Iron Man 3

UK Release Date: May 3rd 2013

When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution (www.imdb.com).

Director: Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Jon Favreau, Ben Kingsley, Ty Simpkins

Coming off the back of Avengers Assemble, is Iron Man 3. All seems well after the events of AA, but it's all a facade, as Stark struggles with anxiety. A new threat known as The Mandarin (Kingsley) wreaks havoc on America. The story is loosely based on Warren Ellis' 05-06, six issue comic book call 'Extremis'. Many fans of the comic will be wondering why this was chosen and not a classic Lee's originals. For the main bulk of IM3, Tony is without his suits. It's still less about the hero, and more about the human dealing with unescapable responsibilities and how his antics in the suit effect his life.

There are only minor squabbles here. The lack of help from the other superheroes is told unconvincingly: 'This isn’t superhero business. It’s American business'. Stark's anxiety is rushed and underplayed. As a whole, this film is entertaining. Ben Kingsley is chilling as The Mandarin. RDJ is still as witty as ever. Cheadle and Paltrow and the young Ty Simpkins are great support.

The MCU still manages to please a wide audience. Let's hope every film to follow this is just as pleasing.

4/5