Iron Man 3

Skyfall von Marvel-Adaptationen. Ein düsterer und erwachsener Ton hat der ursprünglichen Jungs-Unterhaltung von John Favreau verdammt geholfen. Der Realist und Zyniker Shane Black liebt Iron Man. Im Hinblick darauf, dass es sich um den Marvel-Helden mit der interessantesten Persönlichkeit handelt, stellt er seinen Charakter detailliert dar, was bisher bei keinem Avenger der Fall war (wenn man gleichzeitig die Marvel-Verspieltheit bewahren möchte). Starks Gefühle für Pepper und sein Bedürfnis, sie zu schützen, sind greifbarer; seine existenziellen Gedanken selbstkritischer und treffender. Dazu kommt eine super Konfrontation von den Guten und den Bösen, in der sowohl die Figur von Starks sekundärer Biene aus der Vergangenheit Rebecca Hall als auch – und das vor allem! – beide Negativgestalten Sinn ergeben (Raimi, lerne, wie man es macht). Die kommen mit einer schlauen und im Rahmen der Wahrnehmung von Weltpolitik provokativen Wende, mit welcher sie gleichzeitig Raum für eine köstliche Kreation von meinem beliebten Kingsley schaffen. Hauptsächlich in der zweiten Hälfte wird man dann von einem hervorragenden Humor und einer übersichtlichen Feuerwerkaction überflutet, bei der man denkt, dass eine Entwicklung der Spezialeffekte nicht mehr möglich ist (im Nachspann sieht man die Menge an "Digital Efects Crew“). Iron Man 3 ist eine intelligente Blockbuster-Supershow von begeisterten Freaks und Perfektionisten, die mich auch wegen vielen Details und Einzelheiten gefangen genommen hat – die zarte Gwyneth im eleganten weißen Kostüm, die Ideen mit dem Iron-Man-Handschuh und der sich selbst anziehenden Rüstung, ein b&w-buddy Team, das an die goldenen Zeiten von Lethal Weapon erinnert, und die famose Aero-Szene mit einer schlauen Nutzung der 3D-Gestaltung von fallenden Menschen im Raum, die effektvoll durch Bates Superheld-Motiv geboostet wurde (für mich die Highlight-Szene des Films). Marvel sollte sich nach dem Vorbild vom Universal-Studios-Lunapark seine Marvel Studios eröffnen und dem dritten Iron Man eine eigene Abteilung widmen. (26.04.2013)

After the rampage of The Avengers, which was spectacular but missed the mark emotionally, Iron Man 3 is an enjoyable attempt to add humanity to Marvel comic-book adaptations. This is a film that (intentionally) makes mistakes. With Shane Black, we are accustomed to the refreshing sincerity of the protagonists and transgressions against the genre, but a film that cost 200 million dollars to make provides an unexpected context for his detached view, which leads to greater wonder and admiration (you wouldn’t normally expect certain means of self-parody in a spectacular action climax). At a lower level, the protagonist also makes mistakes. Tony Stark has to get by willy-nilly without amusing technological toys for a third of the film, which forces him to rely on his own ingenuity and the help of others. He purges his identity of the media sludge (while not being the film’s only victim of the media’s reconstruction of reality) and casts off the burden of being a superhero, which is the main cause of his anxiety. The film also returns to the time before the dominance of technology by reviving – and, at the same time, relativising – the western myth (instead of the romantic settlement of the west, the Sand Creek Massacre is recalled; Stark has no problem with wearing first an Indian poncho and then a cowboy hat). The stronger emphasis on the human factor enabled Black to construct the film as a series of buddy-movie collaborations. Stark always has at hand a machine or person on which he can exercise his keen wit (Jarvis, Harley, Rhodes) and demonstrate his superiority. Despite all of the stumbles and the declaration that this time it will be about personal vengeance, he remains a true American hero who can convince you of the necessity of using weapons of mass destruction with a charming smile and a dry one-liner. In the final analysis, however, the unspectacular beginning (for a film of this format), drawn-out action scenes, underused voice-over (akin to that of Woody Allen movies and film noir) and the occasionally violent attempt at humour are only minor flaws in this bit of summer entertainment, which I see primarily as Shane Black’s grand return. I felt in places that I had gone back in time to the 1990s and was watching some of the audiovisual instructions on how to make smart and imaginative action comedies. Jon Favreau can safely stay in bed and enjoy Downton Abbey. 85% (13.05.2013)

The best Iron Man, sure, but nothing to write home about. It’s the same playful Marvel as we know it, it doesn’t get darker or rougher in any significant way. The one really interesting thing is the twist with the Mandarin, its ambition is something not very common for Marvel, with some tangible overlap, that is. But it all ends after a couple of sentences, the whole thing is quickly forgotten and plot moves forward to the mandatory and pathetic rescue of the scumbags and the American presidents of the world, with inconsistently explained rules and a bland villain. But it’s pretty good fun, even if some of the jokes are repeated, Stark’s seizures look from another (better) film and the action could be more clear and dynamic. What I liked the most were the retro end credits. 7/10 (04.05.2013)

I kind of expected it and I'm glad for it anyway. The main star of the third Iron Man is actually Shane Black, who was as comfortable with Iron Man as anyone before him. The trailers beckoned to the darkened paths trodden by The Dark Knight, but the result is ultimately the most refreshing summer mix of a spectacular blockbuster adventure. For over two hours, I admired how Black makes it a personal race to be the better screenwriter or director, without compromising his claims to be the most entertaining character in the Marvel universe. He also does it with a sovereignty that is admirable in a man who is only in his second year behind the camera. Iron Man has ceased to be the pedestal of Downey's ego and instead is firmly gripped in a story that works in all areas without any of them fundamentally excluding each other: From great dialogues, perfect characters, great action, and an emotional whirlwind. For example, the episode with the little boy, where two tech enthusiasts meet, simply reminds the viewer that some of us never grow up. And then there’s the unconventional love story... when it's personal, you just perceive the action a bit differently, and honestly, without the suit. I'm tempted to shower superlatives like I rarely have before, but I'll allow myself at least one single (but for me perhaps quite crucial) criticism: in terms of the ultimacy of the action, the raid on Stark's house is just a slight hair better than the ending, so the action orgasm comes a bit sooner. Anyway, thanks for everything, Shane. And thank you, Marvel, for having the courage to trust your kids with unconventional creators. (How about the Asgardian god in the hands of Alan Taylor?) (03.05.2013)

I enjoyed the first part of Iron Man, but at the same time I realized that he’s not going to become my favorite character. Robert Downey Jr. portrays him really well, I’m not saying he doesn’t, but the mixture of opponents, settings and jokes is not something that I grew fond of. I skipped the second movie and all of a sudden I had the chance to watch the third one. There was nothing else on TV so I decided to watch it to enjoy a pleasant blockbuster. I actually watched the movie twice, I wasn’t sure whether I was in the right mood when I watched it for the first time, but even the second time around the movie didn’t really amaze me. The antagonist was actually quite OK, but I simply couldn’t find anything to hold on to that would attract me to the movie. Simply put, I was pretty bored for the entire two hours. You see I believe it’s two hours of an absolutely mediocre movie with good visual effects, which unfortunately are not everything. (24.01.2014)

Besser hätte es nach den übertriebenen The Avengers sowie dem zum Gähnen langweiligen Zweier gar nicht kommen können. Wie sollte man Theater eben nicht spielen, nachdem ein blonder, Pfannkuchenfresser mit einem Hammer auf dem Erdboden aufschlägt und New York von einem außerirdischen Gefolge bedroht wird? Eben indem man eine reine, manchmal gar slapstickartige Komödie spielt, welche auf dem stärksten Merkmal des Iron Man basiert - Selbstironie, Respektlosigkeit, Kühnheit. Es ist kein Zufall, dass Black die "heilige" Rüstung geradezu devalviert, die sich in einen Haufen recycelbaren Mülls verwandelt. Stark vermag es, den größten Teil des Films ohne das hier auszukommen. Er ist ein Mechaniker, Milliardär, Philanthrop und lässiger Mensch, der selbst bei einer Panikattacke seinen Humor nicht verliert. Hin und wieder plappert er da etwas von Schuld, doch wir alle wissen, dass seine einzig wirkliche Schuld im Dreier darin besteht, dass er ein regelrechter Nasenweis geblieben ist. Es ist gut, dass im Dreier die Schicksalhaftigkeit etwas gewichen ist, und man hier nahezu kabarettartige Töne anschlägt, mitsamt vieler schönen Ausrutscher dort, wo der Boden geradezu pathetisch klebrig wird. Shane Black hat alledem den größtmöglichen Juice und Energie einverleibt. Es geht nicht einmal um Ereignisse, die mich gegen Ende wie gewohnt mit ihrer langweiligen Größe gefuchst haben, sondern es geht um vorlaute Details, kleine Gesten und eine der luxuriösesten (nicht) Marvel-Wendungen. Favreau hat es geschafft, Iron Man als lustigen Comic-Blockbuster zu drehen, Black hat Iron Man 3 so gedreht, wie ihn Tony Stark sieht. Weil er der eben Iron Man ist. Und das ganze haftet an ihm so richtig gut. (26.04.2013)

Lethal Weapon: Iron Man Xmas Edition after which I may or may not have rather watched a comedy spin-off called Mandarin: Origin or a kids’ popular science show, Iron Child and his mentor, The Mechanic. A good old action buggy comedy (they say that this format is out of fashion... I’m glad they didn’t tell Black about that!) that has everything it should; from the very beginning right up to the eighties-style final credits. And when you compare it to other routine episodes, I needed so little; a good screenplay (in terms of this genre, of course), a proper villain and to make Stark the direct protagonist of the action scenes. Which meant the end of strict division into mutually unrelated passages of a “situation comedy with Stark" versus an “uninteresting, impersonal action with a CGI Iron Man". (02.05.2013)

Kiss Black's ass! If we were to take this part to be an action thriller with elements of crazy comedy, it would make this decent, but not that great goods, but... In the comic waters of Marvel this is a breath of fresh air and a sign of the creators’ brave attempt to push something from inside them into the enclosed universe (which worked best in the playful end credits sequence). That dark odor that seeped from the trailers is, like a good half of the plot, just a charade that is incredibly entertaining, even before the curtains open. The uncompromising Mandarin makes things hot for Tony, who it seems knows fear for the first ever time in his life. Extremis is a gift from the gods and brings so-needed invention into the fights with him (the inferno suit could only perhaps be trumped by a galactic war). Savin (James Badge dale enjoys this role) and his gang bravely resist the metal suits. Guy Pearce (cutely disheveled at the beginning, then stylishly slimy) is overshadowed a little by Sir Ben Kingsley who is unbeatable and towers over all other comic book villains. Robert Downey Jr. shows a slightly different side of Tony Stark, borrowing something from the role of Harry in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which is very refreshing. Mainly taunting the little boy and the terse verbal exchanges with Rhodey (Iron Patriot is here basically as a joke). The action is a little hard to follow, but I’ve seen worse. Saving Air Force One is marvelous, for instance. The half-equipped Tony is marvelous. The finale with the boat, but the suits...not really... In any case, this is a marvelous watch, powerful in dialogs and story. This is just the right direction they should take in phase two. Bring on Thor and the Capo. P.S.: In some places the whole theater (all 3 people) laughed. Potato Gun Mark II. (06.05.2013)

Ich bin absolut zufrieden. Manchmal episch, manchmal sehr, sehr trocken. Gwyneth erwies sich als Actionheldin und zeigte ihren Bauchnabel! Stan Lee spielt Bingo und wichtig ist: Tony Stark Will Return. (02.05.2013)

The third Iron Man is a bit too minimalist in my opinion and overloaded with too many alternative plot elements. The first one was nicely compact and light. The second was oversized, but the action scenes were breathtaking and spectacularly executed. The third one is chatty, somewhat funny, the inner "Dark Knight" mood of the main character is a bit excessive with a considerable amount of irony, and there is almost no action (only two scenes, one of which is breathtaking, and the other is traditionally overwrought). I wanted a summer blockbuster, but what could they come up with in the third installment (the fourth one if I count the pumped-up Avengers) to make it feel fresh, innovative, and entertaining for millions of people? There isn't much. They got serious and humanized Iron Man, some people like it, some don't. I wanted to be "carried away" and instead, I was forced to "think". (04.05.2013)

Ich werde mich wohl mit niemandem darauf einigen können, dass Iron Man 3 der beste Teil der Serie ist. Iron Man 2 hat mir nämlich ein bisschen besser gefallen. Das bedeutet aber nicht, dass ich unzufrieden bin. Im Gegenteil, ich juble, weil dieser Film eine Genugtuung für die faden The Avengers ist. Vor allem dank dessen, was nach der Zerstörung von Starks Residenz passiert, gehört Iron Man 3 zu den witzigsten Adaptationen der Marvel-Comics (Thors Position ist ernsthaft bedroht). Gleichzeitig handelt es sich um einen sehr actionreichen Film. Ich habe mich darüber gefreut, dass Tony Stark in den Actionszenen sehr oft ohne Rüstung erscheint – z. B. als er sich befreit, was wahrscheinlich die beste Szene überhaupt ist. Dem Drehbuch fehlt es nicht an Emotionen und Leichtigkeit. Ich bin froh, dass es The Dark Knight nicht so sehr nachahmt, wie ich befürchtet habe (der neue Superman wird in dieser Hinsicht wahrscheinlich schlimmer sein). Dank Brian Tyler hat Iron Man endlich auch ein richtiges Musikmotiv (ich habe nichts gegen Debney). Für die ausdruckslose Figur von Guy Pearce, die nicht besonders durchdacht ist, ziehe ich dem Film Punkte ab. Ben Kingsleys einzigartiger Mandarin war hingegen perfekt. (05.05.2013)

The third installment of the Iron Man trilogy definitely impressed me the most, especially thanks to a more elaborate story and a quite unexpected plot twist around the main villain. The film is action-packed from head to toe, but there is still room for a joke here and there. As far as the audiovisual workmanship is concerned, this is where I think it has been taken the furthest. In short, a trilogy climax with all the trimmings, which is not as good as the first Avengers or the second and third Captain America, but still engages, thrills and entertains. (19.07.2016)

The story partially, but really loosely, is based on the comic "Iron Man: Extremis," which recently came out as part of the "Ultimate Comic Collection" series. Don't look for a direct connection, but Warren Ellis and Adi Granov are credited in the final credits. Besides being a great spectacle, you have a story here that makes sense. Iron Man must confront an enemy he created himself, as clearly stated at the beginning. He must figure out why there are explosions and who the mysterious terrorist Mandarin is and where to find him. I think the story can really take your breath away. For two hours and a few minutes, I watched the film with bated breath and couldn't believe they really did it, but they did. "Iron Man 3" is definitely a better film than "Iron Man 2". By the way, it is also a grittier film that occasionally surprises you with those corpses. More: http://www.comics-blog.cz/2013/05/40-iron-man-iron-man-2013-80.html (03.05.2013)

I'll admit, after binge-watching the first two installments the day before, I wasn't expecting anything groundbreaking. The trailers looked solid, but I had this nagging skepticism that it might just be another fun ride without anything truly special. But let me tell you, what Shane Black delivered in those two hours deserves a standing ovation. I couldn't believe my eyes - a Marvel movie with such a mature and genuinely believable story! It's like Bruce Wayne and Batman all over again, and Tony Stark's way of coming to terms with it is fantastic. Everything in this movie just clicks. The characters are spot-on, the dialogues are as sharp and funny as ever, and the action, unlike the second installment, is top-notch. Most importantly, the story makes sense. It is better than both its predecessors and possibly one of the best Marvel movies ever made. It's an easy 5-star rating from me, placing it among the top blockbusters of 2013. Oh, and a special shoutout to Brian Tyler for the absolutely fantastic music. (19.05.2013)