Review: Iron Man 3

Review: Iron Man 3

Plot: It's been several months since the events of The Avengers and things are not going well for Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.). Despite having an amazing girlfriend in the perky and beautiful Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) Tony suffers from insomnia and panic attacks. To make matters worse a deadly new villain known as The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) has been perpetrating acts of terrorism in the United States. Strangely the explosions leave no trace of bomb residue. When Tony discovers that the attacks may be related to a top secret genetic manipulation experiment called "Extremis" he fears his closest friends might be in grave danger, not to mention the world.  In the end it's up to Iron Man to prevent global disaster.

Review: Although many bashed Iron Man 2 (I wasn't one of them) most would agree that it had it's share of problems. I went into Iron Man 3 with strong expectations. Shane Black, the writer of Lethal Weapon was helming the project, and his original collaboration with Robert Downey Jr. (Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang) was a critical success.

     I'm thankful to say that not only did Iron Man 3 meet my expectations, it is the best film Marvel has put out to date.

Iron Man 3 succeeds at virtually every level, from the tight storyline that depicts a flawed superhero struggling with problems audiences can relate to, to the strong action sequences, to the top notch acting from the main and supporting cast.

     Black's script succeeds in major part due to its source material and willingness to focus more on reality rather than aliens. Iron Man 3 is loosely based on the Iron Man graphic novel "Extremis" from several years ago, which involves literally hacking humans at a genetic level in order to modify and repair them. The technology is controlled by Aldrich Killian played here by the impeccable Guy Pearce, whose nefarious intentions range farther than stealing Tony's girlfriend. Combine this with the reality-based threat of terrorism (not to mention a character that looks A LOT like Osama Bin Laden) and you have a recipe for success. I'm sorry but scientific speculation and real life threats play much better than aliens and demigods wielding magic hammers in my opinion. One additional thing about the script: I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the dialogue. It never felt comicbookish or campy. Moreover, there were some hysterical lines that Downey delivers with spot on comedic timing.

     Unlike The Avengers, Iron Man 3 tones down the CGI. Don't get me wrong there's plenty in the film, especially in the climactic sequence, but it seems much more dialed down and not as over-saturated as The Avengers.  This makes the action sequences much more impactful and fun to watch. (I hate to keep comparing this film to The Avengers but it's a good point of reference.) These sequences are nicely complemented by solid score from Brian Tyler, which manages to be heroic but not over the top.

     Marvel makes it a habit to cast the roles well and the same holds true for Iron Man 3. Newcomers Guy Pearce and Ben Kingley rock in their respective roles, Pearce providing the megalomania while Kingsley supplies the malevolence. Paltrow succeeds once again as Pepper Potts who is the perfect foil to Tony's ego and Don Cheadle is good (if underused) in his new role as Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes/Iron Patriot.

     When it comes to performances, the film (as always) hinges on Robert Downey Jr. who again delivers as Tony Stark/Iron Man. I don't think there has ever been an actor who has embodied a superhero better than Robert Downey Jr. embodies Tony Stark  He delivers witty lines and emotional screams with equal aplomb. Despite his recent comments I seriously hope that he returns as Iron Man in the future. (He should at least for The Avengers sequels.)

     A couple of small complaints.  I saw the "unexpected" plot twist coming a mile away and the film was slightly too long. Also Jon Favreau's character of Happy really annoyed me in this film. Although his dress attire in a flashback scene at the beginning of the film is hilarious. Thankfully, he wasn't in it too much.

     These are minor complaints however and doesn't stop Iron Man 3 from being a compelling and entertaining popcorn flick and the best in the series to date. What a great way to kick off the summer movie season!

My rating: 9/10