The length may throw you off, but it isn't a factor with this movie once it begins. Robert Downey Jr. holds your attention when he is the only actor on-screen and makes the character believable and enjoyable to watch. Jeff Bridges appears on-screen early in the movie and I didn't recognize him save for his voice! He, too, wears the character like a second skin and is the one you love to hate. Gwyneth Paltrow is delicious as Pepper! Overall the impact of the movie: special affects, action, dialogue, soundtrack, presentation are spectacular! We left the movietheater thinking of our own 'Iron' names (irongirl, ironpuppy, ironturtle, etc) for every person and/or pet in our house!