It’s not that they don’t have great special effects, or stunning casts, it’s just that they tend to be utter drivel from start to end. You’ve got a great canvas to explore (after all, this is the comic book land we’re talking about here) – so why waste millions on special effects at the expense of a decent plotline?

Thankfully, there are exceptions to the rule. The fantastic X-Men series not only delivers the first time round, but follows up with 2 excellently crafted sequels. Batman got it’s act together with Christian Bale doing Batman Begins justice.

Luckily, it seems like Iron Man fits nicely into the latter of the comic-to-film types. Robert Downy Jr. carves his role as the multi-billionaire, wise cracking ladies-man come superhero perfectly. The film moves along at a rocket pace, keeping relative truth to the original whilst incorporating modern day twists, whilst the excellent cast line-up support the smooth dialog perfectly. At one or two points the film lapses into cheese, but does so whilst remaining true to the comics, and for me, providing laughter on a cinema wide scale I haven’t seen since Juno was released.

Put your hands down the back of the sofa and dig out the change for the tickets – you won’t be disappointed. (I’d consider a second mortgage mind you, if you’re looking to get popcorn and a drink too).