Saturday, September 28, 2013

Iron Man 3 (DVD REVIEW)


Iron Man 3

DVD Review by Kam Williams

Robert Downey,Jr. Reprises Title Role as Smart Aleck Superhero

            This film is the seventh installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series kickstarted by Iron Man 1 in 2008 and followed in succession by The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers. This episode remains true to the basic comic book adaptation formula in that it pits a superhero against a diabolical villain bent on world domination.
            However, Iron Man always adds a little more to the trademark mix of derring-do and visually-captivating special f/x thanks to Robert Downey, Jr.’s bringing so much charm to the title character. Downey again delights, delivering a plethora of pithy comments, whether playing bon vivant billionaire Tony Stark or his intrepid alter ego.
            Also reprising their roles are People Magazine’s reigning Most Beautiful Woman in the World Gwyneth Paltrow as Iron Man’s love interest Pepper Potts, Don Cheadle as his best friend Rhodey, and Jon Favreau (the director of episodes 1 and 2) as chauffeur-turned-obsessive chief of security Happy Hogan. And critical additions include Ty Simpkins as Harley, Iron Man’s prepubescent, new sidekick and Sir Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin, the maniacal spokesman for an international terrorist organization.
            The point of departure is Bern, Switzerland on New Year’s 2000 which is where we find Tony Stark declining an offer to go into business being made by Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce), a disabled scientist who ostensibly covets an experimental drug being developed by Stark Industries botanist Dr. Maya Hansen (Rebecca Hall). The storyline immediately fast-forwards from Y2K to the present as a string of bombings are being ostensibly orchestrated by The Mandarin.
            Against his better judgment, Tony dares the madman to a fight, and no sooner is his oceanfront home leveled by a barrage of incoming rockets. Fortunately, a number of Iron Man outfits were left unscathed and, with the help of precocious Harley and pal Rhodey (aka Iron Patriot), he proceeds to get to the bottom of who is really behind the attacks bombings.
            Brace yourself for an array of visually-captivating stunt work interrupted intermittently by comical, tongue-in-cheek comments courtesy of our smart aleck protagonist. Fast-forward past the closing credits and you will be rewarded with a brief session of Iron Man decompressing on the shrink’s couch with Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo).   
            In sum, a worthy addition to the vaunted Marvel franchise.

Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for intense violence and brief sensuality.
Running time: 130 minutes
Distributor: Buena Vista Home Entertainment  
Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack Extras: Gag reel; director Shane Black and scriptwriter Drew Pearce audio commentary; Deconstructing the Scene: Attack on Air Force One; deleted and extended scenes; behind-the-scenes look at Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World; Marvel One Shot: Agent Carter; and more.   

To see a trailer for Iron Man 3, visit:
        

 

No comments: