By Renee’ Collins
Rating: 3.5 (Out of 5 Reels)
I did not place my expectations too high going into this film because while I have enjoyed both of the previous installations I don’t have much faith in sequels like this. But, surprisingly, this one does have its moments. Overall, I still think the first one is the best.
Don’t get me wrong the special effects in this film are in a word spectacular, but effects cannot necessarily carry a film alone. In this third installment of Iron Man, we find Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) still together. Tony has become more reclusive and is suffering from insomnia because of his role in fighting off the alien attack in The Avengers. I must admit I was intrigued to see how Ben Kingsley would portray the bad guy and he is poignantly convincing in his role.
Even though the effects are spectacular, why, oh why does everyone in Hollywood feel the need to make these blockbuster films in 3D because I believe it is a total waste of time in most cases and I don’t believe it added anything to this film overall. I hate to say it, as much as I love Downey and Paltrow as actors, but it felt like they were simply going through the motions and not exuding any emotion. Guy Pierce as Aldrich Killian and the return of Don Cheadle as Colonel James Rhodes does help this film immensely. And, I must mention that casting Paul Bettany as the voice of Jarvis the computer was a stroke of genius and should continue as I am sure we will see more of Iron Man.
As with the previous installments I am sure this film will garner huge box office receipts and for the right audience it will be well received because the special effects are wonderful. I was entertained but found it slow moving for the first hour and lacking in emotion.