Few actors in the recent spate of superhero blockbusters have owned their roles in the way Robert Downey Jr. owns the part of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. As the multi-millionaire weapons developer-turned-armored freedom fighter, the 43-year-old actor single-handedly elevates this B-list hero to A-list status. Downey is so good, the movie itself can't help but suffer every time he's off-screen, which fortunately isn't very often. Directed by Jon Favreau, "Iron Man" is a straightforward origin story that efficiently outlines who "Iron Man" is and how he came to be. After he's kidnapped by Islamic terrorists following a weapons demonstration in Afghanistan, Stark builds himself a suit of armor to escape and, once he's back stateside, turns that prototype into a gleaming weapon of mass destruction (albeit for the good guys). In between the action scenes, Stark finds time to flirt with long-suffering assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and bumping fists with Air Force buddy Jim Rhodes (Terrence Howard). The movie's biggest flaws is the lack of a strong villain and its slim storyline - here's hoping the inevitable sequel rights both these wrongs. Provided Downey is back in the title role though, "Iron Man 2" seems like a no-brainer.

It's been 11 years since "My Best Friend's Wedding" became a box office hit and to celebrate that anniversary, Sony has remade the film with Patrick Dempsey in the Julia Roberts part. Well, OK "Made of Honor" isn't an official remake of "Wedding" but it really is the exact same film. Just listen to the premise: a serial dater named Tom (Dempsey) agrees to be the maid of honor for best friend Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) and is soon shocked to discover that his feelings for her go beyond friendship. As Hannah's wedding draws closer, Tom has to find a way to break up her engagement and sweep her off her feet. The only thing missing from the mix is Rupert Everett - maybe he'll turn up in a Sean Connery-style secret cameo as the movie ends.

Garth Jennings' wonderfully funny coming-of-age story follows two "Rambo"-obsessed boys in '80s-era England who decide to make their own DIY sequel to "First Blood." But don't worry - you don't have to be a "Rambo" fan yourself to have a blast with this movie. The attention to period detail is astounding and the two young actors are a joy to spend time with. In between all of this summer's blockbusters, carve out some time for this delightful film.

Ethan Alter is a New York-based film critic and journalist. He can be reached at nycfilmcriticgmail.com.