i think what set this movie a part from other comic flicks was the depth at acting. Robert Downey Jr. because of past substance problems and early comedic roles never did get his due as a great actor, and here you have one of the best actors in years playing the lead in a super hero flick.
Jeff Bridges playing the villain was a great casting decision, he plays a over the top prick but doesnt come off as hey look at me im over the top, it was subtle and built slow till the end.
Terrence Howard is an very good actor as well as Paltrow and you have them playing supporting roles, so none of the scenes came off as cheap but it actually seemed like any good movie with the main character just happening to be a super hero.
the great thing about the script i think was instead of the obligatory having to get you to being the hero scenes in the first super man, spidey, and batman flicks, it was fun watching him transform into the hero.
plus it was cool to watch him kick the shit out of the terrorists.
my only complaint is Stane didnt drink white russians....
