Iron Man review

Iron Man
Rated PG-13
****1/4 out of five
Directed by Jon Favreau
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, and Jeff Bridges
Without giving too much away, I will tell you all that this movie ends with the biggest explosion I have ever seen in a film. If that doesn't sell you, what will? Oh, there's lots of other good things about the movie, too.
Every great movie starts with a great script, and Iron Man's has great characters, a nice fast pace, surprises, and a good sense of humor. It ingeniously avoids the long, boring exposition of non-sequel superhero movies by telling us all about Downey's title character, Tony Stark, in a quick video montage right at the beginning. The rest of the movie is, in short, Robert Downey Jr. being awesome.
Anyone who uses his billions of dollars and engineering genius to turn himself into a terrorist-fighting superhero is cool in my book. Perhaps even more so than aforementioned explosion, Downey sells this flick with his charming performance. He starts the movie as a likable jerk, but after a nearly successful assassination attempt and life-saving surgery, his admirable, heroic heart quickly begins to shine in more ways than one. Hint, hint.
This is one of those movies you have to see in the theater. Surround sound and amplification of the superb camera work will beget full appreciation of Favreau and company's work. Not to mention the fantastic C.G.I. that blends in seamlessly with shots of actual suits.
Iron Man is a different kind of superhero movie, but such originality is what truly makes it worth a ticket or two. With its smart script, superb acting, and impressive effects, it's just a great movie all around. Oh, and it ends with a huge explosion. Come on.