Billionaire industrialist Tony Stark has made his fortune creating evermore innovative weapons. But when he is captured by insurgents while showcasing his latest invention, he is ordered to build a devastating weapon for his captors. Instead he constructs a high-tech suit of armour that he uses to escape. Returning home he decides to devote his money and ingenuity to help mankind. He modifies the suit, increasing its powers to include super-strength and the ability to fly and superhero Iron Man is born…

The big set-pieces are often shot through with comedy that make sure the film and its characters never take themselves too seriously. The gags are punchy and the slapstick is suitably harsh (as during Stark's maiden flight in his upgraded suit). There is a surprising amount of mileage to be got out of Stark's machines having their own personalities. The banter between him and Pepper is nicely observed but Favreau body-swerves full-on romance in contradiction to most superhero franchises. The director clearly likes his protagonists and his actors, allowing everyone a chance to shine and easily parlaying his affection for them to the audience. The pacing is swift throughout, but I can imagine fan-boys will be disappointed that Stark hasn't donned his trademark red and gold livery before the final hour is out. But there was no time during the hundred-and-twenty-six minute running time when I wasn't entertained. It's also worth waiting for the end credits to finish as there is a final flourish that will have fans gagging for a sequel.

The characterisation is deft throughout, somewhat surprisingly considering the film was written by committee. Tony Stark is particularly well drawn. Yes, he may be a self-satisfied Champagne Charlie, but he's likeable and charming. His assistant Pepper Potts is a ballsy go-to-girl in the vein of the broads of Hollywood's Golden Age and his best friend Rhodey is loyal to a fault. His business partner Obadiah Stone is an untrustworthy, bottom-line businessman. Admittedly many of the peripheral characters are interchangeable, but it's hardly worth wasting good lines on plot devices. The dialogue is snappy and there are plenty of decent one-liners to be had, such as Stark saying "I'm starving, get me a scotch…"

Gwyneth Paltrow gives a good feisty performance as Pepper Potts; a sharp, organised, polished, loyal assistant, who shares more than a smattering of chemistry with her on-screen boss but knows a little too much about him to do anything about it. Terrence Howard plays Stark's best mate Rhodey as put-upon but faithful. Jeff Bridges is almost unrecognisable as Obadiah Stone, courtesy of a bald head and bushy beard. He's surprisingly effective as the shifty corporate suit. Also listen out for Paul Bettany as the voice of sarcastic supercomputer Jarvis.