Iron Man

Billionaire philanthropist Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) is a hotshot, alcoholic playboy who inherits his father's weapon-making "Stark Industries."

On an expedition to promote his new missile, "the Jericho," in the Middle East, Stark is injured, kidnapped and asked to build a diabolical weapon. Instead, he uses his genius to invent an indestructible suit of armor, powered by the very thing that keeps him alive.

After escaping from his captors, Stark discovers a deadly conspiracy concerning his company, and with help from his friends, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Jim Rhodes (Terrence Howard), he dons his suit of power armor and sets off to save the world.

Iron Man, the first film from Marvel Studios, is an unconventional superhero tale. It is smart, funny, action-packed, and an entertaining family film.

Robert Downey, Jr. provides the charm and charisma usually lacking in most superheroes, and gives an exquisite performance in the lead role.