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It’s been several months since Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) helped to save the world with the Avengers; and, while the battle may have been won, the psychological damage he sustained continues to be an impact. The cocksure and whip smart inventor/millionaire now spends his sleepless nights in his workshop tinkering while paralyzing anxiety attacks appear to run their course at random. But, when a new and unknown terrorist known as The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) begins bombing seemingly innocent targets including Tony’s personal body guard Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), Stark’s ire is mustered, something must be done. Making matters worse, backing the Mandarin are two incredibly sharp individuals from Tony’s past– an ex-girlfriend and a like-minded inventor (Rebecca Hall and Guy Pearce). Stop The Mandarin and his associates, save his love, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), save the country, and help his friend in the Army, Colonel James Rhodes (Don Cheadle), oh, and get over his anxiety, tall orders, but who better to put to the task than Iron Man? Directed and partially written by Shane Black, no slouch to the genre, the action blockbuster is alive and clanking making for an entertaining and interesting watch. And, for the first two thirds a compelling story seems to take shape, sadly, it’s the all important final act where things become a bit mundane and played out. Mind you, this doesn’t necessarily make the film bad, but leaves a fairly average finish to what was a strong start. Of course acting all round fits nicely. Effects and CGI work come across nicely on screen and anthemic scoring adds extra polish. Big, loud, and flashy, it’s fun. Iron Man 3 is rated PG-13.

Best friends Ellis and Neckbone (Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland) are two teenage river boys growing up in Arkansas. Out for an adventure the two come across an abandoned boat they claim as their own; that is until the two discover the boat is already occupied by a strange and superstitious man named Mud (Matthew McConaughey). As it is, Mud is a wanted man by the law and lawless bounty hunters, but it’s his true love for Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) that keeps him going. Drafted into service Ellis and Neckbone team up with Mud to find Juniper, but the heat is on and re-uniting the couple will come at a cost. What’s the price of love? Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, a rich screenplay dealing with the complexities of love as viewed by young and old and the helpless romantic dovetails to a fine grain. Almost elemental of Jack London or Stephen Crane, Nichols captures a part of American Culture in his own unique way, telling a story of fathers and sons and again the constant desire we all have to love each other. Acting from the ensemble hums with resonance and feels genuine through and through. Totally worth your attention. Mud is rated PG-13.

A burnt out Floor Manager of a Fed Ex branch in Florida (Colin Firth) feels an intense disdain from his ex-wife and son. A failure he decides to fake his death and disappear to Terre Haute as a Golf Pro. To do this will mean changing his identity to an assumed name, Arthur J. Newman. But Arthur has a good soul compass inside, so when he discovers a mysterious woman named Mike (Emily Blunt) strung out on cough syrup, his instinct to help kicks in and the two become fast friends and lovers. Traveling from one city to the next it becomes clear both are running from themselves, but perhaps facing their own transgressions is the only way to become who they really are? Strength in acting from this dynamic duo, Firth and Blunt bring their “A” game to the screen climbing into multiple personas. Giving further sustenance to this meaty but bitter story is Anne Heche who captures the uncomfortable role of Firth’s girlfriend in Florida. Compelling source material keeps the viewer engaged with characters we actually grow to care about, all directed by the enigmatic new comer Dante Ariola. While not this weekend’s biggest and flashiest film, those looking for smart cinema should heed regard for this gem. Arthur Newman is rated R.