IRON MAN — it’s a tie between Chris Nolan’s first Batman movie and this for best comic book movie to date. Seriously brilliant fun for fans and newbies alike.

Robert Downey: never a better casting choice ever, except maybe Michael Caine as Alfred. Tony Stark seemed to me to be a character that no one could pull-off, because he walks a fine line between charming billionaire playboy and total douchebag (even prior to the recent Civil War character changes).  Downey has the perfect take, though, and you can’t help but like him.

The writing and Downey and Gwenyth Paltrow make for possibly the best ever onscreen super-hero romance. Not too much, not too little.

The movie itself: nothing short of brilliant.  Tons of tiny things for comic nerds like me to notice, excellent effects, and a perfect mix of real-world and pop-art fantasy.  Spot-on music choices.  If this is a sign of the increase in quality we’ll be seeing now that Marvel has more control over their movies, then the future looks good.

If there’s one complaint I have, it’s that I kept waiting for Obidiah Stane to fix himself a White Russian.  But maybe I’ve just watched The Big Liebowski too many times.

Oh, and a hint — stick around after the credits.  Wait it out — it’s so beyond worth it.