This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.
David Beasley, Associate Editor
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 20
Arts & Culture
How does the title “Iron Man” make you feel? One might ask themselves this question while lounging in the local cinema’s version of a counseling room chair. Theater seats are similar enough to allow a patient to explore their feelings just as they would in a psychologist’s office. As the audience journeys with Tony Stark through his third feature film, they are presented with more than a dilemma of good and evil, or right and wrong, they witness the transformation and inner growth of the man in the can. Stark’s inner struggles and fixations are at the heart of the story. Stark must learn through tragedy that his focus determines his reality.
Distractions and misdirection can cause one to lose sight of what’s important. Audiences can easily take away a feeling of fulfillment experiencing Iron Man’s metamorphosis and apply the lessons of balance to their own lives. It is always good to have a helpful reminder of the important aspects of life.
Big industrial machine plant structures symbolized the massive scale of “Iron Man 3”. In one of the film’s most impressive scenes, Stark battles the Mandarin’s forces in a gargantuan factory. The battle was creative and refreshingly different than the average choreography formula. In 3D, the large steel girders and pipes which fly toward the screen pull the audience into the fray.
Abundance and overwhelming amounts of excess were themes addressed in prior “Iron Man” installments and continued to provide conflict in this newest adventure. Stark is obviously very wealthy, but his preoccupation with his inventions threatens to alienate him from his most valued treasure, Pepper Pots.
All Stark needed was a wake up call in the form of a much over-exaggerated villain. The Mandarin poses a ruthless threat, his random and confusing terrorist attacks overwhelm the US military and even the newly renamed Iron Patriot, formerly War Machine.
Amidst all the chaos and confusion, a little boy named Harley befriends Stark. Harley is “Iron Man’s” version of Short Round from “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”. A quirky little kid who is teased and used as an errand boy by the main protagonist.
Harley provides much needed support to Stark at key moments and allows the metal warrior to gain a renewed perspective on life.
Watching “Iron Man 3” will not be the most life changing cinematic event for most, but not every movie can be “Avatar” or “The Matrix”. That being said, it’s well worth the cash to see the special effects exhibition in large format. If nothing else it should provide sufficient entertainment and positive expectations as Marvel gears up for the next “Avengers” movie.
3D meshes well with this movie as there are a marvelous amount of spectacles to take in. The layers of various computer generated scenery and characters were visually stunning.
The third installment of “Iron Man” did not disappoint. The mix of seriousness and humor were a fun adventure. There was a certain brevity to the main conflict, while at the same time a thoughtful story of relationship journeys was the heart of the film.
Indeed putting together the pieces, learning to adjust to chaos and change were themes present in this film. A scene with Pots wielding an Iron Man gauntlet to battle the Mandarin was among the most entertaining and symbolic.
The importance of certain aspects of Stark’s life were brought into perspective. He was able to see that things can coexist, but a balance is ideal. We can all learn from simple tales of metamorphosis such as “Iron Man 3”. Without the armor, Stark is still Iron Man, but without loved ones he is just a tin man without a heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment