Iron Man 3

May 3, 2013
by
3 mins read
Folio Weekly

by Katie Gile
With the snip of a badass celluloid ribbon, the theaters are open for the scorching heat and thrills of another Superhero Summer. Leading the pack this season, as the franchise did for the new wave of Marvel heroes, is Iron Man 3.
Hyped with the infamous villain, the “Mandarin,” the newest installment finds Tony Stark in a post-“Avengers” world. His anxiety over the events in New York City leaves him a paranoid mess, tinkering away at countless inventions and suit modifications. That is, until a baddie the like of which he has never faced brings danger to his doorstep.
The change in direction with “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang” director Shane Black at the helm is noticeable. Black sets the film’s feet firmly on the ground. Where “Iron Man 2” went a little over-the-top with gadgetry and zippy puns, this movie strips down Tony Stark and to gritty, magnetic effect. Marvel fans should not despair, however. While Black’s “Iron Man 3” is decidedly darker than its predecessors, the comic relief and family-friendly enjoyment synonymous with Marvel films is alive and kicking.
This time around, it’s less about the huge explosions, techno-fun and killer AC/DC tunes, although all are certainly present. Iron Man 3 focuses more on character development. The script, penned by Black and Drew Pearce, takes some time to warm up. While Stark’s post-Avengers anxiety is understandable, at times we wonder what his problem really is. But as the film continues, the style with which Stark’s mental difficulties are handled creates a sense of isolation, giving the audience a window into his mind. The relationship development between Start and Pepper Potts feels very organic, as does the resurgence of the charming buddy-cop dynamic between Stark and Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes. The script’s humor is sharper than it’s been. Playfully dancing with the “too-far” line, the script is cheeky, but not tactless. The film, interestingly, plays up a contrast between its impish sense of humor and a sober mood, laced with the wistful sting of finality. Though there are no spoilers to be found here, Black’s film implies that things are not as they were.
Robert Downey, Jr. fills out the Iron Man suit as only he can once more. Though he still speaks as though the script was written for him, Downey’s Stark explores the darker side. It’s refreshing to see what happens when Stark is thrown in a situation in which he can’t talk or gadget his way out, and it’s then that Downey’s skill as an actor shines most.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pepper Potts has a larger role this time around than in films prior. Paltrow’s Potts is ever the Girl Friday. Her wry humor, doe-eyed charm and wholesome strength shape a compelling character and a perfect leading lady to Downey’s Stark. Paltrow’s complete believability brings the character to life and gives us someone to relate to when Stark loses his mind.
Don Cheadle also reprises his role as Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes. Taking on the “Iron Patriot” suit, (which is likely to ruffle a few canon-lover feathers) Cheadle’s Rhodey is up to his usual patriotic, good-guy duties. Cheadle’s take on the character is earnest and strong, especially when he and Stark need each other’s help. It’s together with Downey that Cheadle’s timing and humor come out to play as the wiser part of a fantastic pair.
Newcomer Guy Pearce delivers a fantastic performance as Aldrich Killian. His portrayal of the scientifically brilliant and mentally unhinged developer is gushing with manic menace. Pearce does not overdo it, however. His breed of peculiarity raises our hackles, but doesn’t step into the outrageous.

Together with a stellar supporting cast, including Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin, Rebecca Hall as Maya Hansen and Jon Favreau reprising his role as Happy Hogan, Iron Man 3 is a great ensemble piece that reminds us that everyone we see is of consequence.
“Unleash the power behind the armor,” its tagline implies. Iron Man 3 accomplishes this feat with excellent performances, a new take on Tony Stark’s world and by asking a little more thinking from its audience.
Its grittier style and back-to-basics attitude remind us where Iron Man came from and in so doing, where he’s going. It stands as a sterling addition to the Marvel movie canon and the beginning of yet another exciting Summer of Superheroes.
And Marvel fans, be sure to stay through the credits. Marvel has a little message for you.

Folio is your guide to entertainment and culture around and near Jacksonville, Florida. We cover events, concerts, restaurants, theatre, sports, art, happenings, and all things about living and visiting Jax. Folio serves more than two million readers across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, including St. Augustine, The Beaches, and Fernandina.

Current Issue

SUBMIT EVENTS

Submit Events

Advertisements

SingOutLoadFestival_TheAmp_2025
liz-buys-houses-digital
generac-home-standby-generator-banners

Date

Title

Current Month

Follow FOLIO!

Folio Weekly
Previous Story

Fairer Fish Friends

Folio Weekly
Next Story

Conrad Oberg's SPOONFUL

Latest from Movies

July Theater, Dance and Film

Through Aug. 17 “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com July 2 “Ninja Kids” Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com July 5-13 “Willie Wonka Jr.” Amelia Community Theatre, Fernandina Beach ameliacommunitytheatre.org July 10-13 “Midsummer Night’s Dream” Amelia Musical Playhouse, Fernandina Beach ameliamusicalplayhouse.com July

The Materialists and the Comeback of Rom-Coms

Words by Ambar Ramirez What makes a good rom-com? Is it the love tropes? The love triangles, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, lovers to enemies and back to lovers, best friends turned lovers, lovers turned best friends or the girl next door and the boy next door. Or maybe

Cowabunga, dudes, Turtlemania is BACK! 

Words by Teresa Spencer Break out your pizza cutters and nunchucks, because on August 17 and 20, the original 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is leaping back onto the big screen to celebrate its radical 35th anniversary. That’s right, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael are storming theaters again,

SINNERS: Culture, History and the Language of Metaphors

Words by Za’Nya Davis If you miss it, you might only catch a vampire story — paying closer attention, you will find Ryan Coolger’s “Sinners” is a strategically constructed film that uses every aspect of its screenwriting to entice its audience through the art of creative writing and masterful

June Theater, Dance and Film

Through June 1 “Hamlet” The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com Through June 15 “Rhinocerous” Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine limelight-theatre.org Through June 22  “My Fair Lady”  Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com June 2 “Celebrating Celine Dion” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com June 6-15  “Anastasia”  The Island Theater,
July 5th Cleanup
GoUp

Don't Miss

The Avett Brothers

November 15 The Avett Brothers St. Augustine Amphitheatre (904) 471-1965

Paula Poundstone

Paula Poundstone “Twitter is the postcards in my head.” It’s