Better than you would expect from a '3' film.

Rating: 7/10 (3 October 2013)

I enjoyed this film.
With that summary statement out of the way (I sometimes tend to be esoteric in my analysis), I will touch on the things that I liked and did not like which should in no way sway the opinion you should make for yourself; ultimately (and obviously), a review of anything is just someone publishing a personal preference.
Liked (in roughly descending order of appeal):
-The dialog writing for the Stark character was, by far, my favorite of the four films featuring Robert Downey Jr. I really feel that the style of the actor and the character dialog have finally meshed into a brilliantly cohesive personality.
-The CGI work was nearly seamless. I do not know if this is the result of the film's post crew, or if it's just the improving industry technology: I just know that for a refreshing change for my capacity to suspend disbelief and enjoy the film wasn't constantly bludgeoned with overly-conspicuous FX.
-Far superior pacing over Iron Man 2 (no offense, Mr. Favreau the first installation is still my favorite of the Iron Man series). Specifically, the tendency for the second installation to side-track for superfluous humorous tangents was thankfully missing in this edition. I have nothing against comedy I just prefer it to be subtle or pace-sensitive in an action film.
-Casting: A believable child character (Ty Simpkins) that didn't continuously bring the story to a saccharine-cute halt. Also, the limited screen time for non-plot support cast was appreciated.
-Gag Reel in the special features. It should be a law for any and every film to have this extra on the DVD release.
Kudos for disparaging reference to the DC Comics upcoming film response to The Avengers. All apologies, but I'm a Marvel fan with a sarcastic streak who is apparently easily amused.
Disliked (in roughly descending order of annoyance):
-Another example of the sequel cliché need for 'more'. The apparent requirement of Hollywood to 'one up' the previous film in a series by piling on gratuitous action; knowing how a film is going to resolve itself before the first frame even rolls is insanely tedious. I understand that this peeve will never be addressed; they are produced this way because it is profitable to do so.
I'm also a hypocrite, as I purchased this DVD without ever seeing the film in theaters, knowing full well I was only reinforcing this practice by paying the film-makers for their platitudes. I can still hope the next film in the series deviates from the trend and relies less on fast cuts and bigger explosions, and more on talented screenplay, writing and cinematography (I will, however, still buy the Iron Man 4 DVD unless something utterly unacceptable and tragic occurs such as letting Michael Bay direct or recasting Downey).
-Formula plot: The fallen hero who rises to an underdog victory. It's used extensively because people like it. Hell, I like it. The problem is that it really doesn't do much to imprint itself on the part of the brain that likes to remember bits of art that strikes a uniquely creative chord. It's rather like having a slice of your favorite cake; pleasant but hardly memorable.
-Villains too derivative of the nemesis character in 'Terminator 2'; I could not stop my mind from generating the T2 signature percussive rhythm in all of the super-villain sequences.
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A post-script to screenwriters and directors: If you are among those who feel 'professional' critiques of films are the only credible measure of your work, then allow me a suggestion: Why not only read user reviews, and avoid anyone anywhere who gets paid to review films? In the information age, you need no longer prostitute yourselves to the thumb position of celebrity critics.