Date: June 29, 2021
Music Video of the Day:
Interstellar News: Yesterday my writing brain did not want to work. It’s not so great tonight, so I’m going to focus on each of the characters in the next installment in our Marvel movie marathon.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
“You’re in a relationship with me. Everything will never be okay. But I think I can figure this out, yeah. I almost had this 20 years ago when I was drunk. I think I can get you better. That’s what I do. I fix stuff.”: After the events of Avengers Tony Stark can’t sleep and he obsessively makes new Iron Man suits. I love how we start with Stark in his younger years, when he was still the Stark we met in Iron Man. It’s a wonderful way to show how all of our actions have consequences, even if they happen over a decade later. I remain very torn about this movie, for reasons I will make clear below.
Happy gets to be more useful, but then he spends so much time in the hospital. “Yeah, a little movie called “The Party’s Over”, starring you and your junkie girlfriend, and here’s the ticket.“
Maya makes a heel turn and attempts a redemption arc, but it gets cut short by Killian. I love that the goal was to help those who have lost limbs “grow” them back, but it also shows how dangerous technology or innovation can be in the wrong hands.
Killian is the world’s dumbest villain. He’s trying to cover up for his mistakes and his plan is to kidnap the president so the VP will keep giving his lab money forever… that’s it? That’s your plan? What a researcher (rolls eyes dramatically). Also, why does he keep going with the plan when the Mandarin isn’t there?
Rhodey gets to do a little more. He not only gets some really excellent lines but he’s part of a lot of the action. “You… You breathe fire? Okay.“
The twist with the Mandarin is excellent, and Kingsley is a national treasure who has SO MUCH FUN with the role.
Harley, the kid, is one of my favorite characters. He starts off trying to shoot Tony with a potato gun and then he becomes the very thing Stark needs to become his old Iron Man self. I love that Stark gifts him his own lab at the end and that Harley will make an appearance in End Game. I also love the in-joke about his sister’s limited edition Dora the Explorer watch, it’s absolutely precious.
Pepper gets to be in a suit, watch her world disappear, get herself kidnapped, and Hulk out. She saves Tony and gets the best comeback line of the whole show… “Who’s the hot mess now?” I absolutely love how she takes out Killian and she inspires Tony to blow up all of his suits.
Last, but not least, there’s the Iron Man himself… Tony Stark. I love how the end credits show him having a “therapy” session with Bruce Banner, who promptly explains he’s not that kind of doctor and zoned out for most of the story. It’s a wonderful way to frame the movie as flashbacks that have their own flashbacks. He deals with panic attacks, does some detective work, mechanics a bit, and eventually saves the day with a little help from his friends. One of the most heartbreaking moments is when JARVIS goes offline, but there’s enough levity throughout the rest of the movie to make up for it. I love that he decides to undergo surgery himself but I hate that he throws the arc reactor into the ocean – I mean, come on… pollution much?
All in all, it’s absolutely not the worst movie of the marathon and there are lots of goof character developments for most of the recurring cast.
TA Out!
To Boldly Go Where Everyone Has Gone Before 