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Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce ... see more see more... , Rebecca Hall , James Badge Dale , Jon Favreau , Stephanie Szostak

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 em... read more read more...barks 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? (c) Disney

Flixster Users

83% liked it

145,968 ratings

Critics

78% liked it

260 critics

PG-13, 2 hr. 15 min.

Directed by: Shane Black

Release Date: May 3, 2013

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Stats: 12,280 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (12,280)


  • May 20, 2013
    Iron Man can't lose. He's like America (fuck yeah): arrogant with first world problems that are miraculously solved despite glaring plot holes (where were all those other suits before? how does he heal Pepper so quickly?) He has nothing to really fight for in this installatio... read moren except Pepper who is as flat as GOOP's enviable abs. She gets a few badass moments, but there's still nothing remarkable about her character or their relationship that make the story anything more than a stale "saved by the love of a good woman" story.

    The movie's saving grace comes in Tony Stark's soul-searching journey with the kid. Despite most of the movie being out of the suit, the man himself in all his panic attack glory makes the superhero a bit more human.
  • fb729949618
    May 19, 2013
    fb729949618
    I enjoyed it and thought RDJ was great as expected, but Iron Man 3 was just more of the same ol' same. The CGI was on point, probably better work in that department than in the first two films, but other than that the film was cheesy to me at many points. If you have seen it, you... read more probably know what I mean; moments like that bring down the film in my opinion and make them borderline childish. Hopefully this is the final film in the franchise because I don't see any future films going anywhere but down.
  • May 18, 2013
    Taking over the director's chair from Jon Favreau, co-writer/director Shane Black makes a return from a brief absence for this rousing third adventure in the Iron Man series, and the first entry into Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    Set some time after the events of T... read morehe Avengers, Tony Stark is back in California, and dealing with the aftermath of the events in New York, namely by being restless, sleepless, and prone to occasional panic attacks. To put himself at ease, he devotes himself to making more Iron Man suits, much to the frustration of his lover Pepper Potts.

    Tony's issues come to a head when attacks from a terrorist cell leader known as The Mandarin destroy his personal world, prompting him into an unbridled quest for vengeance.

    The primary inspiration for this film comes from the Extremis storyline from the comics, which was also used in bits and pieces for the previous two Iron Man films. What I really liked most about this film is how it tackles the issue posed by Steve Rogers in The Avengers about what is Tony without his armor and toys.

    This is the darkest of the three films in the series, and it has some great moments of tension and drama. It's still got that trademark with and humor though, which does help, because had this been done like Nolan's Batman films, then I'm not sure it'd be fun to endure. But it is fun, and the levity and darker material actually blend surprisingly well.

    The script is pretty decent, but not without its faults, namely trying to juggle plot threads, one too many characters, as well as how come The Avengers aren't in this. The handling of the antagonist is actually something I'm okay with, but I'm sure that it won't please everyone. For the most part though, even with its faults, this is some really decent stuff, and a blast to watch.

    The effects are top notch, there's some impressive action scenes, and a good mix of character and pathos. It's also really well shot, and the music is fine, but it bugs me that there's no AC/DC. The post credits stinger, and the retro-inspired end credits montage make for a really nice icing on an already delicious cake.

    The performances are pretty terrific, and I really legitimately think that RDJ should be given some awards consideration. Paltrow and Cheadle are both getting better and more comfortable with their characters, and Ben Kingsley is a scene stealer. Guy Pearce is quite menacing, and I like how they got Miguel Ferrer and William Sadler, even if they underused them (along with Rebecca Hall).

    All in all, this might not match the level of epic that The Avengers did, but it's nevertheless a very worthy film, and, while it may not be quite as good as the first one, it proves better than the second.
  • fb674646753
    May 16, 2013
    fb674646753
    An amazing, fast paced, Stark-centric start to Marvels cinematic universe phase 2. Robert Downey Jr. is at his best here, and this movie answers the question left open in the Avengers; Take away the armor and what's left? This film is all about whats left. It's about Tony and his... read more personal journey. The action is spectacular with a finale fit for a king, the twists are smart and extremely thought out, and this is one more extremely good movie in the Marvel basket.
  • May 15, 2013
    If it isn't as good as the original "Iron Man," it's close, so give it credit. "Iron Man 3" comes to us steeped in the baggage of "The Avengers" and the disappointing "Iron Man 2," but against all odds (and with Director Shane Black replacing Jon Favreau) the franchise and charac... read moreter feel alive and fresh again. Slick action, outstanding effects, great twist, and just the right amount of biting political satire cement "Iron Man 3" on a par with it's 2008 franchise kick starter, as well as the best entries in the Marvel film cannon.
  • May 15, 2013
    I was very entertained, and some of the plot's greater sidetracks were its best moments, such as the time spent in Tennessee. the film was cluttered with far too convenient coincidences, and many of the film's explanations for events were over-simplified and rushed. pepper's en... read moretire story arch was a mess, and the mandarin and war machine were overwhelmingly underused and misused. on mandarin, you can add me to the throng that is disappointed in the twist with his character. if you're going to go "super-power" anyway, just give us what we were expecting with that character. it would have made for a MUCH better climax. and even with the direction they took, kingsley was underused and should have been given a greater build up to the twist. i never really felt that he did enough on screen to feel the weight of any threat he would provide. on war machine, he didnt need to be there. i love cheadle so im glad he was, but was an essential non-factor. i would have loved to see him more involved, with more meat to his actions. i love rebecca hall, but her character was probably the most pointless of all. as far as the real villains? underwhelming to say the least. they barely seemed like a threat, and the explanation as to how and why they even do what they do was uninspired. i am however very interested to see if we get more of AIM, and how they will be used.
  • May 13, 2013
    It is not very likely that I will remember anything that happened in this movie years from now. Still, Iron Man 3 is filled with intense action and wonderful acting on the part of Robert Downey Jr. Iron Man 3 tries to ride on the same formula that made the Avengers so successful ... read moreby balancing moments of intensity and comedic relief. Iron Man 3 is dark enough to not need to try this balancing act but nevertheless comedy is added when it is not welcome and the result is upsetting. This movie would easily be a 5/10 average action movie, but because of RDJ's phenomenal acting it is a solid Marvel movie.
  • May 13, 2013
    *This review may contain spoilers* Handing over Iron Man to Shane Black was a good move. The Batman films have forced the Superhero film to grow up somewhat, The Avengers took it that bit further and found the perfect balance and the rest is history. Iron Man 3 is a grown up Supe... read morerhero film that some might find hard to adjust to. Tony Stark the Movie might have been a better title but then when you have Robert Downey Jr. as your lead, you don't want to see just 5 minutes of him and then a whole load of CGI. I have to say though there were elements I didn't care for, the whole 'Starting again' story-line I thought was a bit tired and also the inclusion of a Child just for the sake of it (or to appeal to a younger audience - like they're not already interested). Mostly though I found it to be a breath or fresh air. Keeping the action to a minimum and then including all of the Iron Men in one big fight was a brilliant idea. Saving the falling people was also pretty cool, as was Iron Potts. Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce and Rebecca Hall provided some excellent supporting characters with Kingsley just edging ahead and nearly stealing the show. I really hope we see more of him, I'm sure we will. The big question is What happens now? Is Iron Man just going to be in the Avengers now or will he get another film, it is hard to see where he can go from here.
  • May 12, 2013
    This movie, like the first two, is exactly what escaping into a great movie is all about: great action, solid laughs, and jaw dropping effects throughout!! Fun! Loved it! Love Tony Stark!!
  • May 12, 2013
    Very good! Tony Stark's somehow loveable arrogance and wit translates well into film.
    This is a film that non-comic fans can enjoy too.

Critic Reviews


Anthony Lane
May 6, 2013
Anthony Lane, New Yorker

The trouble is that, as the plot quickens, any cleverness withdraws, to make way for the firecrackers of the climax. That is not Black's forte, and his movie duly slumps into a mess. Full Review

Christopher Orr
May 3, 2013
Christopher Orr, The Atlantic

Shane Black excels at writing witty, self-referential, pop-infused banter, and there is no actor working today who is better suited to delivering it than Robert Downey Jr. Full Review

Lisa Kennedy
May 3, 2013
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

Iron Man 3 feels like an exploitative mulching of present-day anxieties. The script is ambitious but not wise enough to be rightfully cathartic. It's more Cuisinart than art. Full Review

Peter Rainer
May 3, 2013
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor

The action, directed by Shane Black, ranges from passable to interminable. Full Review

David Edelstein
May 3, 2013
David Edelstein, Vulture

Black is good at giving his heroes a morbid, self-hating edge and even better at coming up with hateable villains. Full Review

Liam Lacey
May 3, 2013
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

After a while, the steady diet of tongue-in-cheek starts to taste monotonous as day-old gum. Full Review

Rene Rodriguez
May 3, 2013
Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald

Just like he does with those crummy Sherlock Holmes movies, Downey elevates this rather flimsy material with his sheer presence. Full Review

Kenneth Turan
May 2, 2013
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

By even posing questions of identity, the film creates the kind of jeopardy we can believe in, and for a superhero movie, that is an accomplishment in and of itself. Full Review

Bob Mondello
May 2, 2013
Bob Mondello, NPR

Snappy dialogue, momentarily startling plot twists and lots of stuff blowing up. Full Review

Ann Hornaday
May 2, 2013
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

From its anxious protagonist and the battered metal sheaths he dons to save the world to the clattering, fiery mayhem that ensues with metronomic predictability, Iron Man 3 is less a movie than a fina... Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts


    • Tony Stark/Iron Man: You break it you buy it!!
    • The Mandarin: Heroes? There is no such thing.
    • Aldrich Killian: I could have made her perfect.
    • Tony Stark/Iron Man: See, that's were you're wrong. She already was perfect.
    • The Mandarin: You'll never see me coming.
    • Tony Stark/Iron Man: It's Christmas. Take 'em to Church.
    • Tony Stark/Iron Man: You know, it's times like these when I realize what a superhero I am.

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Iron Man 3 Trivia


  • Who in these 3 movies played the role of the FORRBIDDEN LOVER? -Man in the IRON mask -Titanic -Romeo and Juliet  Answer »
  • These are superheroes/heroes movies. In the same order, name the actors who played the lead character. 1. Iron Man (2008) ____________ 2. Batman Begins (2005) __________ 3. Spiderman (2002) ____________  Answer »
  • How long could an arc reactor run a heart [ at 3 graduals per seconds ] in Desk Set ? in Iron Man ?  Answer »
  • Box Office of ____. Toy Story 3 ($410.6M) Alice in Wonderland ($334.2M) Iron Man 2 ($312.1M) Eclipse ($300.1M) Inception ($285.1M)  Answer »

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