Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the CEO of Stark Industries, the lead developer of cutting edge weapons for the US military. On a trip to the Mid-East to demonstrate his newest weapon, he is captured and forced to develop a weapon for the enemy. It is here where he realizes that the American Army is not his only fans. He finds out that enemy troops have been acquiring his tools of destruction. After he uses this opportunity to make his own weapon to escape from his captors (ie. the Mach-1), he returns home to perfect his design into what we know as Iron Man… (ie. the Mach-3).

Firstly, I did not expect to see The Dude(aka. “His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you’re not into the whole brevity thing.”)(Jeff Bridges) in this movie, apparently there was a lot of him in the media hype about this film. Personally I try to ignore a lot of the media hype, because it only builds up your expectations just so you can be disappointed, which I definitely don’t like now that I am hearing about movies a year (and sometimes more) before it ever is released (if it is).

This movie does what many have not done before. It sticks to the original story to the T. What this movie shows you is exactly what Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created in 1963, when the first publication of the character was done. I am a fan of the comic, and most things Marvel, and I am pleased with the level of detail that Jon Favreau keeps in the movie. Robert Downey is a smash hit as Tony Stark, his wit and perfect timing keeps the character always more than just the average press junkie. He never does things that any other private individual would do. When he (Tony Stark) speaks it seems like he is genetically configured to over exaggerate and dramatize all of his actions in a manner that I can only describe reminds me of Jose Mourinho when he was named the manager of Chelsea back in 2004, and dubbed himself “The Special One”(search youtube and you’ll see what I mean). However, you can’t do anything but laugh and enjoy these antics.

This movie definitely ushers in the Summer stage of movies. This is the perfect popcorn flick. It has comedy, action, women, awesome graphics… there is just nothing to hate here at all. Robert Downey and Gwyneth Paltrow are both amazing. I am so happy that there is a part two in the works already planned for a 2010 release. And we get a hint that War Machine will be in the sequel. If this is a taste of what is to come of this summer I will be very happy as a movie lover.

This movie is solid gold (with some hot rod red mixed in), it is a must watch for everyone (good thing it’s only PG-13), especially fans of the original comic book.

IMDB says 8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes says 94%
I say 9.0/10

PS. Stay after the credits there is a very nice clip at the end (won’t spoil it).