Another Grand Entertainment

Rating: Null/10 (5 May 2013)

Iron Man 3 (2013)
*** (out of 4)
Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) calls out a terrorist known as The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) and soon everything he knows or cares about is in danger. With the help of a special chemical created by a madman (Guy Pearce), the Mandarin plans to destroy the world and take Iron Man out with it. IRON MAN 3 isn't a flawless movie but it's certainly a very entertaining one that packs plenty of punch from the opening sequence to the last. I personally enjoyed the second film in the series, although I'm well aware than many hated it and those same people are calling this one a return to form. Well, this here is certainly a step up from the second film and it almost reaches the level of the first one. I think the greatest thing going for this third film is that it offers up pretty of funny moments. As usual Stark is full of jokes and wise-cracks and of course Downey is just perfect in delivering them. If the first two films didn't already prove it this one here certainly does but Downey was just perfect casting for this character and I can't think of anyone who would have been better. The supporting cast is strong as usual with Kingsley turning in a very good performance as the villain and his voice in the terrorist videos was extremely effective. Both Don Cheadle and Gwyneth Paltrow return and are fun but I can't say the screenplay did either of them any favors. Rebecca Hall, Jon Favreau and Ty Simkins were good and it's always fun seeing Miguel Ferrer. It was especially great seeing Pearce back in a good role and the underrated actor does a very good job with it. The action scenes are all extremely well-done and I thought the CGI was very impressive and mixed in well with the live action. The story itself wasn't the strongest in the world but there's no question that the screenplay got the humor right and it gave us situations and characters that kept us involved. Director Shane Black keeps the film moving at a very fast pace and there's no question that he never lets the viewer doze off or lose interest in what's going on. IRON MAN 3 is certainly a great way to kick off the summer season and it's good to see that three films in (four if you count THE AVENGERS) they're still delivering the goods.