This Mama's Life

Iron Man 3 Review – Now in Theaters!

11 Comments

Disclosure: Purchases made through links provide us with a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to our disclosure policy for more information.

Share
Pin
Tweet
0 Shares

Thanks to MI Savings Mama and Metro Detroit Mommy, I was able to attend a sneak preview of Iron Man 3 on Monday night, April 29 at Emagine Movie Theaters in Novi, Michigan.  There was some definite excitement as this was an opportunity to see a movie before its release date.  This particular showing was in 3D. The theater handed out specially made glasses in the style of either Iron Man’s armor or his sidekick, Iron Patriot.

As for the movie itself, Robert Downey Jr. really shined throughout, playing his character with the charm, wit, and the high level of egocentricity that the character Tony Stark is known for.  In fact, much of the movie elicited big laughs from the audience.  The script, written by Drew Pearce and director Shane Black, was chockful of snappy, hilarious dialogue. All the actors delivered with great timing.  Some of the best moments were especially between Downey and 11 year old child actor, Ty Simpkins.  Simpkins seemed to effortlessly match the same relaxed delivery that Downey is known for. This helped to create some extremely funny moments that were probably improvised.
Of course, a Marvel movie just isn’t a Marvel movie without incredible special effects, and Iron Man 3 did not fail to deliver.  While I’m not the biggest fan of 3D, this particular film used it unobtrusively. It actually helped heighten some very tense, well thought-out action sequences.  One particular scene where several characters were free-falling from a great height was rendered even more nail-biting in 3D as Tony Stark and his onboard computer, J.A.R.V.I.S., had to make several quick calculations on how to save everyone.  The depth of the height and the realistic effects produced a sense of vertigo that I don’t normally feel with 3D.
There was also a particularly satisfying final battle that I felt was missing from the first 2 films.  Iron Man did face off against villains in those, but they weren’t particularly long nor did they really seem to have the sense of urgency that this film helped elicit.  Not to mention the multiple nods to comic book fans who will be quickly scanning the screen to find out why the most current incarnation of Tony Stark’s suit is labeled Mark 47.
Some other fun tugs at the fans who have been following the entire Marvel movie series are frequent references to the Avengers film. Also there was a very well placed punchline Easter egg scene at the end of the credits.  Stay to the end and the frequent voice-over narratives that Tony Stark has throughout the movie takes on a different meaning.  Also, the use of the Mandarin as a bad guy doesn’t end up being what one might expect. (Especially if one demands slavish attention to the comic book origins of this character.)  But it does create an extremely memorable character for Sir Ben Kingsley who is very much enjoying the role he has been given.
There are a couple of nits for me to pick.  I wasn’t entirely sold on the ‘anxiety’ subplot that Tony Stark had to endure.  Downey did his best to sell this, and it does setup a very funny scene with Ty Simpkins.  But it seems shoe-horned in.  Also, Tony Stark is given physical abilities outside the suit that seem best suited for a Hong-King action flick.  He sometimes makes incredible jumps that would break a normal man’s ankles.
One of the biggest complaints I had against the earlier movies is that Pepper Potts, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, was always given the “damsel-in-distress” role.  In this movie, she’s given a much bigger part to play. Paltrow makes the most of it, managing to be the savior instead of the savee.

All-in-all, this is a great popcorn flick with incredible effects. It should be considered one of the better Marvel films out there.  There hves been questions raised if Downey will return to film another Iron-Man movie.  He is guaranteed to return for an Avengers sequel but his contract for future Iron Man movies is up.  He has stated that he feels “there’s a couple other things we’ve gotta do” with his character. That might leave the interpretation of the final text on the screen, “Tony Stark will return”, up for interpretation.  If they’re able to keep up this kind of excitement in possible future installments, I’m all for it.

Much Thanks to Chancellor for this Great Review!

Disclosure:  Author Received a ticket for this movie in exchange for this review.  All opinions are those of the Authors.

About Amy

Workaholic turned SAHM to 3 amazing kids. Amy is a Social media lover turned blogger who writes about all things related to life: cooking, parenting, family events, drinks (Hey, we all need one once in a while!) and Local Michigan happenings.

Comments

  1. Stacie says

    I really enjoyed this movie, I can’t wait to see it again! I’m also interested in the “Tony Stark will return” bit, I know the contract is up, but I would love an Iron Man 4!

    Reply

  2. Chancellor Wyman says

    Silly nerd correction.

    I said Mark 47 for the latest suit Tony was wearing. It’s actually the Mark 42.

    I’m a dork. 🙂

    Enjoy the movie Stacie!

    Reply

  4. Kayce says

    My family and I saw this movie a week ago and yes overall it is a good movie to watch. I also like the funny and humorous scenes of Tony with Ty Simpkins. Its an action packed, good special effects and entertaining movie to watch with.

    Reply

  7. Allyson Rose Becker says

    I love Iron Man and love love love Robert Downey Jr. This looks like the best movie in the series yet. Cannot wait to see it.

    Reply

  9. Nikki O says

    Ooo….I watched this recently too! Best of the three I say. Loved the action in the sky! Very cool. Although yes you’re right. Some of those human jumps were crazy!

    Reply

  10. Maria Iemma says

    my kids are so excited to go and see this. We are taking them this coming weekend and the boys think they can become Iron Man. They are so cute at this age.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.