Make it yourself then. Seriously its a good film, don't let this report disuade you from watching Iron Man. There couldn't be a better actor to play the part of Tony Stark. Iron Man has more action and comedy than the spiderman films, which in all fairness are terrible. I'd give Iron Man 3.5 stars.

Mike Hancey, Basingstoke,

I think the movie was awesome. I mean, you may have a point, but it doesn't actually change people's point of view on the movie. It also provides a lot of action. I loved the movie, and I think Robert Downey Jr. portrayed his role greatly, and that everything about him fits the character perfectly.

Lizette Sibi, Cebu City , Philippines

Exactly! Besides the fact that I liked the acting everything you said is is just how I felt after leaving the cinema. 'Iron Man' never truly takes off. Whatever build up there is, is totally wasted. And the saving Afghans sequence seemed to be a hasty improvisation to have more action.

Akhil Prem, Trivandrum, India

I thought Robert Downey Jr looked pretty buff myself. With the facial hair, especially the silly moustache, he looked like a gym-nelly Charlie Chaplin.

Oonagh, Hong Kong,

Having grown up with comics such as Iron Man, I would say that the movie kept to the spirit of the original and nicely mixed in a contemporary perspective with the Afghanistan war. Worth the escape which is what you get from a comic book...even kept my partner awake who usually falls asleep ;)

GordonDavid, London, UK

I personally think Downey portrayed Tony Stark brilliantly.
A fantastic movie!!

Joe White, Yarm, Cleveland

Have to say that I enjoyed Iron Man quite a lot. Certainly, not a memorable film (perhaps 3.5 stars) but still slick and funny in places.

Sure, there are better films but for a non-serious outing good value....

Nic, london, uk

Why do the Americans always remind us that a film made $x million on opening weekend, and then pretend that means people liked it? It means nothing of the sort, it just means they liked the look of it from the trailer.

Adam Neilson, Birmingham,

For a comic book remake, we thought it was great. Downey is perfect for the part, funny, subtle, and yes, doesn't quite have the ego of a superhero - nice change! And Pepper - good performance from Paltrow. It is a comic book story Cosmos, no need to for that much plot!! Great entertaining flick!

TSully, Toronto, Canada

IronMan is one of the best comic book movies since Batman Begins and V for Vendetta. It was longer than it felt watching it so that was a definite good sign. I absolutely loved it great performances, top CG, and a good plot it far exceeded my expectations and ill be looking forward to the next one.

Patty C, Christchurch, New Zealand

Totally enjoyed the movie. Character well cast. All said, am eagerly awaiting a sequel to Ironman. *p.s, if Robert Downey Jr is not Ironman II, don't think I wana watch it!

Kyra J. Chan, Singapore

Kyra J, Singapore, Singapore

Watched this movie with my sweet love, after work, & I was dead beat. Yet we left the theatre wif smiles on our face, energised & enjoyed watching it tremendously. CG was good, funny and entertaining in its own way. Review d Chronicles of Hillary and Obama wld b more suitable for u perhaps?

Alven Ng, Singapore, Singapore

I have been disappointed many times by movies that are hyped to the hilt and don't perform fortunately this was not one. The special effects, the story, and cast were great. Go see this movie you will love it.

Donna, Gastonia, USA

I like reviews; the more the critic pans the movie, the more I want to see it. This guy is typical. Those who grew up with Iron Man know that Stark is a weak character; no impressive "physique", and no "superhero" qualities to speak of. That contrast is exactly what Iron Man is all about. Get it?

Mike, Rio Rancho, USA

I kinda think the reviewer missed the point a little bit, If I wanted to watch a film that dealt with current issues and was obsessive about it being realistic - I wouldnt go and see one based on a comic book ! !
However as escapism - this works a treat. Maybe they should send a younger reviewer?

Chris, london, England

I loved this film. I took my 9 year old son and the two of us have not stopped talking about the film (a week later)!

Sean Fernald, Los Angeles, USA

At last a review that puts this techno-guised bore in its right place: the scrap heap.

Jerry Frank , NYC,

The genius behind Iron Man as a superhero is that a human mind created the hero. There was no radioactive spider, no alien, no gamma or cosmic rays. Just pure human ingenuity. The human does not disappear, as evidenced by the final battle. Tony Stark and Pepper Potts defeated the bad guy together.

Rob Czeranko, Chandler, USA

Have to say I loved it - if anything the CGI battles were far better than Transformers because you could actually follow them.

Downey Jr was fantastic in the lead, and as for WOW moments - taking out a tank with one shot wowed me. Some brilliant moments, and Stark's first flight was fantastic.

Ross Liversidge, Ripon, UK

I agree with the reviewer, so much promise yet so little delivered.

AA, London, UK

What Cosmo was forced to "endure" I found highly entertaining.

David, Boerne, USA

I agree with Thomas A. Any of the bashers would've loved it if it were more anti-American. I review films for a local newspaper. I hope that I never get so cynical that I can't just watch a comic book movie, of all things, and review it for what it is. Most negative reviews were from outside the US.

Gary, Corvallis, OR, US

No SuperHero physique? Robert Downey's pumped up arms and shoulders practically upstaged him!

j quince, Amsterdam,

I have to agree, I had my doubts about Downey playing the lead in this movie, But I think he did a good job.
And don't expect a comic book movie to be some deep thought provoking movie.
I took my 8 and 12 yr old, both loved it, worth the money.

I plan on buying the DVD when it comes

Eric, Gastonia, USA

Audiences liked it to the tune of over 100 million dollars on its first showing. That is what counts to the producers.

JEAN, NEW YORK, USA

I was entertained. We both liked it. It kept my attention throughout.
The critic made some interesting points that I can't really dispute. None of his criticisms occurred to me while I was watching the film.
I quit going to theaters, but this was my second date with the lovely Kendra.
oh yeah!

Rick, Wichita,

When I go to a movie I want to escape. I don't usually like most movies that critics love ( Broke Back Mnt Etc.)
The movie was worth the money. closest to the comic book I can remember ever seeing ( I heard Marvel, bank rolled it)
Was the most of the movie predicable , yes, who cares, it rocks!

Bryan, Atlanta,

Cosmo, I don't know what film you saw, but I saw a well-written and directed movie, yeah some
of it was far-fetched, but that's what science fiction is all about.
And also it was refreshing to see a different style of actor who
is not 6 ft 5, 300 lbs , and Downey Jr. was well casted for thr role

louis, Florida, USA

Cosmo is out of touch with what entertains the general audience i.e. inevitable prat-falls and comic moments, and special effects. Downey was hired for the first two, and worked pretty well when blending with the third.

Indiana Jones keeps the audience happy with the same mix, but better music.

Don, Boston, MA, US

Jeff Bridges certainly shined in his role. The rest of this critique is mostly rubbish. Robert Downey, jr. was superb as the super-quirky super hero. No role is ever wasted on Gwyneth Paltrow. For a much better critique, see Joe Morganstern's review in The Wall Street Journal.

John Detmar, Fredericksburg, TX, USA

It is incredible how most of these film critics don't have a clue of the genre of the film they are critcising. Proof of that is the public most of the time have a contrary opinion (as the comments above show) and have a better quality of review to give.

BTW, I agree with Thomas Atchley - NY 100%.

Monique, London,

Cosmo is just upset he's not Iron Man.

Russ, Booksterhuey, USA

Wow its as if you never read the comic books or get the film at all.
Dont the times have better critics or could they send people who actually want to watch films.
The film was entertaining, it brought a new charcter to life. The fight scene was much better than Transformers.

Owen, Leeds, UK

Cosmo Landesman apparently saw a different film than I. If I paid attention to most of what film critics said, I'd never see most of the films I do. The film was entertaining and that's what matters the most. The "take" so far suggest a lot of people agree with me on that.

Thom, Newport News, VA, USA

A film that maybe is not high on a verisimilitude scale but, in terms of sheer entertainment and a fresh approach at the superhero genre bandied around every few months or so by Marvel, this is an impressive film. Downey Jnr provides much laughter through his characteristic personality. 4 Stars!

Nathan, Ipswich, England

I'm glad to see Robert Downey Jr get the well deserved BOOST (ha ha) to his career. His talents are amazing and I'm delighted to see him in such a MEGA role.

I rarely pay any attention to what the critics have to say - I appreciate their input but I'm quite capable of making up my own mind!

Debby, Austin, USA

Once again, my rule has proven correct. If the critics hate it, I'll love it. If the critics like it, it probaly sucks. 'Nuff said.

Glenn, Portland, United States

Did you review this wanting to hate the movie? It was entertaining and based on a comic--did you forget that? The movie moved quickly and the visual arts were seemless. Like the rest of the country, I enjoyed the movie--theater was sold out for a 1045AM show. Your a Critic; who cares?

Mark, DC, USA

Spiderman and the Hulk might have been so-so superhero fare, but Ironman was anything but. Sure it's not going to win any Oscars, but if you see it for what it is, it's a fun popcorn flick. IMHO, Robert Downey Jr. is perfectly cast.

Scottie, NY, USA

This is a perfect example of why people don't care what the "experts" have to say about movies. Iron Man took in almost 101 million in its first weekend. People want to be entertained, not immersed in some long boring flick that the Academy would shower with accolades.

Andrew, Canton, USA

You can have the boys in tights and capes- sign me up for RD Jr in anything he cares to wear. I loved the movie. Everyone I know has loved it. I guess that's why it's a blockbuster and you're a reviewer. They always get it wrong.

-Loved the characters total lack of humility.

Liz, Florence, OR

Btw.. Stark doesn't become a "peacenik"..
he says "I want to protect the people I've put in harms way." Big diff. That allows for alot of whoopass. That's another reason it's so popular.
Ironman doesn't do red tape.

Liz, Florence, OR

It does seem like your standard is pretty high. It's not good because it's not new and groundbreaking? What happened to being entertained and enjoying some well placed cheesy lines?

Alex York, Charleston, US

" The film is called Iron Man, but in addressing current issues, it’s marshmallow. "
Seriously? There are enough films dedicated to that and they are all flopping.
This film was entertaining and Kudo's to Robert Downey on his comeback.

Kathy Bailey, Dayton, USA

Ok, the purpose of a movie = entertainment. I was vividly entertained throughout the entire film. i do not regret spending 6 dollars to see this movie. as a comic book buff - I really hate movies ruining comics (i.e. spider-man) but I think that given the transplant of time, the makers stayed true

Jon, north richland Hills,

One of the better hero movies period. Keep in mind that this is the beginning of a huge story arc. Great character development and hilarious.

Fred, Garland, United States

Guys that don't know comics should not review comic book movies.

Michael Williams, hendersonville, United States

Dreadful film! Poor script, poor acting, preposterous plot!

ken edwards, sheffield, yorks

I thought it was the best I've seen in a long time. I'm a fan of Kirby, but the point of this film is that it was as exciting in the film genre as Kirby's graphics were in printed media. It's a great, fun, escapist film. It isn't supposed to make everyday sense! Watch Blue Planet for that stuff!

iain , bedford, uk

A review is a personal opinion on a film, even if 90% of people like a film it doesnt mean other 10% are wrong. hope people dont decide wether to see a film or how good it is based on other peoples reviews. i Have liked films not loved by critic or friends though wont embarress myself by naming lol

David, Melbourne,

oh i loved Iron Man btw, best family film i have seen in years.

David, Melbourne,

Also the guy who said there were gaps in the story: Jeff Bridges set up Stark to be killed by those dudes but they double crossed him and decided to have Stark build weopons because he was a genius. Thats why he had them all killed when they showed him the suit!!

Jason, Rockford,

I am glad you are in the clear minority. You shouldn't comment on things you know absolutely nothing about...it's clear you had absolutely no idea who Iron Man was before watching this movie. This movie did the comic proud! Here's to Iron Man 2 and this movie continuing to prove you wrong!!!!!!!!

Tony, Cleveland, U.S.A.

The film seemed to stab at some current affairs.I felt sorry for the poor doctor in the cave in the beginning. Downey did ok in the role. Hard to feel symapthy for him though. Most people won't know the comic story; so if this is a satire, it's not a funny one. I wanted Obediah to win by the end.

Alex Smith, London, UK

Are you kidding? Did you even WATCH and UNDERSTAND the movie at all? you're review is so disappointing. you don't know a good movie when you see one - clearly.

grey, california,

i saw it twice and the theater reaction was unanimous both times which is rare round my parts.the adults seemed glued to the screen, perhaps it was the stunning Gwyneth Paltrow who was so convincing. i can see where the reviewer dude felt it was as if she was diminished. It was part of the role.

joe, joetown, moo

Joseph Guillen, from Mira loma, (aka cosmo)
I agree with Cosmo Landesman, The plot was ill planned and the narrative delivered a mild dose of character development (Tony Stark negligent-Tony Stark dutiful).
nice job cosmo.dutiful stark was building since he was 4. his priorities were shown. u wrong.

joe, joetown, moo

I can't believe you gave this movie a bad review!! I thought it was amazing with the affects and personable. RDJ is one of the best actors of all time and the fact that he did such a different character as he usually does, was exciting. I thought it was GREAT!!!

Allison Seijo, New Jersey, USA

Those scenes where he was Iron Man were great! Swooping out of the sky, repulsers and fists pounding a whole little army flat in seconds. The big fight at the end reminded me of his classic fights with Titanium Man when I was a kid. I got my 12 cents worth then and got my nine bucks worth Friday!

Kevin, Boston, MA

Wow I am very happy for Robert being able to be noticed in the movie industry as a hero, concedering what he went through several years ago. Hollywood can be very tough and you usually dont get second chances. Im glad he proved that he is a great actor. I loved the movie. The critic was madly wrong.

clark, atlanta, usa

The movie made a over 200 million worldwide on opening weekend - in America we say, SCOREBOARD!

Armand, Tampa, USA

No effects? Not good? Were you watching Iron Man back then? Also, check out your comments on how some users would rate iron man.
Anyway, when a comic book character has to be turn into a movie, all details need not to be exact. It really depends on the director and wether he will be doing a good job

Travis, Bakersfield,

I watched this film last night and I thought it was fantstic! You have to remember at that at the end of the day it IS a super hero film, Yes it's cheesy, Gwynnie is wasted, no love scene too?? The Middle east part was too close too home for my liking, as it's still going on. On the whole, FAB!!!

corinne Delargy, Rossendale, Lancashire

Over 100 Million on opening weekend. Looks like Cosmo has missed the boat on this one. I thought the movie was awesome. Downey Jr is genius. A brilliant performance that not many could have pulled off in this type of action movie. Iron Man 2 watch out!

Paul Dolanjski, Timmins, Canada

iron Man is another dull comic book film. The story is as predictable as night after dawn. Franchise based and American Propaganda led. Nothing new in this from other comic book heroes, apart from this being an American film the Russian's have been replaced by the Afghan's. Cowboys & Indians guff

drennan, stafford, staffs, UK

oh ,Berry is so cool, she is the superwoman, I admire her very much. she save herslf, but she can never fall in love with the man she loved.what a pity!

shiwenyan, jinhua, China

I disagree with this review. For example the critique is, "He’s not a superhero, he’s a human gadget...the technology takes over and the human disappears. " Well DUH--that is what Iron Man is about. A normal man who makes himself a superhero. The film rocks. The review sucks. Go see it!

Rich, Reno, USA

...agree with every word...its tough to feel any empathy for a rich,cocky,playboy weapons maker....I have zero in common with this guy or his cause....a good editor may have salvaged somthing from this mess but in a word "dull"

ron hilton, williams lake, canada

Sometimes you have to put logic aside and just enjoy a movie. If we wanted it to be realistic and logical, we wouldn't be going to see a movie. I am a girl number one, but that's beside the point - I also have never read a comic book in my life nor do I care to. But this movie delivers.

Michelle, Cedar Rapids, USA

You are completely wrong Iron Man was a great movie and never was once dull. I am sorry if you cannot accept change as you said you much more perfer the old ways with the caped crusader. It is just plane out boring to see the same line good versus evil, with Iron Man you get to action with Interest.

TN, Columbia, United States

I totally agree with you. The film was a huge letdown with logic gaps you could drive a truck through. Somebody tell me, why does the jihadist faction force Stark to build Jericho when they're already in cahoots with, and getting Stark weaponry from, Obadiah...?

Tasty Imp, Toronto, Canada

Sorry, but I do not agree. I never read any of the comic books, so I didn't have any preconceived assumptions, as I see you clearly did. Iron man is a movie that makes you think, which seems to be something you have difficulty with. This is a minimum four star movie, and everyone else will agree.

Mark, Greeley,

Wow, that wasn't biased at all. Horrible review IMO. If you followed comics, you would understand the arms bit. If you understood Tony Stark, you would realize that he was very close to the persona in the film. People shouldn't comment on stuff the know nothing about, yet you did.

Alan, Olive Branch , US

Umm maybe you didnt like this movie because it bwasnt the opera, you should really take a good look at it once again, as thgis is a huge thriller, and who cares if its missing elemenmts, this movie is made to entertain, and ill be one who says it sure did

Connor McCallum, Mississauga, Canada

Awful review. You've done this film and the TImesOnline an incredible disservice by making up your mind about IRONMAN before actually viewing the film (or so it seems). There is nothing of value to what you have written here. Shame on you.

Ian, Ottawa, Canada

Wow. I don't know what movie you were watching, but you missed a really good one. There were strong performances, good comic relief, and actual character development, nothing like the tripe Michael Bay delivers summer after summer.

You do the movie a great disservice; pity, that.

David, Berkeley, USA

Both my son and I really enjoyed the film.Great to see the Jack Kirby first Iron Man armour and been someone who read the classic comics in the 60s, I would have liked to see some of the slight alterations to the suit through out the film. Robert Downey Jnr was terrific, I look forward to Iron Man 2

KARL BURTONSHAW, SWANSEA, UNITED KINGDOM

This is an interesting review. Having just seen the movie--and loved it--I basically just read this review as the complete opposite of what I saw:
E.g. When he comments on the flying sequence: "But there’s no build-up, no sense of 'Yes, he’s done it!' But I (and my wife) felt precisely the opposite

Stephen, Vacaville, United States

I saw it last night with my son (14) who loves gadgets and things. Besides a great story, great acting and a fun plot, I think it was terrific. Perhaps that reviewer needs to go back to reviewing classic english literature. This is a about big screen movie magic delivered.

Jerry Appel, Fort Worth, USA

Just saw this awesome movie last night, the reviewer (scrolling up to get his/her name would be a waste of my time) clearly did not at all... "then have to endure the suit-making routine again" this was by far the best part of the film.

Michael, Perth, Australia

Yes it's predictable. Probably 'cause it's been a comic book for
how many years? Can't you just enjoy the fact that he's been brought to life on the big screen. Does it always have to be better than the other one? I thought it was cool. Critics are always lookin'
for the gold. I enjoyed it.

Keith, Burbank, USA

How can you fail with such acting greats as Jeff Bridges, Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow? They took a comic book plot and made it fun and current.
And I totally disagree about Downey's performance not delivering the "emotional truth" of the character. His sensitivity to the role was spot on.

Rebecca Heller, Kuwait,

Obviously the reviewer didn't read comics as a young boy. Great movie and true to the comic. Enjoyed it thoroughly

Daniel , Fort Mill, US

Tell all your BS to the crowd of mostly adults that were at the theater I saw this film at. Everybody loved it. you dont know what the hell your talking about. It was a great movie.

Krunk, Tampa,

Wow, somebody sure missed the movie that I saw this morning.

A nice balance without too much emphasis on CGI battle scenes. There was no point at which I was checking the time or going 'ho hum'. Rock solid fun.

Energy, wow and wit describes Iron Man exactly. Are you sure you watched it?

davey, toronto, canada

The origin story of any popular comic hero and the continually evolving explanations of thier abilities are deep and complex, as well as one the most interesting parts of thier canon. This part of the story has to be done well to do it's comic roots justice. The audience it was meant for knows this.

Charles Walter Boehm, Amarillo, United States

No excitement? Really? I just got back from watching this movie and thought it was the best adaptation of a Marvel comic I've ever seen, in fact.

holly, FL, USA

I agree with Cosmo Landesman, for the most part. The plot was ill planned and the narrative delivered a mild dose of character development (Tony Stark negligent-Tony Stark dutiful). However, I am thankful they showcased the making of the Iron Man suit twice, once wasn't enough, so there Cosmo.

Joseph Guillen, Mira loma, United States

Good review. Iron man was too predictable. I mean, I could predict exactly what would happen with all the action scenes and the plot. There wasn't anything compelling and it quickly became boring. It also felt like an advertisement for the US military like Transformers (another terrible film) was.

Joe, Queens, NY,

Nothing about the man's devotion to his country. That doesn't matter anymore. There is no good guy. There is no bad guy. All killing is wrong. Our government is just as good or bad as the terrorists, eh? Sick...

Great movie, great acting, great character development. Bad review. Go see it, guys!

Dan, Omaha,

Good review. Iron man was too predictable. I mean, I could predict exactly what would happen with the action scenes and the plot.

Joe, London,

I just watched the film with my ten year-old son and his friend and I enjoyed it tremendously. I had no problem with the way Stark focused on developing Ironman during the movioe because I natuarally assumed and hope that there will be a sequel did this ever occur to you I loved the use of technolog

Ingrid Felton, Tampa, USA

I saw the movie last night in what was just another packed out theatre in Singapore. I enjoyed the movie a lot. I find your review more empty than than the movie which you claim to be 'running on empty'. I was pleasantly surprised to see Jon Favreau in the movie too. Loved him in Swingers. Classic.

Davidson Lloyd, Singapore, Singapore

Obviously, you are not a comic book fan. This movie is, by far, the best Marvel superhero installment. Downey was unbelievably good in this movie and I cannot think of anyone who could have done it better. In regards to your "marshmallow" line, the film was about a comic, not an American satire.

Matthew Brouillard, Waterbury,

Thanks for saying that Tom! I don't know if this Cosmo Landesman wrote an article on Iron Man or an article on how much he (or she... Cosmo can be a girl's name) hates the U.S.

Mary Lee, Bothell, WA

well... hmm lets see... so for you a superhero must be a super human that was born from another planet... well.... i dont think so... first of all a hero must find himself... so in that way you can understand what he was and in what he is becoming... if you want more action create your own movie!

Josue, Guayaquil, Ecuador

I can't believe you have given this incredible film a bad review. The action moved at a great pace, and the flying sequence was great. In fact every bit of it was fantastic! Robert Downey Jr. was perfect in this role, and every other review I have read said the same. You missed the boat, buddy.

Lynette, North Richland Hills, USA

Well said Thomas...I bet he will love it

Tony Stark, Toronto, Canada

The conundrum of the comic book movie...

Capture the savior as one of us, but still savior.

It's obvious you weren't a comic consumer in your formative years.

The VS climax was flat.
This concept and these wonderful actors deserve more hours. A mini-series instead of a teaser for a sequel.

Nick Sizow, Bayville, USA

I really enjoyed the film. And I'm not one for make belief stuff. Sure its no master piece but quite enjoyable and entertaining... "No cool moments" or "excitement"... are you sure you were in the right movie?!?

Joz Make, Brisbane,

I have got to say that you have hit it spot on. It was to vague and the whole stroy revolved around him. Bits that you expected elsewhere were in places that i did not think they needed to be. The only good thing about was the bad guy Obidiah and how he briliantly played the part.
I was dissapointd

Cruz Vida, Alice Springs, Australia

Obviously you would prefer this movie to have been more anti-war and anti-American instead of just enjoying the movie for what it is supposed to be, "entertainment". You don't have to wait long for some America bashing, WAR INC. will be out soon. I bet you will love it.

Thomas Atchley, New York, United States