Iron Man 3
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce
Director: Shane Black
Rating: 4.5/5
It was back in 2010 when we were last treated to an Iron Man movie but this week sees Robert Downey Jr return to his most famous role.
I have always been a huge fan of Downey Jr in this role and he gives another terrific performance as he reunites with director Shane Black for the first time since Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
This time around Tony Stark is on his most personal journey as we see a side to this character that we have never seen before.
When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle.
With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him.
As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?
This is the darkest of the Iron Man movies as Tony Stark’s personal journey continues after the distraction of Avengers Assemble.
But events of Avengers is not overlooked as Stark is struggling with the aftermath of the battle in New York as he tries to comprehend what happened and what he experienced - not to mention what could potentially be around the corner.
Iron Man 3 is the movie that really sees Stark think about who he is and what he has become as he has never really accepted and come to terms with what has happened to him since the first film.
It really is a great performance by Downey Jr as he shows more layers to this character than we have ever seen before. What has worked so well for this franchise over the last few years as the audiences has never lost sight of the man inside the suit.
And the continues with this movie as we see that while Tony stark may wear an impressive suit of armour he is still a man; and that is what keeps audiences coming back for more.
Shane Black must also be applauded for his work on the movie as he has delivered a film that is filled with a multitude of different tones. Iron Man 3 moves from the deep and the dark of Stark’s struggles to cope with what he has become before moving on to lighter moments as Downey Jr banters with Don Cheadle to out and out laughs.
And there really are some very funny moments in this film and you will find yourself laughing more than you ever expected to.
Black balances perfectly the action set pieces that you expect in a movie like this with the more human moments that give the film heart.
Gwyenth Paltrow continues her story arc as Pepper Potts as she has gone from Tony Stark’s personal assistant to more of his equal. With this film she has settled as CEO of Stark Industries and she is another character that does on a huge journey - it’s great to her taking on more of an action role this time around.
There are some new faces on the cast list this time around and Ben Kingsley is absolutely terrific as The Mandarin and the scene where you find who is truly is is absolutely hilarious.
Kingsley tackles this role with real relish and his is one of the performances that you will remember long after you have left the cinema.
My main problem with this movie is there are a lot of superfluous characters; Maya Hansen being the one that really does stand out.
Rebecca Hall is a terrific actress but she really is desperately underused as Hansen is nothing more that a way to kick of this particular story - and that is a major shame as Hall could have brought so much more to this fascinating character.
Iron Man 3 is another fast paced and quality Marvel movie that really shows Downey Jr and the rest of the cast on top form.
Marvel keep producing great movie after great movie and Iron Man 3 really goes kick off Phase 2 in fine style.
It would have been so easy to try and out-do the spectacle of Avengers Assemble but instead Black and co have stayed true to the story and ideas that were laid down by Jon Favreau in the first two movies.
Iron Man 3 is a fantastic piece of entertainment that is packed with terrific action set pieces as well as fascinating and fun characters - this is a film that is not to be missed!!!!
Iron Man 3 is released 25th April.
