Iron Man (2008)

Ebert highlights Robert Downey Jr.'s witty, irreverent performance as Tony Stark as the film's standout element that elevates it above typical superhero movies. He also praises the chemistry among the cast, the grounded corporate world, and the inventive special effects that maintain a sense of character.

The critic commends the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, keeping him out of the suit to build character, and notes the film balances spectacle with intellectual concerns about power and technology, paving the way for sequels.

The critic describes Iron Man as a slickly attractive, well-cast and solidly constructed mainstream entertainment with strong potential as a franchise starter, highlighting Robert Downey Jr’s charismatic performance and Favreau’s skill with actors and character relationships.

Scott calls it an unusually good superhero picture distinguished by light touches, clever dialogue, and a strong cast that delivers real acting rather than clichés. He notes the film's grace notes and effective hardware amid its problems.

The critic praises Downey's charismatic performance and the film's moral themes but faults the overlong middle section focused on character over action and the weak, murky CG in the finale.

The critic finds Iron Man an above-average blockbuster with visual flair, sly humour and a strong lead performance from Robert Downey Jr, but faults its shallow politics, product placement and lack of deeper creativity or irony.

The film begins with an exhilarating wish-fulfilment sequence but becomes an anticlimax after the hero's origin story. Downey Jr's performance is distinctive but ultimately unengaging and tics-heavy.

Denby finds the film a cloddish, going-through-the-motions spectacle that loses charm once Downey enters the suit, criticizing the generic action and war-on-terror premise. He singles out Downey's hipster star turn and ad-libbed inner life for praise amid the dunderheaded fantasia.

The piece criticizes the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, arguing it undermines the character's virility by presenting an effeminate and weak figure inside the suit.

The film succeeds thanks to perfect casting and Downey Jr's performance but feels like a rushed origin story that loses momentum after the suit is built, with action scenes that are too brief and flippant.

The critic praises the smart casting of Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau's direction, noting the film should be a box office success, though the climactic battle is a disappointment. It highlights Downey playing off his bad-boy image and the film's clever transposition of the story to today's world.

The critic finds it enjoyable, snappily scripted entertainment with strong performances, especially from Robert Downey Jr, but notes it falls short of expectations with too much comic-book excess and not enough sustained action or plot depth.

The film is a roaring fairground ride and the first blockbuster of the summer, with a sharp script and excellent delivery from Downey Jr as the playboy hero. Stunts and effects are a serious joy.

The review calls the film an episodic and sporadically charming introduction to the character that feels assembled rather than organic, praising the premise but criticising predictable gags and lack of zip or depth compared to other superhero films.

Downey Jr's dynamite performance oils the familiar origin arc, making for an engaging if conventional superhero launch.

The critic finds the film thoroughly entertaining and a strong foundation for the MCU thanks to its loose, character-driven tone and strong performances. They single out Robert Downey Jr.'s perfect fit as Tony Stark for praise while noting issues with the third-act fight and score.

The film is a strong superhero origin story and an excellent start for Marvel Studios, with Robert Downey Jr. perfectly cast as the charismatic, flawed Tony Stark. It excels in action, humor, and character but has some mid-film pacing issues and a weaker villain turn.

Iron Man ranks among the better superhero origin films for its entertaining, unpretentious tone and strong lead performance. Downey Jr.'s charisma carries the exposition-heavy middle section, while Favreau balances action and character development effectively as a fun summer blockbuster launch.

The critic calls it a satisfying comic-book blockbuster that mixes elements of RoboCop, Batman Begins and Terminator 2, with a strong build-up showing how Tony Stark becomes Iron Man. They praise the special effects, the flawed yet honourable protagonist, and an excellent supporting cast while noting it largely succeeds at pleasing both kids and adults.