UFC 157: Rousey VS. Carmouche DVD review

June 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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91CW2WDBQrL._SL1500_Two women duking it out in the Ultimate Fighting Championship was deemed laughable to even consider years ago, but at UFC 157 the crowd was buzzing as Liz Carmouche nearly choked out the untouchable Ronda Rousey before Rousey came back with her devastating arm-bar.

Quite possibly the most important women’s fight when it comes to mixed martial arts needed a strong showing as it main-evented a highly anticipated UFC card. Going into the fight it seemed a completely mismatch as Rousey is an undefeated Olympic gold medalist that defeats every opponent the exact same way even though opponents are aware of the arm-bar. Yet Carmouche put a serious scare into the UFC bantamweight women’s champion nearly getting her to tap out in the first few minutes of the fight. However, Rousey was able to fight through and once she got Carmouche to the ground there was no stopping the eventual submission victory.

The semi-main event could have easily been considered a main event fight as Lyto Machida took on Dan Henderson. Henderson was looking to deliver his nasty knockout power on Machida, but the evasive style of Machida frustrated Henderson and in the end was the slight difference in the fight as Machida walked away with a split decision victory. If Henderson won he was easily going to get his title shot back against Jon Jones, but Machida winning just keeps both away from a title shot due to Jones already defeating Machida.

Urijah Faber continued to impress in the bantamweight division winning convincingly over Ivan Menjivar when Faber locked in a choke while Menjivar was standing, shades of Matt Hughes when he defeated Frank Trigg. Faber again showed that he is one of the best in his division and despite his failures in title matches can not be counted out yet as a worthy contender down the line. This event also saw a major setback in the career of Josh Koscheck as he lost in the first round to Robbie Lawler out of nowhere. Koscheck was winning the fight with his wrestling, but the power of Lawler became too much for him.

Exciting card overall, the big fights delivered, the extra features are lacking this time around on the DVD. It’s one of those if you missed it you should see it, but if you saw it it’s probably only desirable if you want the historic women’s fight or some of favourite fighters.

UFC 157: Rousey VS. Carmouche

Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada

Run time of 300 minutes

Released on May 28, 2013

 

Disc 1:Main Card

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship
Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche

Lyoto Machida vs. Dan Henderson

Urijah Faber vs. Ivan Menjivar

Court McGee vs. Josh Neer

Josh Koscheck vs. Robbie Lawler

Special Features
- Weign-in Show
- UFC 157 Promo Sneak Peak
- Liz Carmouche Feature

Disc 2:Preliminary Card

Brendan Schaub vs. Lavar Johnson

Michael Chiesa vs. Anton Kuivanen

Dennis Bermudez vs. Matt Grice

Sam Stout vs. Caros Fodor

Kenny Robertson vs. Brock Jardine

Jon Manley vs. Neil Magny

Nah-Shon Burrell vs. Yuri Villefort

Special Features
- Timeline: Dan Henderson
- Faber Family Holiday

Filed Under: DVD, MMA, UFC, Uncategorized

The Internship review

June 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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The-Internship-posterThe two actors that crashed weddings reunite in a different movie as they attempt to change their lives trying to get a job at the prestigious Internet company,  Google, in The Internship.

Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn play two salesmen, Nick and Billy, who have been booted from their jobs as watch salesmen due to the times catching up on them. With no other skills or ways to get a high-paying job, they decide to take on an internship at Google.

While their lack of computer knowledge and absolute ridiculous answers clearly should not  even get them an internship, their charismatic charm and life experiences are unique compared to the 20-something years old competing.

If you enjoyed the back-and-forth conversations Vaughn and Wilson had in Wedding Crashers you will not be disappointed as there are many scenes with the two bouncing off each other with funny, zany and insightful humour. The way they react is about the same as you’d expect they would in Wedding Crashers, Vaughn with the over-the-top fast-paced lines with Wilson coming back with witty sarcasm.

The main focus of the flick is the generation gap between the two heroes and the group they are forced to be with. They get the stereotypical nerd, loner, foreigner, and sexually charged girl with no experience. At first it seems like there is no way they can co-exist, but eventually they start to teach other how to get the group flowing with synergy.

Sex, alcohol, and some studying on the side.

Overall it’s a fun time, not the greatest comedy and not as raunchy or vulgar as their previous film. The way everything comes together is slightly predictable. However, Wilson and Vaughn with a young cast and special appearances along the way by Will Ferrell, John Goodman, and others, make it well worth the price of admission. It can be insane humour one moment and then a realistic look at how young adults and adults are battling in society against each other.  Right now there’s nothing funnier in theatres.

The Internship

Rated PG-13

20th Century Fox

Run time of 119 minutes

In theatres now

Filed Under: Film, Reviews

WWE: The Top 25 Rivalries in Wrestling History DVD review

May 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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rivalriesBloodshed and a high volume of violence is the norm when watching WWE’s latest DVD release, The Top 25 Rivalries in Wrestling History DVD exploring the vast history of classic wrestling feuds.

WWE, NWA, WCW, ECW, AWA, WCCW, rivalries from every federation is covered. Should have some made the list? Of course. Like the majority of WWE DVD releases of this nature, no ranking system or explanation for how this list came together. For all complaints about feuds not included in this 3-disc DVD set, send to http://www.wwe.com/help/contact-us/show-feedback

The DVD is hosted by new announcer Renee Young, who is playing a chemistry expert gimmick to go with the theme of how two opponents can make magic in and out of the ring. Albeit if this was a PG-rated DVD Young’s character would be appropriate, she even refers to the audience as kids. However, this a TV-14 production, there are graphic photos and highlights of some brutal confrontations. Mick Foley VS. Triple H was barbaric at times and not suitable for any children to watch. Bruiser Brody VS. Abdullah The Butcher only works in a mature setting unless you’re trying to give youths nightmares.

Now if you’re over the age of 14, a fan of the Attitude era, and enjoy uncensored raw footage, you’re going to find a lot of enjoyment in the over 7 hours presentation.

Not only is there violence, but an incredible history lesson throughout the eras in wrestling. Austin VS. McMahon, Hulk Hogan VS. Andre The Giant, Tommy Dreamer VS. Raven, some of the biggest drawing wars that took place in the ring are revisited. 13 matches are accompanied in this set, with great highflying action from Sabu against the Suplex Machine Tazz, to the battle of national wrestling champions with Kurt Angle against Brock Lesnar.

As long as you can look past the questionable list and take time to enjoy the entertainment provided you will see this release is well worth the purchase. The match selection is decently varied with some rare matches along with a few that hardcore DVD collectors have already. For the rich history it’s definitely worth watching once.

WWE: The Top 25 Rivalries in Wrestling History

Rated TV-14

eOne Films

Run time of about 7.5 hours

In stores now

Match listing–

WWE Championship Match
Hulk Hogan vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
The War to Settle the Score • February 18, 1985

“I Quit” Steel Cage Match for the NWA United States Championship
Tully Blanchard vs. Magnum T.A.
Starrcade • November 28, 1985

Bruiser Brody vs. Abdullah the Butcher
World Class Championship Wrestling • July, 1987

Badstreet Rules Match
Kevin & Kerry Von Erich vs. Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts
World Class Championship Wrestling • February, 1988

Hulk Hogan & “Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Andre the Giant
SummerSlam • August 29, 1988

The Undertaker vs. Mankind

King of the Ring • June 23, 1996

Grudge Match

Tazz vs. Sabu
ECW Barely Legal • April 13, 1997

The Final Battle

Tommy Dreamer vs. Raven
ECW WrestlePalooza • June 6, 1997

“Winner Take All” Handicap Ladder Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Mr. McMahon & Shane McMahon
King of the Ring • June 27, 1999

WWE Championship Match
Triple H vs. The Rock
Backlash • April 30, 2000

WWE Championship Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock
Rebellion • November 3, 2001

WWE Championship Match
Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar
SummerSlam • August 24, 2003

Steel Cage Match for the WWE Championship
John Cena vs. Edge
Raw • October 2, 2006

Filed Under: DVD, ECW, Pro Wrestling Uncensored, Reviews, Uncategorized

Fast & Furious 6 review

May 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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fast6Vin Diesel and his crew aid The Rock Dwayne Johnson against a band of mercenary drivers always one step ahead of them in an explosive and stunt-filled action-packed sixth return to Fast & Furious.

Diesel (Dominic Toretto) and Paul Walker (Brian O’Conner) have settled down into peaceful lives with their loved ones. However, The Rock (Hobbs) shows up with an offer that cannot be refused. A new group of criminals led by Luke Evans (Shaw) has a member among them close to Dom believed to be dead, Michelle Rodriguez (Letty). With full pardons and the possibility of making their family whole again, Dom and Brian reassemble their team to stop Shaw and discover how Letty is still alive.

There is rarely downtime in this film as there is plenty of action from start to finish. Car chase scenes are exceptionally long and filled with exciting crashes and far-fetched jumping from car to car moments. There is only one race in the movie and that’s between Dom and Letty. Despite having a large cast, each member gets a decent amount of camera time even The Rock who’s interactions with Ludacris and his fight scene teaming with Dom at the end are some of the best watches.

The best fight of the movie clearly was the first battle between Letty and Gina Carano (Riley) as Carano got to show-off her mixed martial arts background in a tough street fight atmosphere. While The Rock and Dom do have great fight scenes, those are mainly for the impressive maneuvers they pull off while the girls had more of an even fight.

With a cool montage of all the past installments at the start, fun fights, intense car rides and a spectacular ending, Fast & Furious 6 delivers as a favourite for best action flick of the year. Do not be surprised if this franchise continues as it seems there is still plenty of gas left in the series.

Fast & Furious 6

rated PG-13

Universal Pictures

Run time of 130 minutes

In theatres now

Filed Under: Film, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

WWE: WrestleMania 29 DVD review

May 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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91XLi1ynNmL._SL1500_John Cena recorded the biggest victory of his wrestling career after defeating Hollywood movie star and WWE legend The Rock to recapture the WWE Championship on the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania.

A three-year war between two icons that had a lot of talk and hype behind it. In the end, it came down to who was going to hit their finisher last as they both kept hitting their signature moves until finally Cena got the last one in.

The result was not well-received by the New York/New Jersey audience and the thousands in attendance from all over the world. 80,000 plus is difficult to hear collectively in an outdoor arena, but there was no mistaking the displeasure the fans were voicing about the match. The pacer was slower than their first encounter, albeit their chemistry on certain sequences seemed a lot more crisp there was so much downtime in between moves it kills a lot of the thrilling action they were trying to produce.

Thankfully the 29th edition of WrestleMania featured several main events and highly anticipated bouts. HHH and Brock Lesnar, making his first WrestleMania appearance in almost a decade, delivered the extreme moments of the night in a No Holds Barred match. Lesnar was KOed in the match as both men took a tremendous beating. Undertaker defended his 20-0 WrestleMania streak against CM Punk in a match that saw Punk take it to the Deadman, but in the end after Punk was devastated from missing an elbow drop onto the announcer’s table that did not break, Undertaker put a comeback together that ended with a tombstone that was followed by a three count.

Along with the entire WrestleMania in this 3-disc DVD set is the pre-show and post-show for this year’s Mania. With some insane commentary from WWE legend Dusty Rhodes and an IC Championship match featuring The Miz challenging Wade Barrett. Also, the entire Hall of Fame ceremony is included. From Mick Foley’s must-see induction to the crowd booing Maria Menounos so she could not properly introduce Bob Backlund, there are many good and bad reasons to watch the bonus material.

Not the greatest WrestleMania ever produced, but when it comes to bringing in money for WWE it delivered. The DVD is like every year a great collector’s item on a historical night.

WWE: WrestleMania 29

rated PG

eOne Films

Run time of nine hours

Released on May 14, 2013

 

Filed Under: DVD, Pro Wrestling Uncensored, Uncategorized, WWE

UFC 156 DVD review

May 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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81cHzw59gVL._AA1500_The greatest challenge to undefeated UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo came in the force of former UFC lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar, billed and lived up to the superfight tag advertised for UFC: 156.

The two-disc DVD release relives the highly debated bout that clearly saw Aldo win the first two rounds, but after that Edgar made an incredible comeback. The third round was close and could have been scored either way. The last two rounds seemed as if Edgar was in control as Aldo was slowing down. Edgar was a bloody mess, Aldo was having a hard time breathing but did not have too many scratches or bruises. Unanimous decision was the most controversial issue, watch the DVD and judge for yourself.

In the heavyweight fight of the night, Alistair Overeem was knocked out in shocking fashion against Bigfoot Antonio Silva. In only the second fight for Overeem in the UFC, he was lined up for a championship shot if he could get pass Silva. For two rounds it seemed as if Overeem was going to get the victory. As Joe Rogan talks about overconfidence and not respecting the power of Silva as Overeem is dropped to the ground, the stunning realization that the last Strikeforce heavyweight Champion lost his biggest fight.

This UFC event also features the last UFC appearance by welterweight Jon Fitch as he was unable to get anything going against Demian Maia. Fitch was outworked in every aspect that he is considered strong in, wrestling, the ground game, up against the cage, Maia had an answer for everything and didn’t give Fitch an inch to use against him. Rashad Evans was also unable to answer the power of Antonio Nogueira losing in easily the worst performance Evans has ever had in the UFC.

One of the most anticipated UFC events of the year with big fights that delivered results people are still talking about today. Easily one of the most important shows UFC put on as contenders are growing in each division and the superfight could very well take place again in the near future.

UFC 156

Anchor Bay Entertainment

Run time of 303 minutes

Released on May 14, 2013

 

Filed Under: DVD, MMA, Reviews, UFC, Uncategorized

GEORGES ST-PIERRE CAST IN THE QUEBEC VERSION OF MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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TORONTO, May 14, 2013 – Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada is pleased to announce that champion UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre has been cast in the Quebec version of Disney·Pixar’s “Monsters University.”  St-Pierre will voice the character of Art, a mysterious monster with a questionable background and the strangest member of the Oozma Kappa fraternity at MU.  Directed by Dan Scanlon, “Monsters University” is a frighteningly funny comedy adventure that roars into theatres on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in 3D in select locations.
A professional mixed martial artist, Georges “Rush” St-Pierre, also known as “GSP,” is a UFC world champion who holds black belts in both Kyokushin karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Born and raised in St. Isidore, Quebec, St-Pierre competed in and won his first fight at age 16.  He became the UFC Welterweight Champion in 2006, a title he lost in 2007 but regained in his hometown of Montreal in 2008 and retains, undefeated, to this day.  Recognized as one of the planet’s best pound-for-pound MMA fighters and all-around athletes, St-Pierre travels the world to train with the best coaches and training partners in all disciplines.  Bullied as a child, he established The Georges St. Pierre Foundation, which is dedicated to helping youth and preventing and eliminating bullying.

Filed Under: Film, UFC

UFC: Benson Henderson Rising Up DVD review

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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91-PW-QJ-UL._AA1500_An incredible jumping kick off a cage was the greatest setback in the fighting career of Benson Henderson, ironically it was a kick of his own that gave him a distinct advantage in his championship win.

Relive the rise of Henderson in the Ultimate Fighting Championship new Ultimate 2-disc DVD release, Benson Henderson: Rising Up. Starting back from the last bout in the WEC where he broke down in tears following losing his championship in front of his hometown fans to Anthony Pettis. Henderson’s brother believes it was the highlight reel kick Pettis delivered that cost Henderson the fight.

Henderson has never received a rematch, but he found his way back to champion status when he made an impactful start in the UFC.

It did not take long before Henderson faced off with Frankie Edgar for the UFC Lightweight Title. If you watch the entire fight, it’s debatable on who won the fight, but the 40-minute plus documentary only focuses on parts where Henderson was in control. An upkick that busted the face and nose of Edgar is looked at as the main offence strike that helped give Henderson the edge in the eyes of the judges.

Henderson’s family life is also a main feature of the doc, Henderson’s love for his mom, his brother explaining how they did not get along growing up but are now closer than ever, and how Henderson was able to take the negative effects his father had in his life and became stronger in spite of it. Watching Henderson talk at a youth centre, throw out the opening pitch at a Arizona Diamondbacks game, it’s a different look that fans do not usually see from a man that wants to be better than Anderson Silva.

Albeit a short featurette on Disc 1, if you’re a big Henderson fan or missed out on some of his early fights this DVD is a great watch. 12 fights from his days in the WEC and now in the UFC, from battling Shane Roller to defending his title against Nate Diaz, you definitely get to see Henderson at his best in the cage.

UFC: Benson Henderson Rising Up

Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada

Run time of 285 minutes

In stores now

 

Fight listing–

VS. Anthony Njokunai WEC 38

VS. Shane Roller WEC 40

VS. Donald Cerrone WEC 43

VS. Jaime Varner WEC 46

VS. Donald Cerrone WEC 48

VS. Anthony Pettis WEC 53

VS. Mark Bocek UFC 129

VS. Jim Miller UFC Live

VS. Clay Guida UFC on Fox

VS. Frankie Edgar UFC 144

VS. Frankie Edgar UFC 150

VS. Nate Diaz UFC on Fox

Filed Under: DVD, MMA, Reviews, UFC, Uncategorized, WEC

WWE: The Best of In Your House Blu-ray review

May 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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91s0s08Z9FL._SL1500_A wrestling pay-per-view every month is status quo in WWE, but that only started in 1995 with a series called In Your House that featured some of the most bizarre, innovative and classic matches in WWE history.

For the first time ever WWE has released a compilation 2-disc Blu-ray set looking back at a few of those moments. The classic Rock VS. Mankind Last Man Standing match for the WWE Championship, Undertaker VS. Shawn Michaels, Razor Ramon VS. Dean Douglas for the Intercontinental Championship and many more are featured.

Hosted by former WWE announcer Todd Pettengill, whom had a high-pitched voice all the time during his run, now he sounds normal and offers a different perspective on the match selection. Exclusive to the blu-ray is outtakes of Pettengill trying to get his lines right for this set.

To see legends HHH and Stone Cold Steve Austin climbing the ranks of the WWE at this time it’s a nice nostalgic look on how they managed, HHH surviving a Hog’s Pen match against Henry Godwinn and Austin’s battles with the Hart family. Bret Hart and Michaels’ reigns as WWE champion are highlighted well with Hart’s 4th title win shown and some of the best matches in Michaels’ run.

In the end this just a taste of what the fill in the gap between the big four PPVs delivered to WWE fans. Easily WWE could fill up another disc set as there are quite a few matches from that era you’ll be left asking for.

WWE: The Best of In Your House

Rated PG-14

eOne Films

Run time of 9 hours

Released on Apr. 30, 2013

 

Disc 1

Simplistic Yet Brilliant

Bret Hart vs. Hakushi
In Your House * May 14, 1995

Intercontinental Championship Match
Jeff Jarrett vs. Shawn Michaels
In Your House * July 23, 1995

Hey Yo

Intercontinental Championship Match
Razor Ramon vs. Dean Douglas
In Your House * October 22, 1995

Arkansas Hog Pen Match
Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. Henry O. Godwinn
In Your House * December 17, 1995

A Sloppy Masterpiece?

WWE Championship Match
Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog
In Your House * December 17, 1995

DISC 2

Memories Flooding Back

No Holds Barred Match for the WWE Championship
Shawn Michaels vs. Diesel
In Your House: Good Friends, Better Enemies * April 28, 1996

WWE Championship Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Mankind
In Your House: Mind Games * September 22, 1996

That’s Why They Play The Game

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley
In Your House: Buried Alive * October 20, 1996

Buried Alive Match
The Undertaker vs. Mankind
In Your House: Buried Alive * October 20, 1996

Crowning a New Champion

Four Corners Match for the Vacant WWE Championship
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart vs. Vader vs. The Undertaker
In Your House: Final Four * February 16, 1997

Back in the Saddle

10-Man Tag Team Match
The Hart Foundation vs. Steve Austin, Ken Shamrock, Goldust & The Legion of Doom
In Your House: Canadian Stampede * July 6, 1997

Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
Ground Zero: In Your House * September 7, 1997

A Slobberknocker

Non-Sanctioned 8-Man Tag Team Match
Stone Cold Steven Austin, Owen Hart, Cactus Jack & Chainsaw Charlie vs. HHH, The New Age Outlaws & Savio Vega
No Way Out of Texas: In Your House * February 15, 1998

WWE Tag Team Championship Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin & The Undertaker vs. Mankind & Kane
Fully Loaded: In Your House * July 26, 1998

Intercontinental Championship Match
Ken Shamrock vs. Mankind
Judgment Day: In Your House * October 18, 1998

Victory at All Costs

Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Championship
The Rock vs. Mankind
St. Valentine’s Day Massacre * February 14, 1999

A Trip Down Memory Lane

BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVES

DISC 1

Todd Pettengill Outtakes

In Your House Sweepstakes Winner

DISC 2

#1 Contenders Match
Bret Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
In Your House: Revenge of the `Taker * April 20, 1997

Match to crown first WWE Light Heavyweight Champion
Taka Michinoku vs. Brian Christopher
D-Generation X: In Your House * December 7, 1997

WWE Championship Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Ken Shamrock
D-Generation X: In Your House * December 7, 1997

D’Lo Brown vs. X-Pac
Fully Loaded: In Your House * July 26, 1998

Filed Under: DVD, Reviews, Uncategorized, WWE

Iron Man 3 review

May 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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iron-man-3-2013-download-hdA terrorist known as The Mandarin is attempting to destroy the Western world while the demons caused by adventures with The Avengers leads to the demise of Tony Stark in Marvel’s latest movie release, Iron Man 3.

The trilogy of the armoured superhero brings back Robert Downey Jr. in the role of Stark along with Gwyneth Paltrow as his girlfriend Pepper Potts. War Machine (Don Cheadle) is also back, but he has been re-branded as the Iron Patriot serving the President of the United States.

When the U.S. is powerless against the attacks by The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) and injures Stark’s bodyguard, Stark decides to threaten The Mandarin on live television causing an attack on Stark’s house and the complete destruction of his Iron Man lair.

Headlines read Tony Stark is dead. However, he manages to survive and starts to track down The Mandarin and the secrets behind the terrorist organization. The closer Stark gets he starts to discover his egoistical attitude back in 1999 has come to haunt him in the present. With a prototype suit and panic attacks thinking about his time with The Avengers, Stark has to use all his resources, friends and luck to end the terror plaguing the world.

Presented in 3D, but beside a few moments when there is Iron Man action scenes there is not much use for it. A considerable chunk of the film is talking, which is fine because  Downey again proves why he is perfect in the role as Stark, coming off as an arrogant selfish prick to children, his own friends and significant other. Lots of humour that does not take away from the serious tones as there is healthy balance of the two. There is a fair number of Iron Man scenes, but for the most part Stark is battling with suit issues and trying not to freak out over the New York incident.

If you were disappointed with the 2nd installment fear not as this one is right up there with the first one and can easily be the best comic book flick that comes out this year. It delivers in every way possible, intriguing plot, interesting characters, and exciting action, will probably be one of the best watches of 2013.

Iron Man 3

Rated PG-14

Directed by Shane Black

Marvel Studios

Run time of 130 minutes

In theatres today

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Film, Reviews
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