Iron Man (2008)

Christine Everheart (Leslie Bibb): Have you ever lost an hour of sleep your whole life?
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr): I'd be prepared to lose a few with you.

Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges): How ironic, Tony! Trying to rid the world of weapons, you gave it its best one ever! And now, I'm going to kill you with it.

At a glance: Robert Downey Jr and an A-grade supporting cast raise this story about the superhero called Iron Man to a much higher level than most comic book movies

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr), the world’s top weapons designer, is captured by terrorists while in the Middle East. He escapes by using his top-shelf design skills to build a special suit. When he returns to the US, his life-changing experience causes him to try to convert his weapons manufacturing company to do good for people instead – but his co-manager (Jeff Bridges) sees the suit as the ultimate weapon, and has a few other, more destructive ideas. Not just your typical comic book movie, Downey Jr adds a lot of charm and gray areas to his character, and with A-grade supports like Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow, Iron Man is great to watch, even for those who like good acting. One cringeworthy point: once again, the USA is painted as a ‘superhero’ who can go in and fix problems in the Middle East. Rating: 2.75 of 4

"Ironman is great fun, but it could've been better. And judging by interviews with director Jon Favreau the sequel sounds like it'll be a corker."
- Marc Fennell (Triple j)

"One of the strongest entries into the superhero movie canon of recent years. While featuring a few flaws, this is one of the most entertaining comic book adaptations…"
- Wesley Lovell (Oscar Guy)

"Visual sizzle, top actors and a witty script, yet it could have been so much better if only it didn't try to cobble together a pacifist warrior."
- Kyle Smith (KyleSmithOnline.com)