Iron Man

Packed with enough energy and special effects to power a small army, superhero films have become frequent fliers at the summer box office. Recently, however, there seems to be a lack of a dignified purpose when bringing these heroes up to the silver screen. In the latest efforts like the sequel to “The Fantastic Four” and “Spider-Man 3,” the core story-line played out like tedious monotony. Taking notice to this weakness, the latest cinematic hero is aiming for a transformation that will do more than just break the sound barrier.

With an original source material that dates back nearly 45 years, “Iron Man” gets his cinematic debut with powerhouse talent. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Robert Downey Jr, “Iron Man” boasts a fresh visual eye and  immersive acting ability. The story begins when billionaire playboy and genius weapons inventor, Tony Stark, presents his new weapon technology in the deserts of Afghanistan. Tony is ambushed by terrorists and forced into captivity to build a destructive weapon for the very terrorists he was trying to help destroy. Instead, Tony uses his industrial intelligence to plan an elaborate escape with a high-tech full body suit of armor.

In the latest installment in the Superman franchise, director Bryan Singer proved with “Superman Returns” that there will always be a need for the unwavering boy scout. In “Iron Man,” the importance of this new hero is exhibited effortlessly. When he’s not asking you to suspend disbelief for comic mischief, Favreau’s interpretation of the world surrounding Tony Stark hits hauntingly close to home. Now, we’re given a world that’s stricken by war because of advancing weapons technologies. As Tony is thrown into the heart of storm, his transformation to the iron clad muscle-man is much more believable and ultimately praiseworthy.

As Tony witnesses first-hand how his creations are landing in the wrong hands, the film takes on a secondary exploration of how a man can take action in changing his life. With such a deeply engaging character, there’s enough credibility to allow a dismissal of the more mediocre elements in the film. One of those elements was Gwyneth Paltrow as Stark’s secretary, Pepper Potts. For the driven and professional character she represents, her climactic switch to a damsel in distress is hardly believable and slightly laughable. Even Jeff Bridges is misused as Obidiah Stane, Stark Industries’ second in command.

Ultimately, “Iron Man” joins the ranks of the few superhero films that deliver world class special effects without tarnishing the more important qualities of humor and developed characters. Like few other franchise films, including this years Batman sequel, “The Dark Knight,” “Iron Man” brightens the future for diverse super-hero sequels.

Iron Man

Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and brief suggestive content

Runtime: 126 min.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, and Gwyneth Paltrow

Directed by Jon Favreau