No sign of an Avengers Hangover

Rating: 8/10 (27 April 2013)

OK, Reviewing a film so quick after it's release can put people off reading it, so I shall proceed with NO SPOILERS as I think people should experience films themselves, BUT I will nod to parts of the film, that if you have seen will understand. If You don't want to risk a SPOILER FREE Review of the film possibly ruining it for you, then STOP reading and GO SEE THE FILM and come back.
Right, Iron Man 3! The Shane Black Directed, Robert Downey Jr Starring Threequel to the Iron Man Series. Picking up after the events in new York ( That's The Avengers to those who weren't sure what they were talking about - I Know there were a few people asking that ) and we are shown Tony Stark trying to shake off the whole mental-ness of Aliens, Worm Holes, Big Green Men and a Man with a Hammer falling from the Sky. The Film proceeds to delve into more of Tony Stark and his inner demons coming to the surface due to his previous Drink induced, Arrogant and Egotistical party lifestyle coming back to haunt him. Showing his attitude towards the people he loves the most and how he is prepared to do anything to save them. Bring in an old acquaintance who has ideas and ways to help heal people in the midst of a Terrorist ( or a Teacher as he likes to call himself ) appearing on the TV Screens and threatening to Bomb more and more places until he can get The presidents attention. That is pretty much all I can say story wise. That's the general set up. BAD GUY appears, Rival Scientist Guy appears, James Rhodes ( AKA War Machine/Iron Patriot ) is around to lend a hand and Pepper Potts is caught in the crossfire. Simple Stuff.
The Entire Film was thoroughly enjoyable, although slightly predictable at times ( and extremely UN-predictable at times ) but none of this was a problem. Coming off the back of The Avengers Movie and the lack lustre Iron Man 2, This film had a lot riding on it.
With Jon Favreau Out of the Directors seat, but still much a part of the film as Tony and Peppers Security Man ( And given a meaty scene to deal with ) it was all eyes on Shane Black. Now a lot of people won't have heard of Shane Black, So let me give you the names of a few films he has written - Lethal Weapon 1 and 2 - The Long Kiss Goodnight - The Last Boy Scout - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang ( Which he Debut Directed )
So Straight away, if you know these films, the script is a major part of his entire appeal. In Kiss Kiss Bang Bang ( Also starring RDJ ) he exploded on the scene with slick directing and witty dialogue. I'm pretty sure this was a main factor for getting the job, as well as RDJ putting in a good word for him. From the Out, this felt like a NEW tone and style for an Iron Man film. With it's immediate witty and slick dialogue between all the characters and the Action set ups that fill you with dread, the film set off with a new aim.........and that aim was to make Tony Stark more than just a man in a suit!
I for one would say Tony Stark spends 80% of this film OUT of the Suit, making The Iron Man Suit a sub character.This Film is all about Tony Stark and I for one am all for that. The main reason Iron Man works is due to the way the character is played. In the Comic Book world the Suit/Armour is usually the thing people want to see. People want to see more Batman than Bruce Wayne, More Superman than Clark Kent, More Wonder Woman than Diana and so on. Iron Man works more simply because RDJ plays Tony Stark so well and makes you root for him, even though his ethics and morals to begin with are a bit dubious.
The entire film was brilliantly paced, never dulling and always bringing in great Action sequences ( the Plane Rescue is a triumph ) and brilliant and witty Dialogue
Kid: You're going to leave me just like my Father did Tony Stark: (pause) yes.
The supporting cast were great and played their parts great. Guy Pearce ( an underrated actor in my opinion ) is great as usual as the rival scientist who Tony Stark isn't a fan of, Rebecca Hall ( Who made the Skirt and Trainers combo look Sexy ) was underused but still worth her due in the film, Paul Bettany ( The Voice of Jarvis ) was great in some witty and exceptional exchanges, Gwyneth Paltrow ( Utterly Gorgeous ) finally gets to do something worthwhile as Pepper Potts, Don Cheadle ( Subtly Excellent ) manages to tease us with more to come with his character and Ben Kingsley ( Ben F*****G Kingsley ) is without a doubt the BEST thing in this movie! He really took this role with both hands and really went to town with it. A Joy to watch!
So All in All I was exceptionally pleased with Iron Man 3. I think it sets up Phase 2 of The Marvel Avengers Saga and has gotten me excited to see Thor 2 and Captain America 2 when they are released.
Verdict: Great Film, NOT a masterpiece but definitely well worth a watch.
Have you seen it? what did you think? Let me know. @BarkerPodcasts