In theatres: Iron Man 3

He’s back!

That’s right, Iron Man 3 arrives in theatres today — and yes, this is yet another superhero flick from the Marvel comic world to hit the big screen recently. Is it just me, or does it feel like these movies are taking over Hollywood? I’m still coming down from last year’s The Avengers.

This summer we’ll also see the release of a Thor sequel, plus a new stab at the Superman franchise with Man of Steel. Now, I’m going to suggest the same thing I did when I wrote about The Avengers last May: This may be a leave-the-little-ones-at-home-and-book-a-babysitter kind of movie. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no doubt Robert Downey Jr. brings his A-game, the effects are super-cool and I was completely entertained from start to finish. But, for those mini-superheroes in your house — I’m thinking under eight years old — it may just be a little too dark for them.

Premise: Tony Stark/Iron Man returns to battle against a new enemy (played by Guy Pearce) whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive on his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: Does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

What we loved: I have to say that besides enjoying the consistent comic relief provided by Downey — with his witty and quick one-liners — there was also great interactions and friendship-building between Iron Man and a 10-year-old boy named Harley (played by Ty Simpkins). It definitely adds a noticeable softer side to both Iron Man and Downey’s persona. I’ll mentioned again that the effects were super cool — they definitely don’t disappoint in my eyes.

Iron Man 3 delivers on all levels of what I've come to expect with these superhero movies: Funny one-liners, crazy villains, fun twists, a side of romance and exciting action sequences.

Canadian rating: PG — Parental Guidance Advised