Robert Downey Jr.’s witty, stellar turn as Tony Stark/Iron Man is arguably the best casting in any comic book film adaptation yet; he’s so perfect, and so crucial to the film’s success, that it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. The film itself is a welcome change from the sullen, tortured temperaments of Batman Begins and Superman Returns, directed by Jon Favreau (Zathura) with a humorous, infectiously light touch. Sure, Favreau’s a bit of a journeyman compared to other comic book adapters like Tim Burton, Sam Raimi and Christopher Nolan, but he delivers a couple of superb action sequences, including an exciting aerial chase with two fighter jets that quite possibly obliterates every law of physics in the book. Even though Iron Man is predominantly Downey’s show, supporting character parts are marvelously written and played: a stunningly redheaded Gwyneth Paltrow provides a hint of romance as Pepper Potts, his faithful secretary, while an unrecognisable, bald Jeff Bridges makes for a formidable villain as Stark’s friend-turned-nemesis Obadiah Stone. A fine first step for Marvel Comics, who’re making their debut in the world of feature production.