Review: 'Iron Man 3' (2013)

Walt Disney Pictures

The Iron Man franchise has had quite an impressive run up to this point. Five years ago Iron Man pleased both critics and audiences as it revitalized the super hero genre and launched a massive Marvel film saga. Of course with this type of success, a sequel is a given so two years later Iron Man 2 made its way to theaters. Last year, Iron Man would make his third appearance in the box office juggernaut The Avengers. That brings us to present day where we find Robert Downey Jr. in his fourth outing as the titular character in Iron Man 3. Although Downey Jr. may be back along with other cast members, Iron Man 3 is a much different film than previous installments with its lead character being the biggest difference. 

Iron Man 3 revolves around the idea that every decision we make effects are future. If we make a poor decision or negatively impact someone, we are, according to Tony Stark, ‘creating demons’. As this is being explained by Stark via voice over, the film begins in 1999 at a conference in Switzerland where we find Stark, charismatic as ever, crossing paths with Maya Hanson (Rebecca Hall), a botanist working on a regenerative treatment, and Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce), a scientist pursuing to work for his Advanced Idea Mechanics company.

Flash forward thirteen years to Christmas 2012, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is suffering from anxiety attacks due to the events that took place in New York when working with The Avengers. At the same time, a terrorist that goes by the name The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) has executed several attacks in the United States with one of them severely injuring Starks body guard Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). While all of this is happening, both Hanson and Killian reappear into Starks life.      

Maybe the most notable difference between the first two Iron Man films and Iron Man 3 is Tony Stark. His genius, arrogant ways are put on the back burner as a more insecure character is put on display. In the past, the character’s humor came from his witty ways and confidence. That is seen in small portions as this time around the humor comes from him looking like the fool instead of him doing the fooling. The more noticeable insecurity of the character is seen through panic attacks. These moments attempt to make for a more human, compelling character but ultimately struggle to make a real impact in the film.

Because of this different type of character, Robert Downey Jr. is limited in what he can do with his performance. One of the biggest reasons Iron Man/Tony Stark is arguably the most beloved character in the now massive Marvel film universe is Downey Jr. Downey Jr. in the role, like the character, is at his best when the character he is taking on is the smartest, brightest and best looking in the room. With this type of character, Downey’s delivery and mannerisms are brilliant but with a more insecure character this is not the case which denies him from taking over the screen.          

It is not just the character that is different as the film, compared to part one and two, in general has a much different feel to it. It quickly becomes clear that Jon Favreau is no longer in the director’s chair as the fast pace he brought to the first two films is gone as his replacement Shane Black slows things down. The quick fire, witty dialogue is in much smaller doses as it is now drawn out and scenes play out longer. This takes away from the entertainment side of thing concerning the characters and humor but as far as action sequences go this is most detailed of the trilogy.

In regards to the humor and action, Iron Man 3 compares closely to The Avengers. This could have to do with Disney’s evolvement or that the films featured in this marvel saga are becoming more and more connected. The Avengers is referenced to twice as much if not more than past Iron Man solo outings but the style resembles it very closely. Like The Avengers, Iron Man 3’s attempt at humor is very corny and applied very thickly. It’s fun, especially for a younger audience but at times it takes away from some of the films more heartfelt moments.

Working more in the films advantage than its humor is its action sequences that also have an Avengers feel to them. The Marvel saga has become noticeably more action based in the last few films but as they are detailed, well thought out sequences it is hard to complain. In fact, I would go as far to say that the most entertaining and impressive aspects of Iron Man 3 are its action sequences. The action packed finale featuring more than one Iron Man is entertaining to say the least.       

Favreau may not be in charge on set anymore but he can be seen a lot more on screen as his character Happy Hogan plays a larger role than ever before. Also playing a larger role and getting into the action is Gwyneth Paltrow as Tony Starks now girlfriend, Pepper Potts. Don Cheadle is also featured reprising his role as Lt. Col. James Rhodes and like before this character is used merely to assist Iron Man when needed. Like any follow up film, plenty of new comers can be found. Rebecca Hall as Maya Hansen and Guy Pierce as Aldrich Killian play crucial roles in the films plot and Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin is noteworthy for his use of a hypnotizing dialect.     

Ones enjoyment level of Iron Man 3 may depend on what previous Marvel films are preferred. If The Avengers was enjoyed, than Iron Man 3 is a must see due to its similar style. If Iron Man and Iron Man 2 were more your cup of tea than you will be far from disappointed but not fully satisfied. What Marvel and Disney are doing may not be anything more than producing well-crafted actioners. In fact, it is clear that less attention is being given to dialogue and characters than there was when this massive saga started five years ago. With that said though, it is still managing to turn out entertaining films which is a reason to experience Iron Man 3.  

Grade: B-