Tuesday Releases: Iron Man 3

September 24, 2013 / Leave a Comment

SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2013

THE KINGS OF SUMMER // In addition to being one of the most enthralling coming of age dramas this year, “The Kings Of Summer” is as visually stunning as it is emotionally engaging, taking these all but unknown teenage actors and giving them an open world to roam around freely. Centered around three boys that runaway from home to live in the woods for the summer in a home of their own making, the humor in the film rivals any comedy so far this year, anchoring the comedy with a deep rooted emotional connection to the characters and their strife with finding their own way amongst their overbearing parents. Each teen faces moments of growth and realization that the world isn’t perfect and even though some of the story arcs aren’t necessarily happy endings, these stories come off natural and realistic, producing real moments that hit home and in turn producing a true emotional response in the viewer. Nick Robinson proves he has a bright future ahead of him, nailing every possible challenge placed in front of him. Nick Offerman and Megan Mulally are the comedic tent poles in the parent camp while Moises Arias as Biaggio will not soon be forgotten, carrying the funniest moments of the film and creating a persona/brand all his own. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts takes this independent film and gives it style, with camera tricks and a resonating soundtrack that raises this Sundance Film Festival favorite up as one of the highlights in a summer full of Hollywood blockbusters.

IronMan3-header

IRON MAN 3 // Shane Black re-teams with Robert Downey Jr. to deliver not only an exceptional stand-alone action film with comedic and emotionally charged themes, but produces another gold brick in the foundation of the Marvel universe. All returning characters are at the top of their game, with no wasted reintroductions or unnecessary plot devices, including the best showing to-date for Gwyneth Paltrow as love interest Pepper Potts. Used limited but effectively, Don Cheadle proves yet again that his Rhodes is far superior. One of my favorite castings is Rebecca Hall who rises above her brief appearance and reflects a wit and sex appeal unmatched in previous installments. As is said, the quality of the film is often reflected from how formed and significant the villains are. Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce are phenomenal in their roles, rising not only above the previous Iron Man foes, but any in the Marvel universe. Kingsley is unrecognizable as The Mandarin, with a voice and disposition that will not soon be forgotten. The humor of the script is whip smart and relentless, perfectly timed and strategically placed, often offering several highlights of the film, helped immensely by Downey’s delivery and aura, which is irreplaceable. The emotional darkness emoted by the characters and brought on by the film’s events, specifically Tony in dealing with his post traumatic stress after “The Avengers” and along with the destruction of his home and belongings, creates a special dynamic that raises this “Iron Man” above most superhero endeavors, following in the footsteps of Nolan’s “Dark Knight” series. Even the action sequences are top notch, never recycling fights from previous films. The ingenuity of Tony’s suits helps develop a fresh feel to the story and adds another exciting layer to the final battle. Add to that cinematography that captures the immensity of its surroundings, specifically scenes like Tony’s Malibu mansion being demolished by helicopters or a free-fall rescue out of Air Force One involving twelve passengers. The marketing for the film is undeniably swift, burying the secrets of the film and for good reason. With plenty of surprises and a handful of allusions to the previous installments (and foreshadowing of events to come), “Iron Man 3” entertains on all levels, continuing the near perfect legacy of “The Avengers” and the preceding Marvel films.

VHS2-header

V/H/S/2 // Not quite as enthralling as its predecessor, “V/H/S/2” still holds on to most of what made the original so entertaining, with practical effects and deep, hardworking scares, remaining the best use of found footage to date. Weaving together four short films of macabre nature with a fifth over arcing film, five different directors take a stab at telling their dark, grotesque stories. “Phase I Clinical Trials”, directed by Adam Wingard, remains my favorite of this compilation with a keen sense of humor that was also present in his short “Q is for Quack” from the similar film, “The ABCs of Death”. In it, Wingard stars as a man with a camera-eye implanted on him, as he starts to see ghost. This short is the most effective with scares and keeping the audience on the edge of their seat. The rest of the shorts are incredibly well produced, with more convincing horror effects than most features. “A Ride in the Park” depicts a zombie apocalypse, following a particular zombie with a Go Pro camera attached to his bike helmet. “Safe Haven” depicts an interview crew being terrorized by a cult and witnessing the birth of the devil. And “Slumber Party Alien Abduction” is exactly what its title suggests, producing some of the most lifelike and terrifying aliens to come out a horror film, ever. Although many of the shorts from the first film remain my favorite, the ones in “V/H/S/2” are on the same level, with interesting storylines, amazing practical effects, and my full endorsement to keep producing these small, yet hugely entertaining compilations.