Proof that not everything good comes in three's

Rating: 6/10 (10 May 2013)

Like every Marvel fan, I was eagerly anticipating Marvel's "Phase 2" in the movie universe, first of which was the 3rd instalment of Robert Downy Juniors run as Iron Man.
However this time around, it's a little bit different, as Jon Favreau steps down as director and in his place steps Shane Black (Lethal Weapon 1-4, Last Action Hero, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). And if there's anything comic book movies have tough me, not everything good comes in 3's (Superman III, Batman Forever/Batman & Robin, Blade Trinity... the list goes on).
Now that's not to say its on the same level as "Batman & Robin" far from it, however after sitting through a somewhat lengthy movie (it's a lot longer than the last two), it definitely shows why a change of director isn't always a good idea ( anybody remember X-Men 3?? Yeah probably best not to..). While the last two get their fair share of criticism, they were at least consistent plot wise whereas this one sadly, is all over the shop. While this is designed as a follow up to last Summers box office smash "The Avengers", it really doesn't feel like it at times.
Now.... on to the characters. While RDJ and Cheadle do a fantastic job as Iron Man and War Machine, they're barely ever there. Unlike the last two films, the screen time is mostly given to Tony Stark rather than Iron Man, who takes a beating early on in the film by The Mandarin (more on him later). Along the way he befriends a boy who later becomes his "sidekick" (I use that term loosely but it's true) and he comes back to fight. Only..... The Mandarin isn't quite what we're lead to first believe and we later find out a big spoiler later on.
Overall, it's not a bad movie as I've said... but it's definitely not the strongest in the Iron Man movies either. Of course this review is purely opinion, and you're more than welcome to go and watch it yourself, however if you're a comic book fan like myself there's a chance you won't like this movie.
5/10