Review - Iron Man 3: Missing his sidekicks?

The latest instalment of the Iron Man franchise was released this week, much to the excitement of Marvel fans who had their first glimpse of an Avengers hero post the juggernaut that was "Avengers Assemble".

Robert Downey Jr. reprised his role as Tony Stark, the former playboy billionaire bachelor turned all round good guy who is looking for ways to enhance the technology he possesses following the devastation that shook NY and the Avengers.  In "Iron Man 3", he faces a new, unknown, enemy in The Mandarin – an adversary who seems intent on personally destroying the world Stark knows.

The elephant in the room of Iron Man 3 is of course Avengers Assemble, and the impact that Loki had on Stark is clear early on. During one part of the movie, a child befriends Starks and continuously asks, “can we talk about New York?” and such mentions are wholly necessary; I make no qualms about that.

Director Shane Black, who also co-wrote the screenplay  with Drew Pearce, could have not gone through the movie without referencing past events; in fact they give us an insight into Stark’s mindset as he ponders if he can really fight off another attack of that magnitude. The downfall is the continued mention and allusions to what I consider a stronger movie.  By highlighting the fact that Iron Man is in fact now alone, away from his comrades, the film is only emphasizing the somewhat bereft feeling that instead of having 5 main characters we have to make do with Downey Junior and his lesser counterparts.  Even Gwyneth Paltrow, a mainstay of the first 2 movies as Stark’s love interest Pepper Potts, felt like a damsel in distress in contrast to say Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in the hero-laden Avengers.

The strongest moments of the movie were those in which Downey Junior found himself alone, without his technology, merely having to rely on wit and quick thinking to get himself out of the tight spots.  Downey Jr. is by far the best thing about the franchise, so immersed in the character that you have to wonder where Tony Stark ends and Junior begins.  The wit, humour and self belief brought to the screen is a joy to watch.

Iron Man 3 is an enjoyable romp and fans of the franchise will revel in the lengths Stark takes to protect himself and those around him. Whilst not the best Marvel offering to  date, it will certainly satisfy appetites in the long wait for the next instalment in the saga.