Monday, June 3, 2013

"I'm Tony Stark. I build neat stuff, got a great girl, occasionally save the world. So why can't I sleep?" (Iron Man 3, 2013)

Movie: Iron Man 3

Rating: PG-13

Release Year: 2013

Notable Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley

Stars: 2.5

Review: I liked this movie. We find a different Tony Stark than we have seen in the previous two movies, a superhero who is a bit bruised after some significant failures in the 2nd movie. Tony now deals with insomnia, nightmares, and panic attacks, on top of a broken Iron Man suit. But, we then see Iron Man do what all great superheroes do-- rise up with renewed strength and vigor.

~~Brief interlude~ I love love love superhero movies, and I have observed that the successful ones seem to follow a pretty classic recipe:
1st movie: Hero has lots of successes.
2nd movie: Hero encounters lots of failure and a subsequent identity crisis that we see further developed in the 3rd movie. The 2nd movie also often involves getting the girl; if not in the 2nd, then definitely in the 3rd.
3rd movie: Hero licks his wounds and then comes back fighting with renewed strength. He has lots of successes. He develops his relationship with his girlfriend. Most importantly, he makes the crucial decision about whether or not to continue using his superhero powers. If he decides to forgo using the powers, it is typically because he chooses to protect and prioritize the woman he loves. ~~~~

Without giving too much away, Iron Man 3 follows the recipe described above, and the plot is well-constructed. Acting by RDJ and the villain is particularly noteworthy. As usual, I find Pepper Potts to be such a boring leading lady for Iron Man, but in this movie she is admittedly more interesting than she has ever been. GP does an okay job as always. I do have to take away some starrage for special effects, stunts, etc. It was over the top. Also, in this final movie, I would have liked to see another ingenious invention by Iron Man, as one of the coolest things about this superhero is that his powers are built on his intellect.

Good date movie? YES. We love superhero movies!

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