I actually didn't mind the slower pacing of the first act! It intrigued me. I thought "Hm... paced like a drama, how interesting!" Plus, I felt Stark's character had more background and depth, thus I cared more. I agree about the ass kicking. Definitely could've used more - hence my disappointment with the third act. The Big Fight Scene was a bit of a mashed up let down.

As for Pepper, she was enjoyable, but "a lot closer to feminist than most comic-book ladies" ain't saying much and there is nothing in the role on which to latch the word feminist. But even I can put aside my feminist lens for some good clean fun. Sometimes.