SYNOPSIS: Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

REVIEW: Well folks, it’s finally here! The long awaited third installation to Disney and Marvel’s Iron Man series. After a little research, I’ve come to find out what makes this super sequel extra special. It is most certainly exceptionally done this time around and I would attribute it to the return of legendary screenwriter/Director Shane Black (Lethal Weapon movies, 1987-1992). After the disappointment of 1996’s The Long Kiss Goodnight (one of the most expensive screenplays in history, according to Wikipedia), and then making a mediocre return attempt with the 2005’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Black is finally debuting his craft that once placed him atop the Hollywood’s A-list writer/directors. His take on this release is in-your-face obvious and is unmistakable. One of the most obvious traits is his comedic element that usually follows his characters and if you have ever seen any of his previous flicks, you’ll remember things like characters sitting on toilets, while the house explodes (literally being caught with their pants down).

As far as my memory serves, I really cannot remember a terrific ‘part 3,′ in the realms of comic book superhero movies. However, this latest Shane Black effort puts it all in perspective. It’s a once in a blue-moon type of deal here, where it looks like the third installation actually competes with part one and in this case, possibly trumps it. Furthermore, it is rumored that this installment is a follow up to two difference series: Iron Man and also as the second installment to The Avengers. Now whether or not this is true, remains to be seen; however, if you have had the chance to have seen both, you will notice that there is possibly some truth to those rumors. Subtle hints are prevalent throughout, so just pay close attention.

The most interesting things about this release isn’t just the action and features of the movie itself, but also the amazing star-studded line up with the likes of Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce. They all play off of each other exceptionally well and accommodate other notables, such as Ben Kingsley (Shutter Island, 2010) and former day-time-soap-child-actor and relatively new feature-actor, Ty Simpkins amongst the supporting lineup. Simpkins is certainly noteworthy here and is playing Harley Keener, a Tennessee adolescent full of wit and charm. He literally carries a segment of the flick with Downey Jr., as though they were Batman and Robin. He added a layer to the feature that I’ve never seen before where a kid child-actor gets to kick-butt with his favorite superhero. And to add to the excellence of this latest release, this time around Shane Black allows Iron Man 3 to take an unusually high number of clever twists and turns, from Pearce’s clumping disfigured geek turned insinuating smoothie to Don Cheadle’s amusingly gung-ho Colonel Rhodes. The movie plays out like a rollercoaster ride from hell that doesn’t seem to allow for a breather, with action that is utterly fantastic and having a gripping white-knuckle affect, keeping you clung to your seat. 

Black’s return ushers in the sort of inspired silliness a movie like this need, and it also gives notice to future releases, to be surprising and creative and not just another more-of-the-same type of sequel. I certainly enjoyed this latest sequel and believe that it deserves more than five out of five stars (if it were possible) for creativity, comedy and action. Without a doubt this is the best movie of the year, thus far! 

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