Perhaps the most emotional installment of the Franchise thus far, Iron Man 3 delivers a long-overdue focus on the relationship between charismatic Billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and his beloved Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). And it is because of this mutual gender appeal that this just might commercially be the must successful of the three Films to date.
Resurfacing from the past, Dr. Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) seeks to reunite with Pepper. Mesmerized by his drastic physical transformation, little does she realize his truest of intentions. We witness devastating mass destruction at the hands of Terrorist The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), with Tony narrowly escaping death once again. As he edges toward the truth, getting ever closer to the Enemy, we realize there may just be more than meets the eye when it comes to locating the origin of Terror. Before we know it, Tony is entrenched in a battle to save not only the one Woman he loves, but also his Country. Mentally at his weakest, Tony must not only battle the Enemy, but also his own personal demons. Having been dependent on his Suit for so long, will Tony be able to overcome the odds and fight this battle based on his own strength alone?
Some may say that Iron Man 3 lacks that one big anticipated Payoff, but amidst the Spectacle, hard-hitting action and high-octane explosions lies heart. The change in direction here under the guidance of Writer/Director Shane Black brings a new energy to the Franchise which die-hard Fans may question, but in all appeals in a way to the type of Moviegoer hoping for a deeper emotional connection. Oddly enough, the use of 3D here at moments feels a tad distant, neither serving nor detracting from the Story in terms of engagement.
No one can deny Downey‘s command of the screen, but Paltrow and her impeccable abdomen at long last get a proper moment to shine here. Pearce literally and figuratively flexes his muscles in this taxing role and although sometimes falling just short of being truly menacing – mostly on a physical level – this is about as fantastic as he’s been in quite some time. Ben Kingsley is an absolute Scene-Stealer, giving Black‘s wit and comedic sense a real opportunity to flourish.
Fans demand entertainment and entertained they will be here with a tempered mix of laughter, love and of course, action. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada releases Iron Man 3 on Friday May 3, 2013.
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Review by: Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong
With the war in New York over, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is left anxious in the aftermath. Sleep eludes him in this latest chapter of the Iron Man Saga, and amidst this insomnia he endeavours to expand his iron empire. Weary from his efforts his arms are nevertheless at peace, for the fight is no longer at his doorstep. However, it soon breaks down his walls, and not just metaphorically.
Within said walls lives not only Mr. Stark, but also his significant other, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Downey and Paltrow reprise these respective roles for the fourth time around and they certainly come through with their tried and tested approach. However, it would have been nice to see them equipped with a script that pushed them further into breach. Nevertheless, they embody what they’ve been given from head to toe. Paltrow is both strong and demure, and Downey as Tony is cocky on the exterior whilst fragile at the core. He is as indestructible as his moniker suggests, with his only weakness being his love for his friends. After his Bodyguard, Happy (Jon Favreau), gets mixed up with The Mandarin’s (Ben Kingsley) Lackeys, he is inspired to take the international Terrorist down. Brash in his reaction, he literally lays out a welcome mat for the oppressor and in doing so those aforementioned walls are blown to bits.
With his home laid to waste and his armour acting up he is left alone with his thoughts half-way across the country. This second act see’s him teaming up with a disenfranchised young Man eager to help Tony get back on track and beating-up the bad guys. Perhaps a little over eager considering the kid leads Tony into the clutches of post-traumatic stress first. Such internal struggle grips the Hero more so than anything else. Being the Billionaire, Philanthropist and former Playboy, there are few external forces capable of crushing him like himself.
There are some however, two to be exact: Dr. Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) and The Mandarin, this dastardly Duo is strongest during the Third Act. Therein, they target all their efforts not only on Tony, but America as a whole. They long to see the star spangled colours run try. To obliterate freedom and enslave all those who seek it. Not outright however, but through a clever and clandestine plan.
There’s no need to reveal the story further, for these are its integral points. How the Story is resolved, and what meat fills its bones are for Fans and Foes alike to witness before the Silver Screen. Suffice it to say, Marvel Comics has stoked the fire further with this Edition. They’ve built a world for the unlikeliest of heroes to thrive in, and thrive he does. And yet, there is a shadow that looms over this installment. Like the word suggests this darkness is not obvious as it fades behind its feet. That said it is there, and this silhouette etched out of light could be called a soul. For the Film seems to lack a fully developed one. Amidst all its pyrotechnics it could have been more poetic. Meaning, its body of course is beautiful, adorned in flashy metals and fancy fashion. But that which lies beneath fails to rise to the surface, save for two magical moments wherein we see that Tony can feel more than confidence. To complain that there are not more is minor at most for there is much in turn to praise.
With all of this said the fact remains that hate it or love it the Iron Man is back again.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada releases Iron Man 3 on Friday, May 3, 2013.
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