'Iron Man 3': A worthy edition to close out the series

Rating: 7/10 (3 May 2013)

"Iron Man 3" closes out the Marvel Studios/Disney Pictures franchise in fine style, but still leaves some important logical questions, especially dealing with the upcoming sequels to other Marvel films as well as part two of the wildly successful "The Avengers."
Directed by Shane Black (a screenwriter of "Predator," "Lethal Weapon" and "RoboCop" fame; and the helmer of "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang"), who replaces Jon Favreau (who has a small role in this production), may be doing things by the numbers, but the effort is certainly far above the disappointing second installment, but falls below the classic original.
This time out, Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr. who has come a long way since his debut in 1986's "Back To School") is having anxiety attacks and cannot sleep due to the stress of his superhero position, as well as the wear and tear on his body.
Having just saved the world - again - with the help of his Marvel cohorts, he finds himself dealing with more menaces, including an Osama bin-Laden-like villain, the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley, who won an Academy Award for "Gandhi") and a scientist whom Stark humiliated years before, Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce, "LA Confidential," "Prometheus").
Killian, working with one of Stark's old girlfriends, Maya Hansen (Rebecca Hall, "The Town"), develops a DNA-altering drug which either causes takers to explode or become glowing, bright red atomic supermen. After each of these explosions, Mandarin somehow manages to hijack America's broadcasting capabilities to take credit and blame hapless Pres. Ellis (William Sadler, "Trespass") for the tragedies.
Stark, in an unwise fit of pique, boldly announces his address to the bad guy, a move that brings not only the world's media to his secluded ocean cliff domicile, but an air attack which devastates his home and leads to the capture of his significant other, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow).
Taking a side trip to Tennessee to find out why a soldier blew himself and several other people to bits, Stark discovers (with the aid of moppet Harley, played by Ty Simpkins) things are not all that they seems to be.
He also finds out that the Mandarin is not all he seems to be, either, which leads to one of the few really funny scenes in the production (although the movie is peppered with snappy rejoinders and one-liners from the sardonic Stark).
Finally forced into a final confrontation to save not only Potts and the world, but himself, as well, Stark is compelled to call upon ally, the Iron Patriot (formerly War Machine, Don Cheadle), and a host of remote-controlled Iron Man suits.
These highly-charged action sequences may not be the most inventive ever put on screen, but certainly fit the bill for this closing segment. Not so special in the 3D department, the results are especially exhilarating and at once exasperating. Black's ability to overcome the lame bad guy (Mickey Rourke) in part two with two legitimate villains here (although, like previously written, there is a nice twist) makes "Iron Man 3" even more viable.
Playing Stark for the last time (persumably), Downey, Jr. (who has already collected two Oscar nominations for "Chaplin" and "Tropic Thunder") outdoes any of Black's morose, self-despising characters with his brooding introspection interrupted by bouts of sheer panic. Kingsley shines, as well, going from pure evil to various other emotions. Both performances are absolute joy and especially appreciated in an actioner like this.
Then, of course, there is the special effects, which like the last two films is supervised by Matt Aiken ("District 9," "Avatar" and "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey") and features faultless and seamless CGI which turns the evil army of Killian and the Mandarin's into frightening burning ember minions, while the Iron Men creations are wonderfully brilliant and detailed.
Also, be sure to look for the franchises trademarks: a quick, but hilarious cameo by character creator Stan Lee; and a great closing scene for those willing to sit through at least 10 minutes worth of credits.
Overall, while not as terrific as the first, it does return the series to its exciting and enticing roots and well worth a trip or two to the cinemaplex to absorb the entire experience.