Iron Man: Superhero movie finally done right

Iron Man is the best superhero movie to date. There, I said it. For all fans of superheroes, summer action movies, humor or great special effects, plunk down your eight bucks and go see it.

You still here? What, you want more specifics? OK, fine, I'll humor you.

First off, Iron Man's casting is spot on. Tony Stark, the man behind the mask, is a hard partying, harder drinking, womanizing weapons industrialist with a biting wit. Robert Downey Jr. is just the right actor to fill those big metal shoes.

Downey captures every aspect of Stark's personality and is able to make such a scoundrel into a likeable character, not an easy feat. The humor helps take the edge off as well.

Iron Man's character is very funny, but it never feels forced. Director Jon Favreau likes improvisation, and it seems Downey took full advantage.

Downey is not the only star. Terrence Howard, who plays Jim Rhodes (yes, comic book geeks, War Machine is referenced in the film) and Gwyneth Paltrow, as Pepper Potts, provide stellar support. It's a treat to see comic book characters being given the great acting they deserve.

Iron Man would be only half as good as it is if the action sequences and computer graphics (CG) didn't match up to the acting. Thankfully, that isn't the case. Stark's suit looks like you could wear it yourself. While you know it's CG, the rendering looks great.

When Stark puts the suit to the test, its power is obvious. Each massive punch, rocket launch and uni-beam shot leads to some impressive destruction. Kudos to the writers for putting in some fan service with the chest mounted uni-beam.

But what of the plot? This too is pleasantly strong. While a bit cliché - it's not hard to figure out who will be the enemy - the writing is strong and the pacing is right on the mark. Nothing feels trite or unnecessarily lengthened.

The plot also benefits from mixing all its strong points seamlessly. An action sequence can segue into a bit of comedy or character dialogue with little to no transition, and it all feels natural - something that can't be said for other superhero movies.

One thing that is sure to send any comic book geek into a fit of epileptic joy is the movie's commitment to Ol' Shellhead's cannon.

A little bit of retconning of Stark's first creation of the suit was done, but nothing so severe that it can't be overlooked. The change is subtle and helps put the movie in the present day.

Overall, Marvel Studios' first independent film delivers on all cylinders, providing the first great movie of the summer. Providing humor, drama, action and suspense, Iron Man does the Marvel universe right.

Just be sure to stick around after the credits. Hell hath no Fury.