Iron Man 3

Of all the comic book heroes brought to screen, the first Iron Man movie was surely the most super surprise. It was followed by the disappointingly average Iron Man 2 and last summer’s marvelous The Avengers. Now comes Iron Man 3 and the question: Is the Iron Man series getting rusty?

Not at all. I could probably enjoy watching Robert Downey’s Jr. Tony Stark in any average Iron Man series, mind you, but this movie brings fresh surprises from start to finish. It’s a riveting action and comedy film built for serious comic book fans as well as typical movie lovers.

Part of what worked in the first film is having billionaire Tony Stark in a situation where he was forced to return to basics. Iron Man 3 does that again to Stark and, in a way, to the whole movie. It’s a wise choice that removed the temptation to top the previous one with gimmicks and over-the-top scenes.

I hope the rest of the summer blockbuster movies satisfy as much as this one.

Simiply put: Stark raving awesome fun.

Award potential: Probably none. But Ben Kingsley’s Mandarin character will be remembered for years.

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks. 3D is not necessary.