The Color of Film Collaborative

Recipients of the AARP card constantly feel the need to lecture younger folk on the “good old days” where incomparable fun was defined by peeling back the cover of a newly bought comic book and submersing oneself into the superhuman realm it possesses. I have never been one to appreciate the art of reading comic books, or the idolization of humans that wield supernatural powers-until seeing “Iron Man 3″ directed by Shane Black and produced by Marvel Studios. Whether it was the seemingly endless battle scenes, or the nearly flawless visual effects, that put me in a trans of superhero splendor I can not say; the film was just that good.

Famous weapons developer (and iron man suit pilot) Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) had the perfect life, until now. With loved ones threatened by a terrorist known as the Mandarin (Guy Pearce), Stark embarks on a journey of revenge that tests him mentally, physically, and forces him to tease the question, does the suit make the man, or does the man make the suit? Though this question sounds more like something Mr. Miagi from the “Karate Kid” would say to Tony Stark and maybe a little too down to earth, there is nothing quizzical and earthly about this film. Punches are thrown, rockets are fired, unmanned explosions occur every twenty minutes, and Tony Stark continues to assault people with his superior vocabulary. The film moves at a pace that leaves little room for the sappy romantic dialogue that eats away at some of the better action film scenes to date and perfectly so.

The acting in “Iron Man 3″ is a hole in one compared to other recently released action films like “The Expendables 2″ that struggles to make par. Robert Downey Jr. is hard to dislike playing even an egotistical self-centered millionaire that likes to play with very expensive toys. I cannot say that I know Downey personally, but I would guess that his personality does not stray far from the one he effortlessly plays in the film. It appears as though he was paid to be himself. Other mentionable performances are from Gwyneth Paltrow who plays Pepper Potts, wife of Tony Stark and appointed president of Stark Industries. I have always referred to Paltrow as the “Shallow Hall” girl from her arguably notable character in the film, but her convincing performance in the “Iron Man 3″ trilogy has now earned her my title of “The Iron Man 3″ woman. Guy Pearce as scientist extraordinaire and Don Cheadle as Colonel James Rhodes put on performances that further impress the audience, making this cast an unarguably star cast. It is important to state, in few words, that the majority of the cast was well chosen and their performances were respectfully executed.

The third installment of the “Iron Man” series is a large step forward in a positive way, doing what many sequels fail to do; succeed. It is funnier, more enticing, aesthetically powerful, and most importantly, entertaining. Anyone that is deterred by the concept of super heroes will change their view after seeing this film like paranormal skeptics alter their views on the supernatural after seeing a ghost. All that is really left to say is go see it, and enjoy it.