Review: Iron Man 3

NOTE: It’s REALLY hard to review Iron Man 3 without considering the implications of the spoiler elements on the quality of the film. While I won’t explicitly state what happens, it will be hinted- so be warned.

My memory of the first Iron Man is a great one, despite not having revisited the film since its release and only recalling scant details. It was relatively flashy, not overtly cheesy comic-book feel with slight realistic infusion, but the main draw was the enigmatic nature Robert Downey Jr. brought to the table. Since then, Marvel has introduced the “phasing” of releasing their films; a subset of features essentially mounting towards the next Avengers feature. On one hand, we get the execution of a seemingly impossible project, which is an impressive feat. The downfall is the devaluation that comes with the “Phasing” projects that build up to the main feature.

Captain America and Thor suffered similar afflictions, but it felt like the fatigue was more from the overabundance of origin stories with the resurgence of the Superhero genre. Iron Man 3 proves that it’s a pattern- this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as much as it sounds like one. The film is good fun, allowing audiences to revisit RDJ before The Avengers 2 is released in 2014. But the film feels like a compilation of short issues of a comic book, a fun diversion but relatively ineffectual when put next to counterpart films that feel like juggernaut graphic novels.

Not all superhero movies should be expected to be approached with the self-seriousness of Christopher Nolan; Iron Man 3 shouldn’t be faulted for being emotionally stunted, because it isn’t what it’s supposed to be. But it feels like it tries at times. The terrorist sequences don’t induce panic as they should, and the intricacy of the villainous plot felt underdeveloped. But Tony Stark’s descent into madness, and the resounding effect his new flaw brings to every character is well done. It added a new layer to the character that distinguishes him from Thor and The Hulk- his superhero counterpart is a man. More importantly is the issue of whether or not Iron Man is the suit or Tony Stark, a central theme explored in the film.

The screenwriters have bounced back significantly from the weak Iron Man 2. While the film doesn’t feel like the loaded epic that it could be, it’s got all the elements that make Iron Man a capstone superhero series. It’s funny, thrilling, driving, and is able to have fun both with and without the armor. The addition of Pepper as a hero and not a damsel in distress is welcome- given this day and age, it feels a bit antiquated how helpless women are consistently portrayed in the genre. Her assertiveness and comfort in protecting Tony was one nuance that made the film a step above its Marvel counterparts.

The different reactions to Marvel’s first Phase II feature, Iron Man 3, have been interestingly polarizing. Advanced critical screenings were overwhelmingly enthusiastic, noting a return to form after a tepid second feature, darker tones, and considerable character development in the aftershock of last summer’s epic The Avengers. Fans were furious over a considerable rewrite to a pivotal character that cheapens their effect. In context with the movie, it works- Iron Man has consistently been about engineering tactical elements of warfare, and the film uses the twist to stay true with that and operate within a motif that’s more effective for modern society. Would I have preferred the character to continue in the direction he followed in the comic books? Yes, but the creative decision was attended to that I didn’t bat an eyelash until I left the theater.

The action scenes were pretty great, with some stellar visual effects. Despite the plot feeling a bit undercooked, the blockbuster scenes were what thrill-seeking audiences crave- there’s a bit of diversity to the risk of the situations, and the scope of the climax is theatricality at its best. Some of the more gaping plot holes become evident at the end (how exactly are the regenerating humans killed only at the end?) but at the end of the day, one must consider the drastic suspension of belief required to engage with a film like Iron Man 3.

It sounds like I’m complaining a lot about the film, when in truth it’s a solid way to kick off the summer movie season. It’s a rollicking good time for everyone, a meticulous balance of adrenaline, plot, character, and humor without overdoing any singular elements. If anything, the film is worth it for the still relentless charm of Robert Downey Jr.

Grade: B