This is a clear example of what can happen when you stick to the source material. This movie was awesome on many levels. The inside references for comic fans (e.g., the first suit, War Machine --Terrence Howard looking at the spare suit and saying "Next time", SHIELD, The Ten Rings as a hint of the soon to be seen villain the Mandarin).

The crossovers with the upcoming movies including Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America, to culminate in The Avengers is an excellent idea.