The summer 2008 movie season is shaping up to be a good one for comic book fans. We’ll soon see a spate of superhero films: the next release in the revitalized Batman series Dark Knight, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and The Incredible Hulk. Not to mention the fourth installment of Indiana Jones. Kicking things off is the new film from director Jon Favreau, Iron Man.

From my perspective, the great thing about Iron Man is that he’s a comic book character that only diehard fans really know much about. For most of the movie-going public, the transformation of Tony Stark from genius billionaire playboy to reluctant hero is virtually unknown. The lack of exposure in the mainstream means this is new, fertile ground for storytelling.

At the helm of Stark Industries since the death of his father, Tony Stark has been content to develop weapons of war without really caring about how they’re used once they’re delivered. An ambush by terrorists after a weapons demonstration leaves Stark in captivity and witnessing—up close—the uses to which his weapons technology are being applied.

With the aid and sacrifice of a fellow captive, he makes good his escape but is left marked by the experience. He returns to his former life but can’t avoid the fact that his eyes have been opened to the reality of war… and to the fact that he has the knowledge, skills, and opportunity to change things. When thought becomes action, Iron Man is born.

A hallmark of the summer blockbuster is spectacular special effects, and Iron Man delivers the goods in spades. Combining practical effects by Stan Winston with digital effects by Industrial Light & Magic, the resulting film is a fantastic visual treat. The Iron Man suit is so detailed and seems so realistic that I was left wondering if they’d managed to build it for real.

Special effects alone won’t sell a superhero, though; fans care about the person behind the mask. To be successful the story has to work and, most importantly, casting is critical. The story here is steeped in the original comic book canon with only minor revisions and updates for the big screen. I’m also happy to report that Favreau has assembled a fantastic cast for Iron Man. Frankly it’s hard to imagine how you could get better casting.

Obviously the role of Tony Stark is the key to the entire movie. I confess that when it was initially reported that Robert Downey, Jr. was cast in the part, I had doubts. Now that I’ve seen him on the screen, I wouldn’t want anyone else. Downey has made the role his own with a brilliant performance. He strikes just the right balance, I think, between sarcastic irreverence and utter seriousness.

In another bit of “I wouldn’t have thought of that” casting, Jeff Bridges appears as corporate heavy Obadiah Stane. When I think of intimidating, Bridges doesn’t leap to mind; but his performance in this role just demonstrates why no one lets me cast movies. He’s fantastic.

In supporting roles we have Gwyneth Paltrow as Stark’s assistant Pepper Potts, and Terrence Howard as Lt. Colonel Jim Rhodes. Both turn in good performances but really have little to do. It’s puzzling until you realize that a three-film story arc is envisioned for Iron Man, and both characters will no doubt feature more prominently in future installments. All principal actors are apparently signed on for the sequels as well. (Also be sure to watch for cameos from Favreau himself as Stark’s driver Happy Hogan and comic book legend Stan Lee.)

If Iron Man is any indication of what we can expect this summer, I think we’re in for a great time at the movie house. In this film at least, Hollywood returns to a simpler, unambiguous adventure story—and I for one greatly appreciate it. Real life is complex enough; I go to the movies to escape from reality for a while, and this is the kind of film that works for me. If the thunderous cheering as the credits rolled were any indication, the rest of the audience was in violent agreement.

My recommendation? Stop reading this review, go buy your tickets, grab a bag of popcorn, and then sit back and enjoy one of the most entertaining superhero movies you’ve likely seen. I plan to do that again this weekend myself: I was ready to sit through it a second time as soon as my first viewing was over, and that doesn’t happen very often!

Iron Man is rated PG-13 for “some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and brief suggestive content.” I’d say this is pretty accurate, though the description may make it seem more intense than it really is. I wouldn’t hesitate to take my kids to see this.

Courtesy of a local publicist, Michael attended a promotional screening of Iron Man.