Iron Man (2008)

I have to admit that I am not quite the comic book expert that my husband is; therefore I was not at all familiar with the character of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, prior to the recent release of the new Iron Man film. However, I definitely recognize a well-made, entertaining movie when I see one. The last movie that I sat through that was equally entertaining and action-packed was Michael Bay's live-action Transformers movie released in 2007.

This year's Iron Man movie is not director Jon Favreau's directorial debut but it is bound to catapult his world-wide recognition as a director. Previous large screen works that Jon Favreau has directed include Zathura (2005), Elf (2003), and Made (2001); he has also directed a few television movies and series' episodes. The enormous success of Iron Man has to be a major boost to both Favreau's credibility and his clout (and I'm sure it doesn't hurt his ego any, either).

Iron Man (2008) features an absolutely stellar all star cast, including the talents of Robert Downey, Jr. in the role of Tony Stark/Iron Man; Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Pots, Stark's long-time personal assistant; Terrence Howard as Jim Rhodes, Stark's military friend (and the future War Machine); and a bald Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane, the recognized villain who becomes Iron Monger. Jon Favreau himself can be seen in the film as a small supporting character named Hogan.

The story line of this year's Iron Man film release begins by introducing you to Tony Stark, the wealthy industrialist genius who designs and manufactures military weapons. After a life-threatening incident involving the corrupt use of weapons he has designed he ultimately decides to use his technology to fight against evil forces and protect innocents who have been harmed by the devastating effect of acts of war.