Seemingly unlikely director John Favreau helmed this blockbuster comic book adaptation. Robert Downey Jr. stars as weapons developer Tony Stark who has a crisis of conscience when he’s taken prisoner by terrorists. He decides to use his wealth to build a technological suit and battle for good.

Jeff Bridges has fun hamming it up as the villain. Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard also appear, but aren’t given much to do.

Although it takes a long time for the film to get going and transposing Iron Man into the milieu of Middle Eastern terrorism doesn’t totally work, Favreau does get enough right to make for an enjoyable summer popcorn flick.

Grade: B+

Iron Man (Two-Disc Special Collectors’ Edition) is currently available.