by Daniel Cummings

Created on: May 24, 2008

Marvel finally unleash their beloved character Iron Man onto the big screen.

It's been a long wait for Iron Man fans but the Armour-plated hero finally makes his bow. The film also marks the first fully financed comic-book adaptation from Marvel entertainment. And it's very fitting that it is their most popular character that should mark such an occasion.

Iron Man's debut on the silver screen is very much a origin story with most of the picture focusing on how Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) a wealthy businessman who is the CEO of a weapons manufacturer goes about creating and becoming Iron Man. On a business trip to Afghanistan Starks convey is ambushed and he is captured by middle-eastern extremists who force Stark to created a high-tech weapon for them. As Stark begins to build the missile he hatches a plan to escape using a high-tech iron suit that gives birth to a new alter ego, Iron Man.

With a reported 150 million dollars invested Marvel certainly took some risks with their first true Marvel Studios production. None of the excellent cast has ever opened a big summer blockbuster movie before. However the aforementioned ensemble are all Oscar nominees including Gwyneth Paltrow who has actually won a gold statue. The cast wasn't the only risk taken though; Marvel opted to leave the film in the hands of actor turned director Jon Favreau who despite directing box-office hits Elf and Zathura, hasn't tackled this kind of blockbuster before.

Kudos to Marvel for taking the risks they took because they have paid off brilliantly. Favreau has crafted a near-perfectly paced origin story that as an origin story should do leaves you anticipating what a possible sequel could do with the now fully formed characters. (Remember what Bryan Singer did with X-Men 2?)

The whole cast are excellent. Downey Jr. in the lead role as playboy businessman Tony Stark is so good it's hard to imagine anyone else ever being considered for the role. He never misses a beat whether he's wise cracking or showing a more sympathetic side of his character. Jeff Bridges as Starks partner Obadiah Stane is great too bringing a tough edge to his role, however his ulterior motives are a little too obvious. Paltrow also excels as Starks secretary, in a role too often played woodenly; she brings genuine warmth to her character and her scenes with Downey Jr. fizz with natural chemistry.

One minor disappointment would be the action sequences that aren't of the biggest scale but this is an origin story first and foremost. The effects however dazzle with the finished iron suit looking particularly stunning. The film is also highly enjoyable thanks to some great comedy when Stark is building his final suit. This includes some hilarious exchanges with his artificial robots; one in particular obsessed with its fire extinguisher.

A sequel is likely to follow and there is much potential for an even bigger and better film next time out. A scene that appears after the end credits have rolled featuring Samuel L. Jackson popping up as Nick Fury, head of the Avenger initiative only adds to the anticipation.

Verdict:
Iron Man's debut on the big screen is a triumph for its director, stars and Marvel entertainment itself. Bring on the sequel!

4 Stars

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