Not only was it insightful, but this movie did more than most superhero movies: It made you forget you were watching men in tights or men with masks. The humanizing of Stark was an excellent move - from his vulnerability to his cockiness, to his strengths and weaknesses - every part was played to perfection. You *cared* about this character even when he did stupid, immature things.
I grew up reading the Iron Man comic book series, and in some ways they far surpassed my expectations with this movie. In fact, this is the way Tony Stark should have been portrayed all along. Excellent casting, excellent directing - and just a great start to the summer movie season.