Iron Man 3 - My Review

Iron Man 3  -  2013  -  Directed by Shane Black

2010's "Iron Man 2" was an unmitigated disaster to me. When I heard Director Jon Favreau would be stepping aside and Shane Black would be taking over I thought it was just what this series needed, a fresh new voice. While part 3 is not up to par with the original, this is what summer movie season is all about - entertainment.

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) is having a existential crisis. After the events of New York, in last years blockbuster The Avengers, he keeps having anxiety attacks about who he really is and wants to be. His relationship with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) has grown distant as he looks for meaning in his life. In comes The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley.)

The Mandarin is unleashing terrorist attacks throughout the world and if that was not enough, Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce), a scientist that he met many years ago, appears to have his sights set on Pepper and Stark Industries.

In the comic book universe it is rare to see a film that takes its time and takes on these questions. It is risky. Normally it is blow some stuff up, show some cool gadgets and blow more stuff up. While "Iron Man 3" has those elements it also has what no other comic franchise has and that is Robert Downey Jr.

Who knew that Downey would be perfect for and become the biggest star to come out of a comic franchise? (Ok, Favreau knew!) His Tony Stark has always been the perfect mix of a wisecracking, debonair, self-absorbed billionaire playboy and Downey is pitch perfect as the film delves more into the man than his iron suit.

What the film does lack is a true villain. While there are many there are too many and the film does offer a few twists though one seems out of step with Marvel mythology.

Ultimately what makes this film so satisfying is Downey, a resurgent Pepper Potts who is given much more screen time and a very satisfying and touching relationship between Tony and a young boy played by the films breakout star, Ty Simpkins. In a summer movie filled with gadgets and explosions, it is refreshing to also get the human side of these characters.

Rating: 7 out of 10