Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the third installment of the Iron Man franchise. He manages to keep the character fresh, funny, and, of course, always self-absorbed.
Playing off of the aftermath of The Avengers, Stark is struggling with anxiety, with his dear Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) is always by his side. When bioengineer Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) and Stark’s ex (Rebecca Hall) return, things seem to take a turn for the worse. An anti-American terrorist known as The Mandarin (played brilliantly by Ben Kingsley) also adds to Stark’s troubles.
Although the world is struggling to deal with the terrors now upon them, Iron Man’s fanbase still treats him like a celebrity. In this post-Avengers world, even the characters are interested in what’s happening next.
The way in which Shane Black, writer and director, plays upon this real and imagined popularity is one of the highlights of the film. With subtle hints in lines such as, “Ever since that big dude with the hammer fell out of the sky, subtlety’s kind of had its day,” Marvel fans can laugh and revel in the connectedness.
Another aspect of the film that’s new, is the addition of a child as a key character in Stark’s life. Harley Keener (Ty Simpkins) becomes a part of Stark’s life, and the father-son dynamic between the two is hilarious and endearing.
Potts is also more involved in the film, having the opportunity to shine, with definitely surprises in store.
This film is a great addition to the franchise and gives the actors an opportunity to show their character’s growth. It’s engaging and entertaining, and I will always be cheering for the wonderful love affair that is Pepperony. With a name like that, how can you not?
