Iron Man

I usually eschew films about comic book superheroes, but intriguing reviews and a recommendation from my reliable daughter led me to give this a try, and you might want to as well, especially if you are susceptible to the roguish charm of Robert Downey Jr., really one of the more appealing stars in Hollywood. The film is fast and fun, and given a patina of relevance by the protagonist’s repentence over his arms merchant history. His antagonist is Jeff Bridges -- the Dude gone evil -- and his Girl Friday is Gwyneth Paltrow, blond and bland. Downey’s transformation into the title hero shows some technical ingenuity and flash, and the whole bobs along nicely on a current of wit. I glimpsed Jon Favreau (from Swingers) in a tiny role, and was thinking how he had come down in the world, until the final credits rolled and I saw that he was actually the director of the film, and not a bad one either. Personally I wouldn’t give a look to any film featuring Batman or the Hulk or any other Marvel character, but if you’re at all inclined that way, this is one you could watch without having your intelligence insulted or your senses assaulted. (2008, dvd, n.) *7-* (MC-79.)