Iron Man

After ultrarich inventor and weapons maker Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) escapes from kidnappers using makeshift power armor, he turns his invention to good by using it to fight crime. But when he must face the evil Iron Monger, his skills are stretched to the limit. Based on the Marvel comic, this captivating superhero tale from director Jon Favreau co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard, Hilary Swank and Samuel L. Jackson.

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» Recommended for 284 people

» Reviewed by 30 people

I have never really been a comic book guy, when a movie like this comes out it makes me wish I was. I new next to nothing about the story before the movie came out. After seeing this film Iron Man may be my new favorite super hero. Jon Favreau turns in maybe the best comic book film of all time, and no surprise really with his talent and the superstar roster of actors they brought together it would have been hard for this not to work. Downey Jr. is terrific and Pepper Potts AKA beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow just makes the film in my opinion, hands down the best superhero love interest ever to grace the screen. Iron Man rules this genre with an iron fist, and has set a new bar which will be hard to surpass, I however have not yet seen the new Batman which from what I hear may give it a run for it's money.
- Trent Walker

Robert Downey Jr was perfect for the part of Iron Man as both have been to the edges of hell and back. By the way, it's important to point out that the movie is a little different from most superhero stories where the hero typically takes on equally capable bad guys in the name of saving the world from evil. Instead, this one is treated purely as a superhero origin story. They spend a lot of time developing the Tony Stark character behind the Iron Man mask and less time on action sequences and blowing stuff up. Was a welcomed treat for me to have a superhero movie with a little substance. I hate sequels and everything they stand for, but I must admit that I'm kind of looking forward to seeing where they take the franchise.
- Frank W

I entered the Theater today to see yet another comic book movie. THIS IS MORE! To my surprise this breathtaking superhero/action/drama was so much more than I could have expected. Spectacular doesn't even do justice to Jon Favreau's brilliant direction! The character development is deep and authentic. The casting choice of Robert Downey Jr, to play the role of Tony Stark, was brave and perfect! He fits the role to a tee and delivers a great performance. He plays a genius weapons designer billionaire playboy who has a change of heart, both literally and metaphorically, in the film. Yes, this is an 'origin of Iron Man' film but the background is as essential to understanding the character as it is to establish the franchise future. There are a few acceptable updates from the comic; it worked so well in this story, I believe they are only improvements. Gwyneth Paltrow is a perfect Pepper Potts, Iron Man's Lois Lane. She is charming and lovable in the role. Jeff Bidges was unexpected here; maybe not the only choice but a good one for sure, and Terence Howard also never loses a step. Great acting aside this is also a terrific story! Stark is captured by terrorists, tricks them, and secretly builds his own escape weapon. After the death of his friend, he sent forth with the words "Don't waste you life Stark." Additionally he witnesses, first hand, the atrocities committed with his own weapons. He has a becomes a new man. Finally, fueled further by a harsh betrayal, he sets out with his new convictions to make amends for his past. There is something for everyone to love. The movie does spend some time on the science/robotics involved but not too much to lose pace with the action. It also has many laughs but again they fit in place just right. Of numerous comic book adaptations few have seamless CGI, spectacular script, great direction, stellar casting, and endearing characters, along with the kickass action. Iron Man has is all! This is a must see! Hope this is Helpful!
- Phatz

Cool. That is one word that describes this movie. Exciting and fun are another two. Robert Downey Jr. was nothing but excellent at playing Iron Man. He exhibited wit, intelligence, that playboy charm and charisma: the works for a superhero. Although the plot was not strong, and there were a few holes or weak areas, the movie was excellent. But, the plot did not matter that much. This is an origin story and it was all about the characters, they are the ones that move the story forward. Jeff Bridges was one cold blooded arms dealer, and he was great at it. I just wish we would have seen more of him. Terrence Howard was ok, not the best part of the movie. Paltrow was cute in her very capable performance. But the story centered around Tony Stark and Iron Man, and it was good. The action sequences and the special effects were excellent but did not dominate the film, which I was grateful form. This movie managed what many movies have not been able to do: balance. The action and special effects are enough to keep the movie going and highly entertaining, but the character development is what drives it forward, what gives it form and meaning. This movie is a must see, it is fun, funny as well, and has excellent performances.
- Goddess

Casual fans of action superhero movies will undoubtedly be disappointed in Iron Man. Because it's not full throttle action from beginning to end. Instead Jon Favreau made a smart, thoughtful movie that just happens to feature a super-heroic SUIT with a man inside of it. I enjoyed this a lot, without knowing a ton about the characters going into it, and look forward to the many sequels.
- MCWHAMMER

I was pleasantly surprised by this film. To be honest I really thought that Robert would not be well suited for this film. Although he was actually really really well placed. Paltrow was a charming and sweet as always and fresh air though out the films evil plots and action drama. I will tell you that the film does seem to lag in some places but pics up quickly with some comedy and adventure. I was SHOCKED to see Bridges as a bad guy let alone a very much OLDER bad guy (Wow has he aged). The soundtrack to this film is great..nothing like Ozzy for a theme. Iron Man of course. All in all this film was a lot of fun and I'm glad I took the chance on this one...I will even venture to say I liked it BETTER then Superman & Spiderman by far. Check it out!
- *~*Sullivans*~*

This is one of the better super hero movies of the last few years. Robert Downy Jr. is fantastic as Tony Stark. He really injects a great attitude and a lot of humor in to the character. Gwyneth Paltrow is also amazing as Pepper Potts. While the film is a little light on action, the characterization is fantastic and more than makes up for it. Overall this is an excellent origin story and a wonderful set up for the franchise.
- Brody

Fun and pretty but ultimately too predictable and bland. Robert Downey Jr., the suit and the action sequences are the best points of the movie. While the music, most of the plot and the villains are pretty awful.
- sgm 1570180

I saw "Iron Man" and "Steamboy" on the same day. Although Iron Man has been a Marvel Comics staple for generations the film is set in the 21st Century. It's a good fit. "Steamboy" comes to the screen courtesy of cutting edge 21st Century technology, but it's set in the mid-1800s. It's also a good fit. The interesting part is they both ask the same question! I didn't expect to like Iron Man as much as I do. My expectation was for another entry into the comic superhero to big screen genre. Sometimes I love being wrong! First, "Iron Man" is driven by character yet it doesn't take itself so seriously that there isn't room for a sprinkling of humor from time to time. Note, I said sprinkling. This is a strong cinematic presentation. Although post pubescent males will undoubtedly love this film, it's not really aimed at them. This is a well paced high action film. It has enough CG eye candy to make it work but, under it all there's a not so subtle morality play. The shared question? When ever more violent weapons of war are created and used, at what point does the weapon maker share accountability? "They say the best weapon is one you never have to fire," says Tony Stark, uber rich weapons maker addressing a group of buyers. "I prefer the weapon you only need to fire once. That's how dad did it, that's how America does it, and it's worked out pretty well so far." Then the unimaginable happened and Tony grew up. Watching him grow makes for a brilliant cinematic experience! I hope my thoughts are Helpful ~~~Wingz
- Wingz

Robert Downey Jr. as a super hero? Heck yeah! He played the part to perfection. Jeff Bridges has never been better and Gwyneth Paltrow is getting better with age. The computer graphics were top notch. The story was well told and there were aptly timed moments of comic relief. As comic book super hero movies go I think this is one of the best if not the best. It's a good one for the big screen so see it at the theater if you can. I highly recommend it.
- couchdog53

Mature in it's perspective, narration and lead characters, Iron Man is an exceptional entry into the canon of iconic superhero movies. This level of quality essentially elevates the effort beyond it's genre into the realm of character-study but fortunately, the action is never short-changed. Plotwise, it's not surprising that this first-in-franchise is an origin story; even though Iron Man has been a key Marvel Comics player for decades, he's not nearly as famous as other heroes such as Spider-Man, Batman or Superman. Recognition aside I must say I was thrilled with the use of CGI to further the story rather than take it over - it's practically seamless. And the humor throughout the movie is present but restrained enough to prevent a campy feel. Purists may notice some detail changes between the film and the comic book but considering the times, I felt the changes were organic and necessary. And the choice for Downey as Iron Man is simply inspired; his background is similar in some ways to the playboy protagonist Tony Stark and his performance is riveting. Jeff Bridges and Paltrow were also quite good. Lastly, there is a short scene that occurs just after the credits roll, a bit of a teaser for the direction this franchise may be going if you're interested. Bottom line: this movie justifies it's considerable hype and I can't wait to own the inevitable Blu-Ray version and it's sequels. Outstanding!
- Creeper

Okay--I've finally seen it and it is very cool! Since Robert Downey Jr. may know more than anybody in the Western World what it is like to be a jerky rich dude caught up in his cynical, pleasure seeking lifestyle, he is the perfect person to play Tony Stark. Marvel has missed a few times with different projects--the first Hulk movie, Daredevil, Fantastic Four films, etc.-but here they have hit smack on target. Somewhat of a modern moral tale about power and unbridled militaristic nationalism, this film version is a step up from the original comic story which was more about Tony/IM fighting slathering Asiatic Communists in Viet-Nam. As another reviewer has stated, this feels more mature and perhaps as mature as anything Marvel has done since perhaps Spider-man I and II. Good way to go about it--develop a meaningful, yet hilarious script--bring in good people like Downey, Paltrow, and Jeff Bridges (sans his trademark golden hair!)--mix well with the latest CGI techniques and you have a tasty treat for the summer. As an avowed comic book nerd/geek I highly recommend Iron Man--had a darned good time at it! 6/02/08
- TH Reviews

"Iron Man" is an interesting movie and sure to be a hit for 2008. The main character, Tony Stark, is played by Robert Downey Jr., and comes across as a character that resembles Howard Hughes. He is a brilliant engineer, lives hard and fast, and does not have much in the way of meaningful personal relationships. He has become very rich by selling effective, innovative weapons. (A much better movie is “The Aviator” starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes.) Unfortunately, as often happens in American action films, the character development is lost in the display of technology and explosions. Tony develops a new weapon as a matter of necessity when taken prison by Afghan rebels. After escaping, he refines his new weapon. And, with a nod to the prevailing Hollywood political philosophy, the experience also convinces him to use his life for "doing good" instead of selling weapons for military purposes. The Stark character could have been more interesting and made into a better movie. But the movie is based on a comic book character and this new invention seems devoid of human life (but run with a man inside the suit) and capable of inflicting significant damage on the target. Stark takes a trip back to Afghanistan, saves a few refugees, and then heads back to California to fight the evil character, played to perfection by Jeff Bridges, who is trying to take control of the company away from Stark so he can make money by continuing to sell military weapons. The character development and a story line are secondary to the technology, action and explosions that fill the big screen. Watch the film from this perspective and it is enjoyable and artistic in its own way.
- AtTheBeach

Having seen a few Ironman comic books as a kid, he wasn't my favorite superhero at all. To be honest, in comic book form, Spiderman was my favorite. However, I haven't been a fan of too many comic book movies... all the Blade movies are great in my opinion. Most are just too cheesy for my taste. While this movie is farfetched in many ways, the first five minutes pull you in and make you want to see this story. Downey is great as the ultarich "owner" of a weapons plant who is kidnapped by terrorist and somehow finds a way to make a prototype of the Ironman suit. This is how he escapes and changes his life. Many solid actors in this film and all seem to work together well to make a most entertaining movie. 4 stars. 11/13/08
- frgodbeyjr

A comic book character brought to life in a live action movie. It features Robert Downey Jr as a wealthy inventor and the head of an arms company, who developes a conscience after visiting Afghanistan and getting captured by the Taliban. To escape he builds a personal body armor that allows him to fly and gives him super strength - which evolves into Iron Man. Downey is perfect in this role, bringing humility, humanity, and believability to a comic book character. The audience appluaded at the end, and many stuck around through the credits for a glimpse at the intro to Iron Man 2. This movie is not just for comic book geeks. You can actually bring a date.
- GS Chicago

Iron Man is a great superhero film. It plays out a lot like Batman Begins. It’s an origin story that has less to do with fighting villains and is more focused on the tribulations that Tony Stark faces as he tries to become Iron Man. The film is really well shot and cut, it’s slick and engaging, never feels as over the top as something like The Fantastic Four. Robert Downey Jr. is a perfect cast; no one else could have been Iron Man. The script is what really makes the film work. The story is tight and interesting, never descending into the realm of over-the-top characters and absurdities, the plot is fairly plausible and that adds an interesting layer to the superhero myth which permeates the film as Iron Man takes on rebels in Afghanistan. Iron Man is one of the best superhero films to come out in years, probably one of the best ever made.
- Dlukenelson

Highly enjoyable, even if you’re not a fan of superhero films. Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) is an alcoholic, womanizing genius who runs his father’s defense contracting company, manufacturing weapons of mass destruction in the name of patriotism. After being hit by one of his own weapons and escaping capture from Middle Eastern terrorists, Stark re-evaluates his life and builds a high-tech suit of armor, which he inevitably needs to use in various situations. The role fits Downey like a glove, given the real-life transformation of the actor and his similarities to Stark. But what’s best about Iron Man is that it’s not about the costume or special effects; it’s about Stark himself. He’s a flawed man, even after his transformation. Yet he tries to do good, and we see him struggle with his inner demons (including an ego the size of a cruise missile). Paltrow, who plays Stark’s assistant, takes what was a one-dimensional character in the comics and creates a balance of post-modern feminism, corporate America, and an old-fashioned dose of His Girl Friday. It works surprisingly well. The whole movie comes together effortlessly and enjoyably, and given that Iron Man could *almost* exist in today’s technological and political climate, it’s easy to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride. Recommended for everyone, including people who aren’t fans of comics or superheroes. It’s a fun, enjoyable movie that proves blockbusters can still tell great stories without relying just on special effects.
- Author Allen

I definitely liked this movie. I thought the story line was well played out, and Downey did an excellent job. It was nice to see Jeff Bridges play a bad guy...The Dude!!! I will say however the movie did have a lot of story build up and character development. It was like when Ironman was finally completed the movie was almost over. Hopefully the next one will take care of that problem. All in all, probably the best from Marvel so far.
- Hellnight138

Amazing, Fantastic and by far the best Marvel hero movie ever made, the acting was spot on, the story engaging and quite frankly I had a hard time finding a time where nothing happened so I could go to the restroom. I love how they sort of upgraded the story for relevance in modern days world problems. I am not just going to rent this, I am going to BUY it for myself and my family's safe keeping.
- Digitalbrian

In actuality, Iron Man is an oddity. A Superhero movie for the actors as much as it is for the fans. Amongst a plethora of actors that you would want in a movie of this nature but never thought you'd see, Robert Downey Jr., metallically, shines. Downey's quick, wordsmith wit is all his own and it's hard to imagine anyone else playing the role. He carries a good chunk of the film on his repulsor ray shoulders, allowing, cinephile, Jon Favreau to create (with ILM) the most consistently seamless effects work I've seen in a long time. Seriously, the digital stuff holds up to scrutiny. I know. I was squinting my eyes every time Iron Man went into the air. The rest of the cast does well with what they have. Terrence Howard's always apologetic; Jim Rhodes is consistently understated (if sometimes pussified) in his performance (a good counter balance to the jet propelled action/adventure. Paltrow is, surprisingly cute and naïve as Pepper Potts, only managing to be annoying in 2 brief bits. And Jeff Bridges, looking more like Kris Kristofferson than "The Dude," manages to create a steely-eyed industrialist partner for Downey and the turns him on a dime with little to-no-effort.
- TroyJ15

Really good movie. Saw this in the theater. If I could give it 4 1/2 stars I would. The acting is really good. Robert Downey Jr. did a good job with the character. The CGI was not so overdone. You felt like you were watching a man in an iron suit fly around, not a computerized iron suit fly around. Jon Favreau did a good job directing the material. Hopefully the sequels will be as good as this one.
- Mari

A solid superhero film, there weren't as many action scenes as I was expecting but this may be due to this being the first of what likely will be a series. The very robocop-esq ending took away a star though
- RC 1966445

I must have become jaded because once a movie as slick and bombastic as IRON MAN would have easily earned five stars from me. I did like this movie. I really, really liked this movie, to tell the truth. The CGI effects are put to good use, rather than providing only eye candy for the audience. The Black Sabbath song "Iron Man" made it to the soundtrack (I was upset because the BOC song "Godzilla" didn't make it to that dismal movie). Robert Downey Jr. is, perhaps, the best choice ever for Tony Stark. Just the right touch of snobbish elitism that makes him a believeable trust fund baby, while at the same time being the likeable rogue genius. This one harkens back to the 1960's origin of Iron Man, with Gwyneth Paltrow as the indomitable Pepper Potts, Stark's confidential secretary, and Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan the chauffeur. Jeff Bridges also does a superb bald turn as the villain of the piece. My familiarity with the Iron Man mythos probably limited my ultimate enjoyment of this superb summer movie, but it was still great fun. [09-09-08]
- Firewater

Iron Man has all of what you want from a comic book hero type movie including white-hot action sequences. It has a good creation story and they gave him almost-believable super-hero powers while also leaving him human and thus not indestructible. I was a little uncomfortable for the kids in the theater during the brief bedroom romp, a couple scenes of torture and a couple scenes of all-out massacres of innocent people. Hardly a kids movie, this one is worth a watch for everyone else. 6/22/08
- Skorpean

Robert Downey Jr. feels loose and comfortable with his role as Tony Stark, and this makes the movie flow incredibly well. As an audience you will want to know what happens to him and in the process you will be awarded by amazing action sequences. The best superhero movie since Spiderman I.
- LyonLamb

This is definitely one of the best super-hero movies I've ever seen. It's that rare movie that doesn't feel the need to completely revamp everything from the comic to sate the ego of a writer or director. Rather, the creators here took a lot of story points from the source material and melded them together into a truly interesting story. And it is all capably portrayed through some rather good acting, especially on Robert Downey, Jr.'s part. Once again, it is almost like he was born for the role of Tony Stark, just like he seemed born for his role in Chaplin. The special effects are also a wonder to look at, especially the Iron Man armor itself. This movie is definitely worth a watch or three.
- Doctor Memory

Fantastically written, acted and directed. This movie was perfectly done on every level. It makes Batman look like an angry child, makes Superman look like an overpowered teenager and highlights the weaknesses of the other Marvel movies. X-men's lack of character development doesn't allow you to really get close to them. Spider-man's all ages friendly film ignores a lot of adult themes. The closest in tone to this movie would be Blade, which still wasn't as dark as it should have been. This movie had a lot of the darkness I thought was missing from Blade. It might be PG-13, but it is adult. Robert Downey Jr. becomes Tony Stark, genius heir to a corporation that manufactures weapons. He is even more of a libertine than Bruce Wayne's Batman. There is a stripper pole in his private jet. After demonstrating a new missile in Afghanistan, he gets kidnapped by a Taliban-esque group. They are trying to force him to make the same kind of missiles for them. He accedes to their demands to preserve his life. While locked in a cave with another scientist, he creates the first Iron Man armor and escapes. Back home, he refines his armor, each iteration becoming sleeker, smoother, faster and better than the one before. By the time he finishes his final one, the co-owner of his company, Obadiah Stane, played to a t by Jeff Bridges, decides that Tony Stark needs to be eliminated. Along with the help of Pepper Potts and the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Engagement and Logistics Division, Iron Man finds out enough information to fight his former partner. The ending was probably the weakest part of the film, since it should have been a battle to the death. But, it was still great.
- psq 667824

this was a great movie. Robert Downing Jr. makes this movie not only action packed, but funny. I recommend this to anybody, family, adults, or youth.
- Camron M

As far as superhero movies go, this is probably as good as it gets. That said, the bar for superhero movies is pretty darn low. However, this is VERY good film in its own right. Character development is nothing short of top notch. First of all, forget the usual notion of the altruistic superhero proffered by Spiderman. Tony Starke is even more egotistical than he is brilliant. People clearly mean little to him, a characteristic which partially explains the betrayal he experiences. He decides to switch his company from making weapons to building reactors only when he is negatively impacted by the latter. He treats his closest friend and personal assistant like napkins, and his senior business partner like a gopher. Think Lex Luthor or Victor von Doom, not Superman. That said, there's actually a 2nd story at work - the relationship between Starke and his assistant Pepper Potts. Somehow it's elegantly woven into the film without getting in the way. Pepper's role as the good, not-as-hot-as-the-others girl who finally gets the man she adores will strike a chord with female audiences. If you're looking for nonstop action, this isn't it. Read: this isn't Transformers. However, the pace and trajectory of the story keep the audience engaged. 5 stars.
- LANjragon

This is not my genre, but my husband who is a fan, thought this was one of the best comic book-hero films he's seen in quite some time. As a more indifferent observer, I found the production to be interesting and a bit campy, but not as bad as others. The performances were strong and the special effects were excellent.
- Southern Belle 1