After the incredible success of the highly anticipated Avengers film, Iron Man 3 comes out with an enthusiastic audience eager to watch it, me included. At the start of the film, Tony Starks, also known as the Iron Man, is still trying to overcome his anxiety over the terrors he faced during the Avengers film.

After his trauma escaping a wormhole, he barely sleeps and spends his time creating new and improved iron man suits to the frustration of his beloved girlfriend, Penny. Conflict arises when a malicious terrorist begins exploding things and threatening the American public and president.

At the same time, a scientist once scorned by Stark returns with revolutionary and dangerous biotechnology. Before long, Stark finds himself fighting to stop the chaos and save those he cares most about.

The film had many plot twists and a surprising storyline. There was much more plot than most action movies have, and it was interesting all the way through. Fortunately for those who have not see the first and second Iron Man films, the new story was not heavily based on the previous Iron Man plots, but instead was virtually independent. Iron Man 3 seemed to be the conclusion to the Iron Man series, and certainly didn’t feel like a set up for another film, as some action movies do.

The visuals in the film were superb and captivating. Shown in IMAX 3D, the action was thrilling and the movie had plenty of it. The technology Stark created for his suits was very cool and ingenious. It was always exciting to see his famous suits perform a new unexpected trick or maneuver.

The characters in Iron Man 3 were phenomenal. Robert Downey Jr. was back again as Tony Starks with his witty, snarky humor and endearingly arrogant attitude. Gwyneth Paltrow resumed her supporting role as Penny, and grew as a character throughout the film. Guy Pearce was amazing as the stumbling weakling turned unlikely villain.

One great addition to the film was the inclusion of adorable child star Ty Simpkins as Starks’ unlikely helper. Ben Kingsley brought completely unexpected highlights to the film in his performance as the sadistic terrorist, the Mandarin.

Overall, Iron Man 3 is an enthralling action film that is a little deeper than most films like it, yet still remains lighthearted and humorous. Fans of action movies, superheroes, and Robert Downey Jr. will all find something to love about the latest Iron Man film.

Aran Kirschenmann, 16, is a contributing writer for the Bellevue Reporter and a Junior at Bellevue High School. You may reach and connect with her on her Facebook page “The Young Critic.”