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In "Iron Man," Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), trying to dispel rumors that he is the mysterious Iron Man, reveals, "I'm not a superhero type because of my long laundry list of character defects." Stark could have been talking about Robert Downey Jr., the actor.

Let's face it; Downey could have had the same type of career Johnny Depp is enjoying. Both actors effectively shine in risky roles. But Downey suffered much-publicized personal demons which greatly affected his profession. With "Iron Man," mark my words, Downey's career will take off, supersonically.

The movie begins in the Middle East, where Stark is testing his new weapon of mass destruction. Stark, like his father before him, specializes in building military hardware. He's also a carefree, womanizing brat who enjoys making money for his company and seeking hedonistic pleasure - but all that is about to change.

Change comes when a group of insurgents attack Stark and his convoy. Injured by life-threatening shrapnel embedded near his already weakened heart, he is ordered to build a devastating weapon for Raza (Faran Tahir), the insurgents' shadowy leader. But instead, Stark builds a suit of armor that keeps him alive and enables him to escape captivity.

Back in the U.S., Stark realizes that his company, Stark Industries, plays a big part in global devastation. So he announces that they will no longer be manufacturing weapons, much to the chagrin of Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), his right-hand man and top executive.

Instead, Stark spends his days and nights in his workshop developing and refining an advanced suit of armor that gives him superhuman strength and physical protection. Like most superhero movies, this is the part where Stark finds joy with his abilities. But unlike most superheroes, his superpower is not physical strength, but his mind's incredible knack to build a super armor that can make him fly!

Director Jon Favreau ("Zathura," "Elf") is a self-confessed comic-book geek and a big "Iron Man" fan. Favreau, who makes an appearance in the movie as Stark's driver, knows his superhero truisms and his obsessions pay off! "Iron Man" is one of the best superhero movies ever made.

Big credit goes to Downey. When I first heard that he was going to play the part, I was perplexed. He's a great actor, but viewers might have a tough time identifying with him. I was wrong. Robert Downey Jr. is "Iron Man."

The actor blends well with the rest of the cast. His moments with Gwyneth Paltrow (Stark's assistant, Pepper Potts) are priceless. Their relationship as master-servant and friends-lovers is one of the most realized characterizations in a superhero movie.

Terrence Howard ("Hustle & Flow") also makes an appearance as Stark's military liaison Jim "Rhodey" Rhodes. The crime-fighting trio of Stark, Rhodey, and Pepper, uncovers a nefarious plot with massive implications. Wearing his new red and gold armor, Stark vows to protect the world and right its injustices as Iron Man.

Based on the popular Marvel comic book, I have never been a big fan of "Iron Man." But this fanboy has finally seen the light I cannot wait for the sequel! And you will seldom hear that from me.

If there's one thing wrong with the film, it's the predictability of the villain. You can smell the subplot a mile away! In a much lesser movie, I would have ripped it to shreds. But since "Iron Man" gave me pure escapism joy, I embraced it whole-heartedly.

"Iron Man" is one of those rare films where the characters, the narrative, and the special effects all converge to give us a thrilling ride! The movie gets plus points for the really funny Stan Lee cameo. And with "Iron Man," Downey proves he's a superhero type. And for that, "Iron Man" gets 3 metallic shield kisses

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