Sysnopsis: Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the CEO of Stark Industries which produces advance weapon systems for the U.S. military. Tony’s father started the company after WWII, and after his death Tony inherited the company, worth billions. Tony lives the life as a hard drinking, rich playboy ladies man, but he is also a genius who has invented many high-tech items for the company. Tony flies to Afghanistan to demonstrate a new weapons test to the United States Air Force. On his way back to his plane, his convoy is attacked by terrorists, and Tony is wounded by a Stark Industries missile. Tony is captured and held hostage in a cave with Yinsen (Shaun Toub), a doctor who saves his life. The terrorists force Tony and Yinsen to reproduce the new destructive Jericho missile Tony was demonstrating from parts of other weapons. Instead, Tony decides to build a suit of armor with Yinsen’s help. The suit gives Tony the strength and protection to be able to escape the terrorists.

Back in America, Tony builds a better suit of armor which gives him superhuman strength with the ability to fly. With the help of his personal assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Air Force Lieut. Colonel Jim Rhodes (Terrence Howard), Tony vows to protect the world as Iron Man. Douglas Young (the-movie-guy) Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the CEO of Stark Industries which produces advance weapon systems for the U.S. military. Tony’s father started the company after WWII, and after his death Tony inherited the company, worth billions. Tony lives the life as a hard drinking, rich playboy ladies man, but he is also a genius who has invented many high-tech items for the company.

Tony flies to Afghanistan to demonstrate a new weapons test to the United States Air Force. On his way back to his plane, his convoy is attacked by terrorists, and Tony is wounded by a Stark Industries missile. Tony is captured and held hostage in a cave with Yinsen (Shaun Toub), a doctor who saves his life. The terrorists force Tony and Yinsen to reproduce the new destructive Jericho missile Tony was demonstrating from parts of other weapons. Instead, Tony decides to build a suit of armor with Yinsen’s help. The suit gives Tony the strength and protection to be able to escape the terrorists. Back in America, Tony builds a better suit of armor which gives him superhuman strength with the ability to fly. With the help of his personal assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Air Force Lieut. Colonel Jim Rhodes (Terrence Howard), Tony vows to protect the world as Iron Man.

I’m a little surprised to admit it, but Iron Man delivers.  Basically taking place in modern day, Stark (played with his usual wit by Robert Downey Jr.) is captured in Afghanistan and forced to realize his business of weaponry has a dangerous human side.  The story plays out with perfect rhythm and believability so that when the Iron Man first takes flight; you are fully invested and excited for the character.  It’s been a while since a comic book movie has been thrilling and genuinely funny at the same time, so this film was a refreshing adventure. 

The supporting roles are well played by Jeff Bridges (Obadiah) and Gwyneth Paltrow (Pepper Potts), although they seem more cartoonish than the portrayal of Stark.  I will say that I’m starting to think Stan Lee has a thing for redheads and I love it!