An Underrated Sequel

Rating: 7/10 (23 April 2020)

Iron Man 3 is one of those MCU films that many simply forget about. And it's easy to see why. In the grand scheme of things, this film does not add much to the universe. But that is precisely why this movie is so enjoyable. Not every single movie in the MCU has to be part of a bigger story. Some films should stand on their own, and this film does that exceptionally well.
Of course, this film does have its problems. This film came out during the time that Marvel had a major villain problem, and Adriach Killian is not a particularly fascinating character. Then there is the Mandarin, whom I think the movie handled rather cleverly. There are plot holes, which do make the experience less enjoyable.
The action scenes especially are really different and intense. Instead of most of the action being about two big robots shooting each other, it instead focuses on Tony Stark trying to get himself out of sticky situations without only his ingenuity. The action in this film is relatively sprinkled out, with just enough of it until the final battle, which is both visually impressive and exciting.
RDJ's performance as usual is pretty great, as is the humor. The script constantly pokes holes at some of the cliches that modern action films usually have, which are pretty funny. The film starts to really get good at the end of the first act, when Tony is forced to go on the run, but it's pretty consistent from there on.
If you're looking for a film that's deeply inter-connected in the MCU and is necessary for the overall universe, then this film is probably not for you. But if you simply want a stand-alone movie that focuses more on Tony Stark and his troubles that is pretty simple and small scale, then this is the film for you.