A Bit Better Than I Expected, Yet Still Disappointing

Rating: 6/10 (10 May 2013)

Let me begin by saying that I'm not much of a comic book fan and don't really know much about the background of the villains portrayed in the film. I say that because many people are absolutely shredding this film for how it utilizes one of the villains in the film. So, if you're like me, that's not likely to bother you very much and you'll probably enjoy the movie much more than comic book fans are. After all, Iron Man 3 is actually a decent third movie in what could be the last movie of a trilogy.
In many ways, Iron Man 3 is a typical third movie. Stark is faced with his most challenging foes yet, and comes dangerously close to losing absolutely everything. This makes the film slightly darker than the previous instalments, though the constant jokes keep the mood still very light. However, it should be said that the dialogue feels a long way off from the first movie; the one-liners in this film seem quite forced and they are decidedly less funny for one reason or another. This brings me to my major gripe with the film: the writing. The "story" here is nothing short of a disaster, with misguided motivations, twists and turns that don't really make sense, and enough plot holes to make your head spin. However, despite all that, the movie is saved by Downey Jr., who breathes life into the Iron Man character.
Aside from Downey Jr., the supporting cast does an alright job. Gwyneth Paltrow returns as Pepper Potts, and does as good a job as she could've with what she was given. Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley are introduced as the two central villains of the movie, and both really suffer from the writing here. Pearce, who was incredible in Christopher Nolan's Memento, is stuck with a two dimensional role surrounded by ridiculous special effects, and is never really given a chance to do anything special here. Kingsley's role is tough to describe without giving anything away, but his performance is very good given the garbage he was expected to bring to life. In addition, Don Cheadle and Jon Favreau return as War Machine and Happy Hogan, and both do well with their minor roles.
One thing you can't knock about the film are the special effects. The CGI sequences are stunning (as expected) and the 3D option certainly enhanced the visuals. The score is decent here as well, although it doesn't really stand out like some of the other superhero movies (like The Dark Knight).
All in all, it's an entertaining movie. After the disaster that was the second movie, I expected this to be awful. I may have been right about the story, but the film does a good job of holding your attention and will keep you entertained for a few hours (although you will forget it as soon as you leave the theater). It's a shame that this film couldn't restore the series to the excellence of the first film, but hopefully the next movie (it it's even made) can accomplish that.
RATING: 6/10