IRON MAN

Directed By: Jon Favreau

Iron Man, directed by Jon Favreau, centres on a businessman Tony Stark, an irresponsible playboy, who creates weapons for the US Army. When he is captured by terrorists in Afghanistan he is tortured and told to develop a powerful missile. Instead he realises the misuse of the weapons and develops an armoured suit to escape.

While this may appear to be just another comic book adaption, Iron Man is lifted above it's source material thanks to the likable and charismatic performance of Robert Downey Jr. His arrogance, wit and precise timing of some clever lines adds both humour and a rare freshness to the superhero franchise. The action scenes are also equally watchable due to the razzle dazzle special effects and snappy editing. There is indeed a more serious subtext to the film about power, responsibility and militarism, but it never overshadows what is essential a very fun film.