What was this algorithmic formula I'm speaking of? Well to be honest with you a lot of that starts with casting. Originally Robert Downey Jr. was not the studio focus for the playboy billionaire mechanic Tony Stark. Downey Jr. wasn't even in the original picture until John Favreau (Dir of Iron Man 1 & 2, Exec. Producer for Iron Man 3) insisted that Robby was absolutely ideal for the role. This disagreement apparently lasted for a while, ultimately proving Favreau to be the correct judge of character. The reason the casting of Tony Stark was so successful was the ability by Downey Jr. to convey a realistic self-centered richy rich. In fact throughout the franchises run RDJr. has been stellar. He has left no doubts in my mind as to what Tony Starks motivations, fears, accomplishments, or ego stem from and how they all intertwine to feed off one another. I mean come on people, "I am Ironman." If that doesn't sum up Tony Stark in these films then I don't know what does.
One of the best parts about this franchise has been the ever evolving storyline of Tony Stark and his assistant, successor, girl friend, one true love, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). From the first introduction of these characters to the final bow, we have seen a full transformation of Tony Stark from ladies ladies ladies to I can't live without Pepper. Now this of course sounds as though it may complicate Tony Stark's drive, but it instead allows for depth of the characters and story. It gives Stark something to come back for over and over again. It is known however, that if you are dating a superhero you will be used as bait against said superhero, and with Pepper Potts that was the case. This relationship growth has allowed Tony Stark to have such a powerful arc as far as growth and maturity. It gives him focus and makes him more relatable to the masses.
As I said in the opening of this review, this franchise has been on top of it's game since the opening sequence to the final credits. It has never faltered or wavered. It has never left you questioning the motivations or driving forces behind the characters. You have never left the theater thinking, "Wow, that was interesting." or "Not the best I've seen." Instead every one of the Iron Man films leaves you more pumped than the last. It really is unfortunate that this franchise is going to end at 3 films...or is it?
I for one would hope that RDJr. is re-contracted to continue as the man in the suit. I have tried to think about this topic and implore you reader to do so as well. Here is the question,
"If Robert Downey Jr. was never Iron Man, or doesn't get re-signed, who would have been/be a suitable replacement?"
Think about this. We have all been a part of a series of films when they have mid-run changed the cast. Spider Man is a good example. I for one hate when the main character, or any character changes. Imagine if Harry Potter was recasted in the 3rd film, or if Luke Skywalker wasn't Mark Hamill in Return of the Jedi. Or what about Col. James Rhodes? You know the unofficial exoskeleton sidekick to IronMan, War Machine. Terrence Howard owned that title in Iron Man one, but was replaced for 2 & 3 by Don Cheadle. The lack of consistency is bothersome when watching films in a continuous story. Sadly these things happen all the time, and unfortunately not every show or film can have as loose a plot as Dr. Who, allowing for the newly cast Dr. to be readily accepted into the fans embrace. So I am here saying it now, "Bring back Robert Downey Jr. !" I mean the guy has two more Avengers films to make anyway.
Speaking of Avengers, the storyline in Iron Man 3 was rather interesting. All throughout the film, Tony Stark was constantly plagued with questions, anxieties, fears, and remorse about the actions which took place in New York. What I of course mean by New York is the intense intergalactic showdown between the Avengers, for those who don't know Iron Man is one of the Avengers, and the evil alien race attempting to take over Earth. This storyline crossover was very interesting to me. I believe the film Thor, also an Avenger, was another film like that, as well as Captain America, yet another Avenger. All of these films utilized the individual story, or the story from the Avengers movie, to supplement one another. It's a unique situation Marvel finds itself in, because they have such a huge world of superheroes with so many interweaving characters and stories. This makes each individual franchise: Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and The Incredible Hulk (rumored), stand alone as well as part of a bigger picture. So to sum things up, I would expect each of the above mentioned Marvel franchises to utilize more of the common Avengers storyline to aid in their individual storylines. Avengers was a hit so it shouldn't be a burden but a privilege.........................................Sorry, I'm back now, had to get some sustenance inside me.
Yum, a little PB&J action
As mentioned above, Jon Favreau did not direct this "final installment" <---(fingers crossed for more) and the reasoning behind it is not so clear. From what I've read, it sounds like Marvel's budget didn't cover the cost of Favreau; this is disappointing to hear, because it was Favreau who was behind the helm with Iron Man, thus helping Marvel rake in all the dough from the first two films. Favreau brought together the entirety of Iron Man and made it a worldwide success. Tisk tisk Marvel, good thing you covered your buns by hiring Shane Black. Who? Shane Black, the writer responsible for Lethal Weapon 1 through 4, as well as the film relaunching Robert Downey Jr. back into the lives of movie-goers, 2005s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Now he has the chops for writing, I think that is evident. He has written some classic one liners and plot twists in the quad franchise Lethal Weapon, he even at one point in time was one of the highest sought after writers, the problem is that his directoral chops are still made up of baby teeth. What I mean by that is prior to directing Iron Man 3, his only directing credit was for Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. So needless to say, this can leave us film critics a little skeptical as to his skill. Now I really enjoyed Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, it had a smart script, and the acting was good and the story was good, but let's not kid ourselves, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was nothing like the CGI special effects heavy Iron Man 3, however, he seemed to have no problem picking up where Favreau left off, and delivering a mighty entertaining flick. Welcome to the directing club Shane Black, don't let us down.
As for the overall experience of this film, I would have to say it was exactly what it needed to be without going over-the-top, as if an exoskeletal flying robot housing a man isn't over-the-top. As with most films in a long running franchise, new characters good and bad are introduced and thusly dealt with accordingly; Iron Man 3 was no exception. New to join the ranks of evil-doers in Marvel's world were two actors both known rather well, Guy Pierce (Memento & King's Speech) and Sir Ben Kingsley (Ghandi & Schindler's List). These two bad guys worked in conjunction to create a rather interesting team. Kingsley's character was the Mandarin:
"The Mandarin is portrayed as a genius scientist and a superhumanly skilled amrtial artist. However, his primary sources of power are ten power rings that he adapted from an alien technology of a crashed space ship. Each ring has a different power and is worn on a specific finger."
His character in the film was much different. In Iron Man 3 the Mandarin was portrayed as a terrorist, with ties to the middle east. Propaganda much? Political agenda much? Too much? Sounds like something out of todays newspapers. Even though they changed the Madarin for this film, I feel as though he plays better to the naturalistic feel of this franchise. When Favreau set out to make these films he wanted them to have a more realistic feel, and less spectacular. Iron Man in fact was just a man who understood mechanics and physics and had the monetary resources to achieve such a mechanical marvel. Where Guy Pierce played into the story was as the handler for the Mandarin, as well as a scientist trying to create super soldiers with regenerative properties. Now I will not say much more since this dynamic of the two badies is very important to the story, but know this...they are awesome!
Final Words: Extra-Large Popcorn.
I can only rate this film as a whole with the franchise. I feel since the stories are continuous, to an extent, that the popcorn must be representative of the whole trilogy. That is only fair. Extra-Large popcorn is only fair to give since this franchise has not disappointed or faltered. These films were a Marvel to watch and learn about. They are entertaining and fun. The acting was solid, the stories solid, they were a rock in the otherwise iffy world of comic book/superhero films.
Until next time, happy viewing!
Review Rating : Based on popcorn sizes; small, medium, large, extra-large
When films get a snore zzz... worth skipping
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