To evaluate the
success of Iron Man 3 or analyse its
attributes as a film seems superfluous. It will likely prove a huge box office
success in the same manner Iron Man
and Iron Man 2 were. As a film it is
indistinguishable from other Marvel films in its structure and three-part
narrative. There are moments of fun and tension, but the sense of déjà-vu is
inescapable.
What is significant
and far more worthy of mention regarding this film is its dénouement, which
suggests the end of Iron Man as an independent film series. If true it is a
brave move and one in the right direction. Superhero films continue to be
massive financial success. This in turn leads to less and less creativity in
film as producers and studios are unwilling to invest in more daring, less
certain projects. To remove one of the most profitable characters from the
superhero cycle could suggest the end of the superhero cycle (and all genres
have a cycle, with the exception maybe of horror) is nearing.
Yet optimism quickly
abates, as Iron Man will appear in The
Avengers 2, soon to appear and break box office records everywhere. Even
earlier will be Thor 2 and can the
Hulk be far behind? Certainly we know of more Spider-Man films and Man of Steel, like Thor 2 will be appearing this year. Rumours of further Marvel
collaborations are rumoured, as is a Justice League film. So, if this were the
final third of the cycle of superhero films, it will be a lengthy final third
and like all over long films, packed with moments of tedium.
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