Iron Man

Still, if the film is ultimately disappointing it is in part because it begins so well, and there is a lot to enjoy before the over-the-top final act.

I like Downey Jr, usually, with his dark wounded eyes, but here his performance veers between going though the motions and a look which seems to say, "Hey, what film am I doing again?"

What gives this its distinction [is] Robert Downey Jr, who is terrific.

Iron Man manages to be both a lot of fun, and quite possibly the most effective commentary on the war on terror that Hollywood has produced so far -- not the best argued or the most committed, but the one that most people will see, and think about.

There's a satisfyingly climactic CGI battle, but Downey Jr tops it in the witty denouement with pure acting skill.

With its first self-financed production, Marvel has produced one of the best superhero movies ever made, pure popcorn pleasure for its special effects, its story, its villain, and its hero.

Everything is owed to Iron Man, a film that launched a moment and set a standard that hasn’t always been reached.

An exceptionally well-made debut for Marvel Studios. Fun, engaging and bolstered by a tour-de-force lead turn by Robert Downey Jr.

When all is said and done, this is, without a doubt, the Robert Downey Jr. show from start to finish.

One of the best they've ever made