So another film adaptation of a comic book. Ho hum. However, this one’s got Robert Downey Junior in the starring role – which should at least guarantee it’s watchable.

In fairness, Iron Man was actually OK. I’ve seen far worse comic-book adaptations (I’m looking at you, Hulk) but nor is it one of the best – not by a long chalk.

The storyline has a lot of bits that feel like afterthoughts, or “Oh yeah, we could do that” moments. Effects-wise it’s fantastic, and Jeff Bridges makes for a pretty good baddie – but all the same it’s let down (in my opinion) by a pretty ropy and by-the-numbers storyline that leaves too much stuff either a) up in the air or b) forgotten about.

Compared to the (currently re-showing on BBC) Indiana Jones trilogy, it really shows its weakness – Iron Man’s OK to watch once, but would I think “Oooh, good” if I saw it on TV in even ten years time? Absolutely not.