“Iron Man 3” currently is the No. 1 film in the world. You had to be a superhero this past week just to find a showing that wasn’t sold out.
According to the official Marvel Comics website, “Iron Man 3” pits brash, brilliant, industrialist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) — fresh off joining other screen heroes in last year’s big hit, “The Avengers” — against an enemy, the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), 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.
The journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. Stark is left to survive by his own devices, ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him.
In case you hadn’t figured it out yet, let me reveal a big secret about myself: I am a huge comic book nerd. In fact, preceding “Iron Man 3” were several explosive trailers (the “Star Trek” sequel is coming!), one of which was for fellow Marvel hero, “The Wolverine.”  Right now, under my bed, is a comic book featuring most of the characters in the new film. What can I say?
Iron Man wasn’t necessarily my favorite Marvel character growing up, but the first Iron Man film holds a very dear place in my heart. The first time he flies around in the suit, with computer/friend Jarvis’s voice in his ears, it was just so realistic. It was a very exciting accomplishment, in my book.
Now, the Marvel movies as a whole have been astonishing in the way they all relate to each other, just like a series of comic books. We see Hawkeye in “Thor” and the Black Widow in “Iron Man 2.” The only drawback to the enormity of this franchise is that now we’re bombarded with films. We’re working on multiple Thor and Captain America pictures. What makes the third Iron Man so special?
I’ll tell you. Not to pick on the competition (DC Comics), but one difficulty I’ve always had relating to Superman is that he can do anything. Where’s the challenge? Likewise, this third outing was all about getting Stark out of the Iron Man suit and seeing if he could survive. The result is epic, but intimate, surprising, satisfying and very funny.
And in keeping with Marvel-movie tradition, there’s an “Easter egg” extra scene after the credits. I do regret to inform you, however, that Iron Man 3’s Easter egg does not reveal anything for future Marvel films.
Very well done! I’m a fan.