Mandarin play

I am waaaaay behind on my reviews, but I'm hoping to correct that starting now with my review of the first summer blockbuster of 2013.

How do you top dealing with an invading race of evil aliens? Well if you're Tony Stark, you take on an even tougher opponent - anxiety attacks. That's right, in Iron Man 3 we see the seemingly unflappable Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) struggle with internal stress after the events that took place in last summer's The Avengers. Of course, there's still evil elsewhere in the world that he has to deal with, but we'll get to that in a moment.

Perhaps realizing that there was no way to top the out-of-this-world story of The Avengers, this film takes a closer look at the man in the metal suit. This is as much a Tony Stark film as it is an Iron Man film and that's not a bad thing. In this third outing, we dig deeper into Stark's growing realization of his responsibilities whether that's to his devoted assistant/girlfriend Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), his close friend Rhodey (Don Cheadle), or the American population. That onus weighs heavily on Stark who can't sleep and avoids talking to anyone about his problems. Thankfully for the audience, Stark has too much of an ego to pull a Bruce Wayne recluse act, so instead he opts to hide his fears through sarcasm and wit. Once again, Downey shines here, delivering a number of hilarious one-liners.

Downey's performance stands out here, even moreso than normal, thanks to Shane Black, who took over directing duties from Jon Favreau. Black, who also co-wrote the film, has worked with Downey before and knows how to get the most out of him. Black, who's previous credits include Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and writing the original Lethal Weapon, really makes this film his own. Aside from knowing how to write for Downey, some of the other elements in the film including the Christmas setting and the buddy cop vibe are representative of Black's style as well. While I had no problems with Favreau's work, I really liked what Black brought to the franchise.

Some Iron Man fans, however, may take umbrage with some of the decisions he made. The biggest one of all will deal with the film's central villain, The Mandarin. While this villain does not have the same pop culture recognition as other comic book villains, he is considered by many to be Iron Man's greatest foe. In the film, he's an enigmatic character with a flare for the dramatic. Played by Sir Ben Kingsley, this is one of the most interesting villains I've ever seen in a film like this. While the role isn't as meaty as say Heath Ledger's Joker, there's a lot more going on with the character than just menace. As someone who was not a reader of the comics, the creative liberties that the film takes with the character's origins did not bother me, but I can understand why some would not embrace this interpretation.

This revised Mandarin works for me because there seems to be a concentrated effort to make a character that has been in existence for several decades relevant in today's society. The villains have been a weakness to this point in the franchise, but that changes here and elevates the movie as result. This is particularly true when it comes to the film's climax. In the first two films, particularly in the second, the final battle was underwhelming and perfunctory. This time, the audience gets more bang for their buck as good vs. evil clashes in grand fashion on an oil tanker. I would probably say that the film's final act is still its weakest, but in comparison to what we got earlier in the franchise, this is a vast improvement.

If I had a complaint about the film, it's that I would have liked for the story to build more toward future films, since we know more Avengers adventures are to come. Instead, this is very much a stand-alone film. Yes, the film makes a few references to the greater Marvel universe but nothing that really gets you excited for the future or provides you a sense of what's to come. Still, as summer blockbuster fare this does nothing but deliver. You have some fine performances, a nice balance of comedy and drama, and a few exhilarating action sequences (I particularly enjoyed the Air Force One rescue scene). What more could you ask for?

At the film's end, there's the promise that "Iron Man will return" and let's hope that means for more than just another go-round with the Avengers. While I recognize that Downey Jr. isn't getting any younger and may also get tired of putting on the big metal suit, there's no one else I could ever see playing this role. He brings Iron Man to life in more ways than one. Grade: A-

Bringing the thunder

Just as the excitement for the upcoming Iron Man 3 hits its peak, we get reminded that there are other Marvel franchises gearing up for new stories as well. Here's your first look at Thor: The Dark World set to come out this November.

Downey, but not out

It's a sad state of affairs at the box office when you can say that this is the best things that's been shown on screen in 2013. Here's the newest trailer for Iron Man 3

Iron thrill

You saw the Super Bowl spot, now see the full extended trailer for Iron Man 3 right here.

2013 Movie Preview (#6 - 1)

#6. Elysium (August 9)

Plot: In the year 2159 two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Rhodes (Jodie Foster), a hard line government official will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium. That doesn't stop the people of Earth from trying to get in, by any means they can. When unlucky Max (Matt Damon) is backed into a corner, he agrees to take on a daunting mission that if successful will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds.

Personal Opinion: After District 9 was the surprise hit of 2009, everyone has eagerly anticipated what director Neill Blomkamp has in store for a follow-up. While this was originally set to be released in March, fans will now have to wait until August to see this sci-fi thriller. What puts this one over the top for me as it relates to anticipation is the fact that Matt Damon stars, someone who's work I always enjoy and who has become the hallmark of consistency recently with the films he's starred in.


#5 Anchorman: The Legend Continues (December 20)

Plot: A sequel to 2004's "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy." Will Ferrell, will return to the title role with supporting cast members Steve Carell and Paul Rudd said to be involved as well. The original film also starred Christina Applegate, David Koechner, Fred Willard, Fred Armisen, Chris Parnell and many more.

Personal Opinion: I cannot understate how much I loved the original Anchorman film. It is one of the best comedies ever. I'm beyond thrilled that the Channel 4 News Team is reuniting, but like any fan there's always that trepidation that the sequel won't be able to live up to the original's greatness. Given that it's taken so long for this sequel to happen and the passion that those involved have for making this good, I've got faith that fans won't be disappointed with the latest adventures of Ron Burgundy.


#4. Monsters University (June 21)

Plot: Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn't always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn't stand each other. "Monsters University" unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends. Screaming with laughter and fun, "Monsters University" is directed by Dan Scanlon ("Cars," "Mater and the Ghostlight," "Tracy") and produced by Kori Rae ("Up," "The Incredibles," "Monsters, Inc."). The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in Disney Digital 3D� in select theaters.

Personal Opinion: The last sequel Pixar did was the worst film in the studio's history and then they followed that up with the lackluster Brave. So why the high anticipation for this one? It's real simple. To begin, this sequel is working from better source material. Second, the trailer that's already been released provided more laughs than the last two Pixar films combined. I really love the idea of watching these characters within the setting of college. This one definitely has a great chance of appealing to parents and kids equally.


#3. Monuments Men (December 20)

Plot: "Monuments Men" is an adaptation of Robert Edsel's 2009 book by Robert Edsel, which is described as follows: At the same time Adolf Hitler was attempting to take over the western world, his armies were methodically seeking and hoarding the finest art treasures in Europe. The Fuehrer had begun cataloguing the art he planned to collect as well as the art he would destroy: "degenerate" works he despised. In a race against time, behind enemy lines, often unarmed, a special force of American and British museum directors, curators, art historians, and others, called the Momuments Men, risked their lives scouring Europe to prevent the destruction of thousands of years of culture. Focusing on the eleven-month period between D-Day and V-E Day, this fascinating account follows six Monuments Men and their impossible mission to save the world's great art from the Nazis.

Personal Opinion: I can't see how anyone wouldn't have at least some interest in seeing this film after reading that synopsis. It's almost like a real life Ocean's Eleven. It should come as no surprise then that George Clooney is not only starring in this, but also directing it as well. He's also surrounded himself with a fine cast of supporting actors including Daniel Craig, Bill Murray, Matt Damon, and Cate Blanchett. I expect this one to do big business at the box office and during the awards season.


#2. Star Trek into Darkness (May 17)

Plot: In Summer 2013, director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes "Star Trek Into Darkness." In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth. In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

Personal Opinion: I think everyone was caught off guard by how good Abrams' first Star Trek film was, so now the expectations are sky high. A lot of speculation has been made as to who exactly the villain for this film is. Could it be Khan, another villain from Star Trek history, or someone completely brand new. Given that I was never a fan of the original series, that doesn't concern me as much. As long as the story, acting, and action are on par with the 2009 film, then I'll be one happy moviegoer.


#1. Iron Man 3 (May 3)

Plot: Marvel Studios' "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?

Personal Opinion: So we've finally made it to the end of the list and of course, Tony Stark is #1, as he believes he always should be. Just like with Thor, everyone is eager to see how they go about following up on The Avengers. Based on the first trailer, this looks like it's going to be awesome. We know Robert Downey Jr. will bring it again and I'm really looking forward to seeing Sir Ben Kingsley ham it up as the Mandarin. You better believe I'll be there for this one on opening weekend.

Tony Express

Hard to believe, but it's already time to start thinking about summer 2013. After the big success of The Avengers this year, everyone's anxious to see what will happen to these characters next. Well, you can get your first glimpse at one of them with the newly released teaser trailer for Iron Man 3.