Iron Man

Two years later, but yes, I've now seen Iron Man. There is no point in accusing the film of having a clichéd story - it won me over with the main character played by Downey. A sarcastic playboy, with a sense of dry humor and, in the second half of the film also a sense of justice, is great. Not as much as, say, Hellboy, but he is great. Perfect are the scenes between his Stark and Potts' Gwyneth Paltrow, when the screen sparkled, some might say too much. Add to that great effects and action scenes (the trip to Afghanistan and the return with the YF-22 Raptor lead the way) and a more or less standard (but decent for a villain) Jeff Bridges, who looks REALLY good... I'm giving it four pure stars. (07/20/2010)

Iron Man is silly but fun flick that won’t rivet you to your seat with the dynamics and spectacle of X-Men or Spider-Man, but it will amuse you with Robert Downey’s showing-off (the whole film rises and falls with him) and surprise you with its interesting cast. It’s not often that you see Jeff Bridges as a bald villain and Gwyneth Paltrow as a superhero’s assistant. Otherwise, however, Iron Man is super harmless and family-friendly, bordering on childish. It could have used more cynicism and an ironic adult perspective. (05/02/2008)

Single use super hero. Downey and his charisma give the film far more than a cool effect while the story is a flight of fancy by an enthusiastic screenwriter with an American flag tattooed on his chest. A typical guilty pleasure product that doesn't bring much new to the table, but is so likeable and entertaining that you’ll always find your way to it in the end. And where neither a flimsy script nor spectacular action is enough, everything is supported by the demonic Jeff Bridges together with Downey and Gwyneth Paltrow, who is increasingly sexy as the years go by... The potential was a bit higher, as the excellent third movie shows :-) 80% (11/01/2013)

Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man. Without him, this film would really be just routine scrap metal, but thanks to Downey, Gwynneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges, it's a surprisingly catchy and likeable film. Of course, it's hard not to see Favreau et al. behind Downey with all those action scenes that lack decent ideas. Nevertheless, except for the ending, I had more fun with this stupid thing than I have had for a long time. Marvel should perhaps find better directors and better screenplays, but even the first X-Men feels a bit cumbersome... I’m happy to wait for Stark's next arrival. (05/04/2008)

A film for boys who still want to and can play. The villain is ruthless, the friend loyal, the secretary kind and faithful, and we all know where it's all heading. But this is exactly what I wanted and I got it served up so quickly and humorously that I hold my breath at the thought of a sequel. Moreover, Downey seems to have been born in a massive suit, and his lines, jeers, or subtle compliments to Pepper are exactly the kind of glosses that everyone wants to conjure up at some point, just a little late to the party. He's an incredible rich man who can fly and have the most beautiful girls. And I wish him all that, I don't envy him, and I am only fervently rooting for him. (05/31/2008)