A superfit and sarcastic Robert Downey Jr. is the best reason to see this loud blockbuster (based on a Marvel comic). He plays hard-partying tycoon Tony Stark, whose life goes kaboom when insurgents kidnap him in Afghanistan. The foreigners insist Stark construct a new superweapon, thus providing materials for his finest creation: a suit that enables his escape. Voilà: Iron Man — and a movie franchise — is born. Gwyneth Paltrow deserves better than this throwaway role as Stark's assistant and elusive love interest. Poor thing must totter through the overblown finale in strappy stilettos!