The beginning of this movie is exceptionally slow and boring. The character played by Jamie Foxx is not introduced until well into the movie. When he is introduced, it occurs in short fragmented segments of the characters life, making it difficult to make sense of who this character is and how he developed into who is now.

The movie focuses too much attention on Robert Downey's character and fails to develop the Jamie Foxx character into something believable. However, Jamie Foxx does a very good job of acting, the movie itself doesn't support him.

Also striking in this movie is the comic book portrayal of the skid row area of Los Angeles. In almost every skid row scene there are about 100 people on the street who are best described as being either homeless, mentally ill, drug addicts or simply threatening.