This is a film that achieves the bare minimum. It delivers endearing characters who interact in pleasing ways and are involved in a quick-moving plot that is finished long before we can possibly grow tired of its windings. At the same time, there is nothing particularly memorable about the endeavor. “Iron Man” is ultimately a serviceable setup for a hopefully superior sequel.
We begin in Afghanistan where Tony Stark, a famous industrialist, is presenting his newest missile design. While traveling across the barren terrain, his Humvee unit is ambushed by terrorists who abduct our protagonist and force him to build a replica of his latest deadly artifact. Of course, Stark chooses not to comply and instead crafts a sophisticated armor to fight his way to freedom.
Back home, having seen how easily his weapons have fallen into the wrong hands, he publicly vows to discontinue all weapons manufacturing in his company ““ a move that bewilders Obadiah Stane, second in command at Stark Industries. Following this momentous announcement, Stark begins work on an improved version of his “super-suit” while Stane conspires to ruin his superior and uncover his most recent technological obsession.
There is a bold attempt here at modern-day commentary regarding foreign policy and arms production. Yet the film is unwilling to fulfill the implications of its serious subject matter, opting for embarrassing caricatures of dastardly Middle Eastern terrorists and conceited American capitalists. Any stabs at seriousness are sabotaged by these simplistic characterizations. To compound the problem, almost all the action sequences are decidedly lacking in flair, scope or originality. Ergo, they do not really conceal the shortcomings in a veil of kinetic violence.
That said, as an origin story this entry proves to be a capable introduction. Robert Downey Jr. is indefatigably charming as Stark. He exudes a real fascination with the process of becoming a superhero. Most movies in this genre do not really communicate a sense of discovery and wonder at the acquisition of unprecedented powers. They are too nonchalant about the incredible. But Stark is clearly enjoying himself, and his gleeful mood is infectious.
Similarly, Gwyneth Paltrow, as Virginia “Pepper” Potts, and Terrence Howard, as Jim Rhodes, are affable companions for our protagonist, while Jeff Bridges makes an imposing villain as Stane. What this film does best is draw the central characters and diagram their nuanced relationships. Unfortunately, the adventure they undertake is ultimately unsatisfying. Perhaps their next outing will prove to be a more rewarding voyage.