In Iron Man 3, actor Guy Pearce plays Aldrich Killian a scientist who undergoes a transformation. When I first saw his character, I couldn’t help but think he looked familiar, like one Val Kilmer played in The Saint. While stills of Killian pre-transformation haven’t been released, I think this interview still is enough of a case.
Warning Spoilers
Iron Man 3 is in both an enviable and unenviable task as a movie. Being the first post Avengers Marvel movie, the movie will get eyes on it from fans brought in from that juggernaut of a movie. The downside is, it has a hell of a movie to be compared to. That’s an interesting position to be in. As a movie unto itself, Iron Man 3 is a good and entertaining summer popcorn movie. That doesn’t make it a good movie. As we’ve seem to come to expect from summer movies, the film is lots of action, and not much depth under that loud, full of explosions skin.
The movie’s plot is pretty simple, Tony Stark is now having some issues being Iron Man after the events of New York in the previous Avengers. At the same time, a terrorist, the Mandarin, is running around blowing stuff up and shooting crappy videos (the real life North Koreans have more entertaining propaganda videos). After an attack that hits too close to home, Tony gets pissed and goes after the Mandarin, because now it’s personal.
The fact Tony didn’t get involved earlier is the first thing that bothered me. There’s a line about how any involvement would be an issue since this has to deal with American policy, but I didn’t buy it. It just seemed odd.
But at that point, the action kicks up as the plot expands. The big baddie isn’t the Mandarin at all, it’s Aldrich Killian who is charge of A.I.M. and wants to do… something. Using Extremis to create super soldiers and human bombs. Why he’s really doing this, is never really explained. His end goal was?
That was just one of the many issues I had as far as the plot. Here’s some more:
I also had an issue at how Pepper’s role was clearly wedged in at certain points, it didn’t feel organic.
What I did enjoy was the twist that Mandarin wasn’t the main bad guy. It was an unexpected twist that I thought that was handled in a funny and entertaining way. It also explained the British accent. Humor though was a thing the movie seemed to have issues balancing. It’s an issue the second movie had as well, it went to far into the attempts at comedy. Here, when it worked, it was great, at other points, not so much.
The cast was mixed overall. Sir Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin plays the role quite well, especially with the switch he must do. Guy Pearce as Killian channels Val Kilmer in The Saint, it was too cartoony at times. Robert Downey Jr. is the draw. His performance is so engaging, so much fun to watch. That is almost enough of a reason to watch the film. Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts and Rebecca Hall as Maya Hansen are both ok in their roles.
There was a lot I did like. The action was crazy, especially a skydiving scene I’d love to see how they did. Those sequences, especially the crazy over the top ending, are what a summer popcorn movie is all about. Turn your brain off, and sit back and don’t think too much. For all of the explosions though, the rest of the movie wasn’t deep enough.
The movie was better than the second film, but didn’t quite reach the excellence of the first. It also doesn’t come close to touching the Avengers. I expect Iron Man 3 to do quite well (though not sure it’ll be the top grossing film now), but overall, there’s just too many flaws for me to completely enjoy it.
Direction: 6.75 Acting: 7.75 Plot: 6.5 Overall: 7
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Iron Man 3 hits theaters this week and comiXology reached out to its users to get their thoughts on Marvel’s armored hero. Here’s the results from their “comiX indeX”:
What is the best Iron Man movie so far: the original Iron Man or Iron Man 2?
Beside Tony Stark and Col. Rhodes, what character is most likely to sport an Iron Man suit in Iron Man 3?
Will Iron Man 3 be the summer’s biggest-grossing comics-related film?
What is the best Iron Man suit?
Who would comiXology fans rather see piloting an Iron Man suit?
It looks like the fans are expecting the movie to be the biggest of the summer, which is what we think too. Hopefully comiXology keeps this up as the summer movies are released.
To celebrate this week’s opening of Iron Man 3, Marvel and actor Robert Downey Jr. opened up the New York Stock Exchange today by ringing the opening bell. Iron Man 3 opens this Friday.
The first major blockbuster of the summer is upon us with Marvel’s Iron Man 3 opening on May 3. Fans can start preparing for the much anticipated release by collecting cards and stickers from Iron Man 3 starting this week! The 60-card base set chronicles the exciting events of Tony Stark after the events in last summer’s blockbuster film Marvel’s The Avengers’.
Upper Deck continues its product line with Marvel Entertainment, to produce new Marvel movie and character-based trading cards and games. This release will be chock full of all the elements that fans have come to love from Upper Deck movie products including actor autographs, movie-worn memorabilia cards, 1-of-1 artist sketch cards and printing plates, and for the first time, stickers!
The Iron Man 3 trading card set features exclusive images from Iron Man 3. Featured in the set are autographed insert cards from some of the film’s compelling stars including Rebecca Hall (Maya Hansen) and Jon Favreau (Happy Hogan). In addition to autographs, swatches of movie-worn and production costumes from Iron Man 3 will be utilized on rare memorabilia cards, which will fall at a rate of two per hobby box. Premium 1-of-1 “Artist Sketch” cards have also been inserted at random, and showcase original moments inspired by the Iron Man movie and comic book franchises.
Some other highly anticipated elements of the set include the Hall-of-Armor series that showcases the many suits of Iron Man from the movies. Also look for 1-of-1 printing plate cards of the 60 card base set and insert sets. Hard-core Iron Man fans will definitely want to collect the foil parallel set! Retail fat packs include exclusive stickers containing images and logos from the movie. Collectors can find two stickers from the full 50 sticker set per pack.
Upper Deck’s Iron Man 3 Trading Cards boasts seven cards per pack, 24 packs per box, and are just arriving on store shelves!
Check out more cards below!
Marvel and Disney are releasing a massive amount of tie-in products for Iron Man 3 releasing in theaters May 3, 2013. This armor and suit-inspired assortment features apparel, collectibles, lifestyle products, action figures, toys and role play products.
Additionally, Marvel Press, an imprint of Disney Publishing Worldwide, has released several titles in print and eBook form in support of the feature film, including Iron Man 3 Movie Storybook and Suits of Armor storybook by Tomas Palacios. Readers can also experience the action-packed adventure of Iron Man through mini-games, authentic animated artwork and interactive activities in the free Iron Man: Armored Avenger App, available on iTunes.
Innovative Technology Products:
Iron Man 3 RealD 3D Eyewear (MSRP $10.00): RealD’s patented technology enables an incomparable, premium 3D viewing experience. CDM has developed a limited edition line of collectible RealD 3D eyewear for Marvel’s Iron Man 3.
Iron Man 3 Levitator Lamp (MSRP $150.00): Recreating the high-flying power of Iron Man’s suit right in front of your eyes, the Iron Man 3 armor levitates in mid-air and rotates 360 degrees on a lamp base that also emits a ceiling projection.
Iron Man 3 3D LightFX Wall Light (MSRP $29.99): The Iron Man 3 3D LightFX Wall Light mounts to the wall and is cordless and battery operated; the innovative fixture is true to size and uses LED lights to bring the adventure of Iron Man to life.
Iron Man 3 iHome Electronics (MSRP $14.99 – $29.99): This exclusive collection includes noise isolating earphones, headphones, rechargeable character speakers and a dual alarm clock speaker system, all with cool character styling.
Toys and Role Play:
Iron Man 3 Assemblers Action Figure Assortment by Hasbro (MSRP $9.99 each): Each figure in the buildable Assemblers Action Figure line features an Interchangeable Armor System, allowing one figure to create more than 25 armor combinations and allowing armor to be switched out to create hundreds of combinations.
Iron Man 3 ARC FX Role Play products by Hasbro (MSRP $24.99): The ARC FX MISSION MASK features dual missile launchers with ARC FX glowing visor lights and targeting beam light effect; the MOTORIZED ARC FX GAUNTLET features rapid-fire blasting action with NERF foam discs.
RC Flying Iron Man by EB Brands (MSRP $80.00): A full 19” long, the RC Iron Man banks, soars, dives and climbs, just like the extreme Super Hero, Iron Man; a unique, patented steering mechanism gives kids greater control and a super tight turning radius.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man 3 Construction Sets (MSRP $12.99 – $39.99): Kids can team up with Iron Man in his upgraded Mark 42 armor to battle villains with the new LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man 3 construction sets, each featuring a key scene and iconic characters from the highly anticipated new film.
Lifestyle Products:
Under Armour Alter Ego Performance Shirts (MSRP $49.99 – Boys, $59.99 – Adult): Featuring the iconic Iron Man character design, Under Armour Alter Ego is the baselayer built for heroic performance.
Iron Man 3 Adult Hooded Fleece by Mad Engine (MSRP $59.50 – $63.50): Bring the powerful, strong, all-new suits of armor and their sleek designs featured in Marvel’s Iron Man 3 to your wardrobe with these adult hooded fleece.
Iron Man Threadless Tees (MSRP $18.50 – $23.50): Threadless challenged artists from all over the world to design t-shirts inspired by Marvel’s metal-clad Super Hero, resulting in 22 unique Iron Man tees in the collection.
Collectibles:
Iron Man 3 POP! Bobble Head by Funko (MSRP $9.99): Iron Man is given a fun, and funky, stylized look as a collectible POP! style Iron Man 3 bobble head vinyl figure.
Iron Man 3 Micro Muggs by Hasbro (MSRP $1.99 each): The most epic Iron Man movie yet gets Hasbro’s smallest, coolest Iron Man collectibles. There are 24 unique armors across, each 1.75 inches, and two waves to collect.
Disney Store:
Iron Man 3 Deluxe Costume for Boys (MSRP $59.95): Your junior Super Hero can suit-up for action in this deluxe padded armor inspired by Tony Stark’s latest design for Marvel’s Iron Man 3.
Iron Man 3 Swim Collection for Boys (MSRP $7.50 – $19.50): He’ll enjoy heroic days at the beach or pool in this Iron Man Swim Collection; prepare him for his aquatic adventures with Iron Man Swim Trunks, Rash Guard, Flip Flops and Beach Towel.
This summer looks like a feast for comic book fans with numerous movies directly based on comic books or having a comic book tie-in. Here’s what to expect each month and what we think is going to be the hits and the misses. And there’s a few weekends comic geeks will have to choose between movies, or go with the double feature.
May
Iron Man 3 – May 3 – easily the juggernaut of the summer movies. This is likely to be the highest grossing movie of the summer unless a certain caped hero goes huge. The second movie of the series was a bit of a let down, but with a new director and an interesting villain, here’s hoping the franchise bounces back. The expectations are high, which works a bit against the movie.
Star Trek Into Darkness – May 17 – The second entry in the rebooted Star Trek franchise has had a prequel released by IDW as well as an ongoing series based in it’s universe. The movie looks much darker than previous entries, but that might not be a bad thing.
June
After Earth – June 7 – Will Smith’s new movie also featuring his son is a futuristic sci-fi tale. It also had a comic tie-in released by Dynamite that was pretty decent.
Man of Steel – June 14 – The other possibility of the top grossing movie of the summer. It looks darker in tone, but this is a reboot of the classic character, just in time for Superman to celebrate his 75th birthday. Like a certain shellhead, there’s high expectations for this one.
Monsters University – June 21 – Pixar’s sequel to their awesome movie Monsters Inc. Maybe Disney and Marvel are smart enough to release a comic tie-in to go with it? I expect it to be a solid family movie.
World War Z – based on Max Brook’s amazing book, the trailers look horrible. But, it’s a zombie movie and Brooks writes comics. I think the movie will tank, but expect publishers to attempt to play off of the Brooks connection.
July
Despicable Me 2 – July 3 – I loved the first one. If someone is smart they’ll grab up this family movie. There’s no comic connection that I can think of, but I love the first movie so much I couldn’t not mention it.
The Lone Ranger – July 3 – the trailers to this also look horrible. There is a Dynamite series, but that has nothing to do with this movie. I expect a box office bomb.
Pacific Rim – July 12 – there’s a graphic novel tie-in that’s supposed to come out, but even if there wasn’t it’s giant robots versus giant monsters. One of the most anticipated movies of the summer for me.
Red 2 – July 19 – the first movie wasn’t all that great. There was something entertaining about it, but barely. Kind of shocked there’s a sequel. The first movie was based on a comic, no idea for any plans for this one.
R.I.P.D. – July 19 – If I’m seeing a “comic movie” this weekend, it’s this one. Starring Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds the movie is based off of the Dark Horse series.
The Wolverine – July 26 – the first movie was horrible. So bad, I refused to spend movie to see it. This sequel is looking better, but I expect it to be third when it comes to comic movie grosses for the summer.
The Smurfs 2 – July 31 – there is the Papercutz comic series that continues this classic cartoon series. The first movie was smurf, I’m expecting much of the same for this one.
August
2 Guns – August 2 – a tough weekend to open, see below, this movie is based on the BOOM! Studios series. The story is entertaining and it has a solid cast. Another under the radar summer movie I can’t wait to see.
300: Rise of an Empire – August 2 – a tough weekend to open, see above, this movie is based on the upcoming graphic novel Xerxes which is the sequel to the graphic novel 300. I’m not expecting it to match the box office dollars or awesomeness of the first one.
Elysium – August 9 – no comic tie-in that I know of, but it looks like awesome science fiction.
Kick-Ass 2 – August 16 – I hated the comic series this will likely be based on. It was violence for violence sake at times. We’ll see what they get away with for this one.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones – August 23 – it was a book first, but there’s also a comic adaptation of this popular young adult novel.
The weekend is almost here! What’s everyone have on their plans?
Around the Tubes
WWGP – Pistol Annies Launching Interactive Graphic Novel Online Leading Up to “Annie Up” Release May 7 – Wonder why they wen that route?
Kotaku – There are 18 Armors in the Official Iron Man 3 Game. Can You Name Them? – Fun quiz time!
CBR – Bendis & Andreyko’s “Torso” To Be Adapted by Sundance Favorite Lowery – Cool.
Bleeding Cool – What Exactly Did Robert Venditti Say About Plans To Kill Off John Stewart? – Still think it could be a good storyline.
Kotaku – When Video Game Artists Get To Redesign Comic Book Superheroes – Some I really dig.
The Hollywood Reporter – Terry Moore’s Horror Comic ‘Rachel Rising’ Heading to Television (Exclusive) – Yay!
Comics Alliance –Robert Morales, Writer Of Marvel’s ‘Truth: Red, White And Black,’ Passes Away – Sad news.
The Mary Sue – DC Comics Pulls The Plug On Executive Column After Too Many Tough Questions From Fans – In what other industry do fans have this much access to decision makers?
Kotaku – See What Censorship Has Done To These Manga – Huh.
Kotaku – Injustice: Gods Among Us: The Kotaku Review – I need to get this game.
Around the Tubes Reviews
CBR – Age of Ultron #6
Comic Vine – B.P.R.D.: Hell On Earth – A Cold Day In Hell #106
Comic Vine – Cable and X-Force #7
Comic Vine – Captain Marvel #12
CBR – Daredevil #25
Comic Vine – Iron Man #8
Comic Vine – Jirni #1
Comic Vine – Justice League of America’s Vibe #3
The Spectrum – Mind MGMT Vol. 1
Spandexless – The Private Eye
Comic Vine – Red Hood and the Outlaws #19
Comic Vine – Star Wars: Darth Vader And The Ninth Assassin #1
Comic Vine – Superior Spider-Man #8
Comic Vine – Venom #34
Iron Man 3 is only one month away, and Diamond Select Toys is hard at work on their Marvel Select action figures for the movie! Iron Man Mark 42 and War Machine were designed by Gentle Giant based on digital data from the film, and will stand approximately 7.5″ tall with 16 points of articulation. Each will come with an armor bay diorama base, packaged in DST’s display-ready Select figure packaging.
They’ll be exclusively available at comic shops and specialty stores starting this summer, so check out these new photos and pre-order today! And stay tuned for news on the exclusive Iron Patriot figure and a second exclusive figure to be revealed!
Check out all of the figures below the jump!
