Iron Man 3

 Well I have to start this review simply by stating that everyone needs to know that there is a good chance that my view on this movie may have some bias, simply because I am a huge fan of the Super Hero movies. Simply I must state that Robert Downey Jr. embodies Tony Stark/ Iron Man perfectly and he really has been a key component with the revival and setting a benchmark for what people expect in Super Hero movies. While the entertainment value of this installment does not meet what I got in the first Iron Man, I did find this installment to be enjoyable and really gave anther level to the character of Tony Stark. I enjoyed how this new formidable foe who is terrorizing the U.S. has also been able to get Tony Stark to question himself and how can he protect those he loves from harm. With his world torn apart it was great to see him work to not only rebuild, but he also works to get over his own inner conflict of Anxiety that had been controlling Tony since the events that transpired in The Avengers. And it is because of the Iron Man franchise that everyone for the big blockbusters sits through all the credits waiting to see if there is an after the credits scene. Iron Man 3 ends up being not exactly what I was expecting going in as I left the theater not feeling like I had seen a big huge summer action blockbuster, but instead a movie that is focused on both the character development with the action.

Robert Downey Jr. dons the Iron Man suit for the fifth time and he is simply the role. Downey Jr. once again adds another layer to his character and the development through the films has been perfect. The delivery and comedic timing is absolutely spot on once again. Guy Pearce as Aldridge Killian our secret antagonist that I doubt anyone was surprised in that reveal, yet Pearce was decent in the role. He is out to get Stark because Stark shunned his idea in 1999.  Pearce is a good bad guy to go against Downey Jr. well and his presence is definitely one of strength. While I do not want to give much away, but Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin was under used. When you have an actor in a villain role that has a great ability to command his roles, I just wanted more out of his character and I feel like they really missed out on a great opportunity. The supporting cast do an admirable job and while I would have like to see more from some of the characters in the end, it worked well for the most part. I think Don Cheadle as Rhodes/Iron Patriot is one character that has really gone nowhere in the last two movies and it would have been nice to see a lot more growth, purpose and development from his character.

The story for Iron Man 3 was one that worked at times, but I struggled with at other times. The aspect of the story that I was the most disappointed in was the change of who The Mandarin is from the comic books. The Mandarin is meant to be the exact opposite of Tony Stark and so between the two of them it is meant to be the ultimate showdown of magic versus science. Yet, instead they take The Mandarin and give him the simple antagonist back story and drive of the terrorist combating the great evil of America. While this make him accessible for audiences to root against, I was disappointed where the entire character goes in the end. Where I was disappointed with the story we are told for The Mandarin, I was really impressed with the story that is woven with the action for the development of Tony Stark. The glimpses into the inner dilemma's that Tony is battling from the desire to protect those he loves and the best way to accomplish that. Along with his struggle to handle the anxiety that he is feeling as he has not fully worked through everything he went through pertaining to the events the year before in New York with The Avengers. The feelings of anxiety are brought to the screen so brilliantly that you feel the anxiety Stark is experiencing and the complete paralyzing effect it holds over Tony. Because of this it really gave a great depth and made Iron Man 3 a great character driven action blockbuster. Granted this may simply be the bias I have because of my enjoyment in the super hero movie genre.

The action sequences for Iron Man 3 are very blockbusterish and were enjoyable the complaint I have is there are a few moments in which the CGI looked terrible. Aside from that I enjoyed the battles and the air rescue that was shown in the trailer with Air Force One was pretty cool to see on the big screen and made for a very unique rescue. While they kind of spoiled by showing it in the trailers it was definitely truly cool to see a whole bunch of Iron Man suits come to the rescue against a bunch of  super soldiers. Also, the climax in the final battle sequence was slightly underwhelming for me and after three previous movies featuring Iron Man he came out being a little less super. Although it was nice to see him go toe to toe with a villain that was not in an armor suit as well. The music felt the entire vibe for the Iron Man franchise and worked well. The pacing was a little up and down at times, yet it still worked. While they strongly tied everything up well, I would have liked it to not have been tied up so perfect because it gives the feeling like this will be the last Iron Man specific film, which in turn is kind of sad simply because I have enjoyed the Iron Man films as much as I have.

Iron Man 3 was an enjoyable movie that gave the audience a strong look into what the weight of the experiences a super hero goes through. Robert Downey Jr. is simply Tony Stark and with the way they tied everything up so neatly, if they ever go back to reboot whoever gets cast in the role will definitely have a high benchmark to meet if they wish to see the continued success. Like all these super hero movies there is an after credit scene which while it does not hint to an other movies gives a funny back and forth between Tony Stark and Dr. Bruce Banner. the story for Iron Man 3 had its ups and downs, I am giving Iron Man 3 three and three quarter buckets of popcorn out of five. Iron Man 3 is one of those movies that is well worth seeing in the theater to have the whole movie going and watching experience.

-The Movie Man