Michael S (YLOWBSTARDreturns)

"Olympus Has Fallen" is ripe with the patriot cheese of yesteryear's; namely the films of Chuck Norris. Though it's jarring to see such ideals projected on screen in the year 2013, this film makes the fatal flaw of actually taking itself seriously. Norris' films are still enjoyable (for the most part) till this day because they are campy, nostalgia-filled cartoons... "Olympus has Fallen" on the other hand already feels years past it's expiration date. To Director Fuqua's credit, there are some terrifically choreographed scenes of rampant action on display, and to be honest I was surprised at how relentless these scenes were. Too bad they are in this movie. If you turn your brain right off, you may enjoy the pyrotechnics... otherwise, catch it on cable sometime. It's bound to be a mainstay of scheduled "fourth of July" programming.

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 character 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.