Iron Man is very entertaining comic book adaptation, and kicks off the summer movie season in a spectacular way. Featuring a lesser known superhero with no previous live action incarnations already lingering in our memories, it transcends its genre with generous doses of humor, solid performances by appealing actors, and an origin story made more relevant to the modern world.

With much of the action set in Afghanistan, the protagonist is a war profiteering billionaire who has a change of heart (literally) and decides to use his power to help those most victimized by the weapons manufacturing corporation that bears his name.

Iron Man may be a little too sophisticated for younger children, who would be better off waiting for next week’s Speed Racer movie for a fun time with the family.

Update: Actually, they would be best off waiting for Disney/Pixar's WALL*E.