Movie Review: 'Iron Man 3'

After saving the world in ‘The Avengers,’ Tony Stark and Iron Man are back in ‘Iron Man 3.’

Opening nationwide May 3, ‘Iron Man 3’ serves notice to movie fans that summer blockbuster season is officially here.

The marketing campaign for the film has been inescapable. The trailers have given us a glimpse into a darker third chapter in the franchise. And yet, the film succeeds and proves to be a funny, satisfyingly entertaining summer movie in complete contrast to its media posturing.

This isn’t ‘The Dark Knight,’ movie fans. It’s ‘Iron Man,’ and it is clever, funny, exciting and possesses a fun and colorful spirit. Robert Downey Jr., as Tony Stark/Iron Man, once again proves that because of his measurable charm and talents that a comic book movie can be a whole lot of fun.

We find Tony Stark after the “Battle for New York” that took place in ‘The Avengers.’ It seems that saving the planet and nearly dying himself in the process has left him with some issues.

Tony doesn’t sleep much these days and has distanced himself from people via a self-imposed exile wherein he prefers to simply “tinker” with his array of superhero toys. When a villainous character known as “The Mandarin” announces his evil presence on the world, our flawed (and very human) superhero is forced into action.

To say more about the storyline might spoil the fun.

Director Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) has gotten the most out of his cast here. Franchise regulars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and Jon Favreau have all returned. Ben Kingsley (The Mandarin) and Guy Pearce (Aldrich Killian) are the antagonists this time around, and both actors are terrific in their roles.

‘Iron Man 3’ is tonally what a comic book movie should be. It is colorful, loud, witty, and has some fantastic action sequences. What separates ‘Iron Man 3’ from other films in this franchise is that the characters seem more complete, more life-like and real. That distinction is a huge advantage over other superhero franchises which have focused on self-seriousness and the heavy burden of being a hero.

‘Iron Man 3’ is a refreshing, engaging, superhero blast of fun from start to finish.

Familiar to many Marvel fans since the first ‘Iron Man’ film in 2008, this film also has a bonus scene following the end credits.

Flixnerd Rating: ★★★★☆