"Iron Man" star Robert Downey Jr. is receiving rave reviews for his performance in the title role of the comic book superhero.

The former "Ally McBeal" actor, although unlikely to play a superhero at first, has been garnering praises for his role.

Bill Zwecker from the Chicago Sun Times calls the movie "simply great escapism" and Downey as "this supremely gifted actor will please several generations of filmgoers."

Los Angeles Times' Kenneth Turan says that the role was "nicely tailored to Downey's talents and is a great deal of fun as a result."

Lou Lumenick of the New York Post even dared to call the movie "Downey's show."

And while Toronto Star's Peter Howell agrees that the film is "the birth of a new franchise," he also gives the movie one criticism. He writes, "The only thing wrong with Iron Man - and I can't believe I'm saying this - is that it's too short, even at 126 minutes. It ends just as the action is really picking up."

"When was the last time a summer blockbuster left you longing for more?"