'Iron Man 3' Review- They Needed The REAL Mandarin

This film was released in 2013

Iron Man 3 is the seventh film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is directed by Shane Black who co-wrote it with Drew Pearce. This is where we enter the Disney era of the MCU.

Iron Man 3 follows Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) immediately after the events of The Avengers film. He’s been having trouble sleeping and when he does, he has nightmares. Meanwhile, James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle) has been re-branded from War Machine to the Iron Patriot, and tasked him with finding the terrorist known as the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), who has been targeting US troops and their families. A think-tank known as AIM (Advanced Idea Mechanics) scientist Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) has developed an enhanced nanobot technology known as Extremis promising astounding leaps in medicine, but Pepper Pots (Gwyneth Paltrow) suspects they have more sinister motives. As Tony struggles with his personal demons, he challenges the Mandarin to a showdown which leads to disastrous results.

While the previous film was lack luster, but still fun, in my opinion, director Shane Black brought us to a different level, especially when it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This film is slightly better than Iron Man 2 (which didn’t deserve the nitpicking it got), I don’t think it’s better than the first Iron Man film. That one had so much heart behind it.

This one has heart, but it relies more on the previous films to get its message to the audience. Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow shine onscreen with their chemistry and fluidity. I’d also like to call attention to The action in the film. It rocks with amazing special effects.

I want to add that the biggest disappointment is with the Mandarin. In the comic books, the Mandarin is supposed to represent a magical villain that Iron Man uses science to overcome. He is one of Marvel Comics’ greatest villains, but in this film, his role and importance is very downplayed.

Bottom line, Iron Man 3 needed a better representation of The Mandarin, but I doubt we will get one in the MCU.

FAVORITE QUOTES: Dads leave, no need to be a pussy about it.

PARENTAL CONCERN: Minor sensuality, language, and action violence

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or anime you would like me to review.