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:
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