In addition, although Stan Winston studio's eye-popping armor creation and ILM's computer visual effect magic doesn't absolutely blow viewers' minds, they are at least quite decent and elaborate, and even at times they appear to be an upgrade from memories evoking Transformers in 2007. The only regretful weakness may be that Iron Man lacks enough emotional input and adequate self-reflection. Tony Stark's inside transformation from Lord of War-esque business dealer to an anti-terrorist hero is not that convincing; I believe Batman Begins did a better job.

The out-spoken Tony Stark openly admits that he is Iron Man at the end of the movie while the other superheroes are still concealed in their masks. A hidden scenario after the movie credit titles also hint at a sequel with him joining the superhero team "The Avengers". According to reports, he will also appear in a cameo performance for The Incredible Hulk that will hit the screens in June. The movie will be distributed by Universal and starring Edward Norton.

All in all, with another two greatly anticipated superhero movies: The Dark Knight and The Incredible Hulk fast on the Stark's tail, Iron Man really has garnered true success. Otherwise it would have disappeared into the netherworld once and for all after the first installment. The movie company's executives must be relieved. Their film managed to overwhelm audiences and created a first-class unconventional hero movie milestone, which may soon become a new adaptation wave in Hollywood production lines. In any case, we'll soon meet up with Hancock, a down-and-out superhero without a mask, in July.

(China.org.cn May 5, 2008)