2013 Summer Movie Season - Iron Man 3: Review & Analysis

 

 

You Miss Me? Armored Avenger Flies High In First Film of Marvel Phase 2

Review By: Brandon Porter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Stark: The Downed Avenger.

 

Story

   In New York City, The Asgardian Loki brought the terrifying army known as the Chitauri and almost devastated the city. Luckily, the superhero squad known as the Avengers were able to intervene and stop the impending threat. Since then, all the members of the Avengers have disbanded and gone on to do their own thing. Unfortunately for Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr), the aftermath of the events have had a significant effect on him. Unable to sleep and constantly suffering from severe anxiety attacks, Stark is clearly shaken after his traumatic act of heroism which nearly cost him his life. To make matters worse, Tony’s sins of the past are now preparing to come to light and destroy everything he holds dear including his girlfriend Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Now forced to face mega terrorist The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) and a rival genius (Guy Pearce), Tony Stark must now face the threat and answer the question that has haunted him for years…Does the man make the suit?...or does the suit make the man?

 

 

 

 

Tony Stark Shares A Moment With His Lover and Friend Pepper Potts

 

Analysis

            As the official opener of the summer movie season and the first film in Phase 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man 3 was clearly one of the year’s anticipated films. Just a year after the rousing blockbuster that was The Avengers, Marvel Studios clearly was eager to start down the road to their next installment. Safe to say, their off to a hot start, Iron Man 3 blew away the box office competition with an outstanding $174.1 million dollars in its opening weekend and garnered the second-highest opening weekend of all time behind The Avengers. It also holds the record for largest worldwide weekend in IMAX with $28.6 million. As of May 7^th, Iron Man 3 holds a total of $740,699,091 million worldwide. Critically, the film delivered a solid performance as well. With a certified fresh 77% approval rating, Iron Man 3 delivered most of the goods it promised. Fans have expressed their relief that the latest entry is an improvement over the disappointing prior installment Iron Man 2. Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter, stated “After nearly crashing and burning on his last solo flight in 2010, Iron Man returns refreshed and ready for action in this spirited third installment.” McCarthy also stated he was pleased with the film’s much darker and serious tone. Iron Man 3 may be the beginning of the road to Avengers 2, but it is pretty clear the folks at Marvel are putting their best foot forward.

 

 

Tony and Rhodey always got each others back in difficult situations...Even
if it's Tony that gets them into them.

 

Review

            Iron Man 3 was an obvious pick for my top 10 list for 2013. After seeing the avengers, I was eager to see how Marvel would respond to such a monstrous masterpiece that found itself part of the billion dollar club. After experiencing it in IMAX 3D, I have no doubt that Marvel Studios is not letting the honeymoon phase keep them from deliver another Marvel jewel. Iron Man 3 is an all-out adrenaline rush from start to finish. Fans who were disappointed with Iron Man 2 will be pleased to know that that the third entry is more action packed and sophisticated then the prior release. Acting was a strong element in this installment. Robert Downey, Jr delivered once again as Tony Stark. He captured Stark’s emotional struggles perfectly and was truly devoted to his role. I am now convinced that no one can play this character other than him. Guy Pearce was also solid as Aldrich Killian. He portrayed a very convincing villain in this one. I’m not surprised he pulled it off so well given he gave an equally sinister performance in Lawless alongside Tom Hardy and Gary Oldman. As for Ben Kingsley, I could tell he had a great time in his role as The Mandarin. Without giving anything away, he has one of the film’s biggest plot twist that will leave your mouth hanging open so be on the lookout. Other performances that included Rebecca Hall were also very good. Ty Simpkins did a great job as Harley in the film. He charmed the audience and added a lot more humor to the film. Plus, he and Downey, Jr seemed to have fun playing off one another. Gwyneth Paltrow was much more involved in her role as Pepper Potts being her character is able to do more this time around. Don Cheadle has grown tremendously as War Machine/Iron Patriot. He has fully embraced his role and made it his own. Hopefully, the rumor of him appearing in Avengers 2 are true. Now for the good stuff, Action!!! Marvel continues to push the envelope in delivering some of the best action sequences in film. Fast paced, thrilling, fun, intense, and eye popping are just a few words to describe the action in the film. One of the best action movies so far this year, Overall, Iron Man 3 is an improvement over the last entry and a great start toward the road to Avengers 2. Hopefully, Thor: The Dark World, due for release in November, will deliver the same thrills and be just as spectacular.



Rating and Final Thoughts

 

Robert Downey, Jr once again delivers big time as the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist in this latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With three more films set to be released before the May 1^st arrival of Avengers 2, Marvel is clearly on the right path to making cinema history once again.

 

 

 

 

With the latest installment of the Iron Man franchise in the books, Only time will only tell if Robert Downey, Jr will return as the armored avenger or power down for good.