Three must be Hollywood’s lucky number as it loves trilogies. Recent years have been littered with them with actors having ‘sequel clauses’ written into their contracts. Not that Robert Downey Jnr needed much persuading to appear in Iron Man 3 as his enthusiasm for the series has been noticeable. Based on the Marvel comic book created by Stan Lee, the character has revitalised his career with a franchise showing no sign of slowing down.
After all he holds dear is nearly destroyed, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jnr.) aims to even the score. Standing defiant against the mysterious terrorist The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) and the machinations of embittered rival Killian (Guy Pearce), Stark calls on help. Aided by James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and girlfriend Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow), he ensures Iron Man’s final battle is one worthy of the armoured avenger he created.
Although full of spectacular pyrotechnics and dazzling effects, Iron Man 3 offers a more personal story. With half the screen-time given over to Stark as he grapples with his arrogance and heroic creation, this allows the viewer to examine what drives his actions. Even these scenes are full of fun and energy with a plot moving at lightning speed. That’s the pleasing aspect of this series – each instalment has its own identity while further exploring its characters.
Directed by Shane Black, the action looks incredible with the script having a good mix of humour and drama. Although some characters could have been better developed, the twists involving them are genuinely surprising. It’s not often a second sequel works and it is pleasing Iron Man 3 does with the villains displaying true menace. The regular cast are completely at ease in their roles as they inject enough playfulness to let audiences in on the joke. They still take the story seriously with the flavour of the comics successfully transferred to the screen.
Iron Man 3 is a fun, quickly moving block-buster. If the series ends with this film it goes out on a high note which would be a good way in leaving fans hungry for more.
Patrick Moore
Rating out of 10: 8
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