Iron Man 3 is a bounce back. After Iron Man 2's overextension, this film shows restraint by emphasizing Stark's character and delaying action. Specifically, Stark suffers from PTSD after the events of The Avengers, which doesn't intertwine with the villain but prompts emotional reflection as he solves Mandarin's puzzle. This personal quality, where Stark works with less while finding himself, is fairly refreshing from Marvel. Unfortunately, that aspect is lost once the finale shifts into excessive action. Nevertheless, this character arc is still the best of the trilogy. That, along with the witty dialogue, helps counterbalance the unmotivated villain story.
Technically, Iron Man 3 is an improvement. Notably, Stark's panic attacks are portrayed with rapid editing, distorted sound, and dramatic camerawork. Plus, there are cinematic overhead shots of Iron Man's broken suit. The effects remain reliable (despite being overdone), and the limited production design is still highly recognizable. Also, the freefall rescue sequence is tense and relatively unique. Furthermore, the acting is strengthened by Downey's range and Kingsley's antics. The music is the most generic of the trilogy, but Iron Man 3 is otherwise proactive. Ultimately, it's not peak Marvel, but Iron Man 3 is a step in the right direction.
Writing: 6/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 5/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 7.0/10
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