Ironman 3

When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.





Actor Name Morale Photograph
Robert Downey, Jr. Iron Man Hero Iron Man
Gwyneth Paltrow Pepper Potts Assisstant company owner Gwyneth Paltrow
Don Cheadle Lt. Col. James Rhodes Tony's Friend Don Cheadle
Guy Pearce Aldrich Killian Enemy trying to take over Guy Pearce




As the first Marvel Studios movie released after last year’s Avengers, and the first film in Marvel Studios phase two (consisting of Iron Man 3, Thor 2, Captain America 2, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Avengers 2), Iron Man 3 has some significant pressure on its shoulders. Thankfully Iron Man 3 proves itself to be more than able to withstand such pressure by being a fantastic action blockbuster and addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unlike the previous two Iron Man movies which were directed by Jon Favreau (who still returns as Happy Hogan, Stark Industry’s head of security), Iron Man 3 is directed by Shane Black, the action movie icon responsible the writing and creating Lethal Weapon and the criminally underrated Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (also starring Downey Jr). This continues a trend of Marvel choosing slightly unexpected directors to produce the best film. Black brings new life to the franchise after the rather stale (but still perfectly watchable) Iron Man 2. However despite this film’s many successes, there is one lingering problem, Iron Man as a character is beginning to feel somewhat overexposed, this is Downey Jr’s fourth time playing Tony Stark (fifth if you count his appearance in The Incredible Hulk’s post credit sequence) in five years, with him either leading the films entirely or playing a significant role. But this is a flaw stemming from popularity and not error. Shane Black and Drew Pearce’s script for this film is very witty and makes great use of Robert Downey Jr’s comic talents. Especially his banter with his computer system Jarvis and a child sidekick who has a brief role (it isn’t as bad as it sounds). The wittiness works so well that one scene in particular, a scene which has a massive impact on the narrative is actually very funny and was completely unexpected (the scene made light of some of the film’s unusual casting choices). However I predict that this scene will have a mixed reaction with some seeing it as a betrayal of tone. That said the humour is balanced extremely well with the dramatic parts of the film, something quite surprising as Iron Man 3 sees Tony Stark at his very lowest. The events of the Avengers hangs over this film like a shadow, Tony Stark is traumatised by the memory of it and the world at large seems baffled in the aftermath of a large scale alien invasion featuring two figures from mythology having active roles. It is used well however only Stark seems at all affected by a massive attempted alien invasion. However unlike the previous film in the series Iron Man 2, there is no need to help build up momentum for the Avengers and thus it stands much better on its own. The film’s narrative is loosely based off the popular Extremis storyline, but it mostly goes in its own direction. Some of the twists and revelations were quite predictable at times. However quite surprisingly, the film touches (extremely lightly) on some geopolitical and philosophical themes including terrorism and the ethics of genetic engineering. But of course as this is a big budget blockbuster, these themes are only glanced at. It does feel somewhat less focused and tight than the first Iron Man, however far more happens and a much bigger danger is faced this time around. However it’s not hard to follow and the somewhat chaotic way the story is told feels intentional, an attempt to demonstrate that the Iron Man isn’t always in control and that danger could come from anywhere, and often does. Some people have complained that the Iron man suit (inexplicably already at Mark 43 when it was only Mark 7 during the Avengers) barely features, this is moderately true, it is just as much a Tony Stark film as an Iron Man one. However there are plenty enough scenes featuring the suit (or suits) that it is not missed too much and the story is so well told that you don’t really notice. Also those wanting their fill of Iron Man action will be more than satisfied in the final battle. This film is very well acted, with Robert Downey Jr giving one of his best performances in years, and the same said for Gwyneth Paltrow who sends her character in some surprising directions. Some actors such as Rebecca Hall, feel somewhat underused and their appearance unnecessary, however it is possible that they had a larger role that was trimmed down in post production. Sir Ben Kingsley gives a good multi faceted performance as The Mandarin Iron Man’s primary antagonist. Some people have noted the strange accent he uses, especially considering the comic character is Chinese (that said that is far from the only difference between the movie Mandarin and comic counterpart). But in the film it is given a sufficient explanation. Iron Man 3 rivals The Avengers in terms of on screen action and intensity, and unlike the last two Iron Man films there is far less metal on metal fighting, making the action feel all the more visceral. All of the action is expertly done, well shot, choreographed and performed.
review by
-Gabriel's writings-

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