you’ve read the recent article in EW they have signed him for a sequel (and they stress 1 sequel). They want to explore Stark’s alcoholism, which again is something Downey Jr. will thrive depicting i think.

The flick had pretty much everything you would want to see in an amazing action hero story. Including a desperate need to become the hero, a build up to the actual suit and an amazing payoff in the boss battle.

I have to admit I was skeptical as to Jeff Bridges playing the villain, but his initial minimalist approach, which built up to what he became as the Iron Monger was fantastic.

The effects were stellar, which is not surprising. But I really believed that the suit was completely capable of what Stark was making it do (I guess i’m a bit of a physics geek).

The only point I would make is that there were 2 or 3 cheesy lines where I wished they wouldn’t fall into the Spider-Man dialogue. I say this b/c you expect that kind of dialogue from Spidey, but Ironman is little heavier fare (and I don’t mean kilograms).

Other than that small point I thought this was a fantastic entry for the character onto the big screen.

I’ll give my first reaction as to where is weighs in on the recent comic book movies (I’m not including sequels here)
1. Batman Begins
2. X-Men
3. Spider-Man
4. Ironman
5. Blade
6. Superman Returns (i guess i added a “sequel”)

If Hollywood can figure out how to make an Avengers movie the right way, i’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Sam Jackson is a god

Awesome things about Iron Man:
1. Robert Downey Jr. - This guys has displayed his acting chops again and again. HE is a true chameleon, able to morph into any role (Charlie Chaplin? James Barris? Harry Lockart? Tony Stark?) The way Downey Jr. can embody these roles is nothing short of amazing. And to top it off, it’s done in an action flick!
2. The Effects. Jesus Christ. Stan Winston, ILM. Nuff’ Said. You know what, forget that…not enough said! The way the literal effects and the CGI combine in this film is seamless. I am always looking for the chinks in the armor (pun intended) in a films FX and this movie was just solid. Realistic and NOT over the top. IN short, the tech was believable. I BELIEVED that Tony Stark could create what he did in a cave in Afghanistan.
3. The whole cast. Yeah I know I talked about Downey already, but with a supporting cast of Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Terence Howard (who is very believable as Jim Rhodes) this movie is just ready to kick ass. Each actor in this list can and has carried a movie all by themselves - but here the ensemble works…and it works well. I love seeing Paltrow in her role as Ms. Potts - genuinely vulnerable and strong at the same time (which seems to fit her well). Jeff Bridges has been a fave of mine for decades (Tron, anyone?) - He not look slike a badass, but IS a bad ass.
4. The Insider drops. People familiar with the Iron Man comic will love the little things (I myself was not a big fan of the comic - I was more of an mutie-lover, but I digress). Iron Monger, War Machine, Avengers, Nick Fury, Shield, it’s all in there.
5. Fun Fun Fun. This movie was just plain fun. Period. Marvel Finally got it right - tone, style, feel. And it took a swinger to do it. BTW Jon, great direction, and I liked the cameo as the driver:)

OK so that’s it. While the plot line itself was a bit predictable (certain things you saw coming a mile away) - it stayed true to the comic and the characters, which I’m all in favor of. Great storytelling and great effects make this one kick-ass flick. >i

Oh yeah, STAY TILL AFTER THE CREDITS!!! You have been advised.