Ben Kingsley

REVIEW: Iron Man 3 (2013)

Suffering from a series of panic attacks after the events of The Avengers, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) also must deal with the threat of the terrorist known as the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley).

Shane Black takes over as director in Iron Man 3, and as cowriter as well, his influence is all over this film and that’s not a bad thing. It is funny while still pushing its characters to the edge. It introduces some interesting new characters such as Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) who you’re never really sure if you can trust, and Harley (Ty Simpkins) a boy who helps Tony out in his time of need and there’s some great dialogue between the two of them and JARVIS (Paul Bettany).

One of the great things about Iron Man 3, is that it allows its hero to suffer. Tony is not the same man after what he experienced in New York, he has nightmares and can’t stop making more and more of his suits of armour. He’s frightened of losing those he cares about, namely his girlfriend Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and his friends Rhodey (Don Cheadle) and Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). Most of the time we spend with Tony during this film, he’s out of the suit and has to rely on his own wits and mechanical ability to save himself, never mind the rest of the world. The scenes of Tony making gadgets to take on the bad guys really reminds the audience just how smart and capable this guy is – after all, he’s the guy who built a miniaturised arc reactor in a cave with a box of scraps.

While Iron Man 3 is more of a serious film compared to Tony Stark’s previous outings, it’s not dark and gritty, instead it’s fun and witty while still showing a different side to these characters. The film speeds along with action sequences that use the Iron Man suits like we’ve not seen before and has some surprises too.

Ben Kingsley is brilliant in this as the villain of the piece. It’s not faithful to the comic books, and some people probably don’t like that, but personally I think this version of the Mandarin is genius. It turns the character on its head and puts a different face to terrorism to that we usually see in big Hollywood films.

Iron Man 3 is an entertaining adventure with some impressive action sequences and a whole lot of heart. If you weren’t a Tony Stark fan before this film, then I’m sure you will be by the time this film is finished. 4/5.

REVIEW: Learning to Drive (2014)

learning-to-drive-posterWhen her marriage ends Wendy (Patricia Clarkson) decides to take driving lessons. Her instructor Darwan (Ben Kingsley) is a Sikh man who is having marriage problems of his own. Together they try to help each other both on and off the road.

Wendy’s life has been turned upside down when her husband leaves her for another woman, her daughter Tasha (Grace Gummer) and sister Debbie (Samantha Bee) each try to help her but they still have their own lives to live. Darwan, on the other hand, tries to look after his nephew Preet (Avi Nash) and his new wife Jasleen (Sarita Choudhury). Darwan works to jobs and dishes out good advice but sometimes he doesn’t always take it. He and Wendy form an unlikely friendship and they each learn from each other.

Learning to Drive is perhaps a little predictable but the performances really elevate the film. Clarkson and Kingsley are amazing to watch, their conversations during the driving lessons are interesting and often witty. The pairs chemistry and talent really shines through in those moments.

A great thing about Learning to Drive is that it gives you a small insight into Sikh culture. It’s the little details that shine through and help shows how the various rituals have such an impact on Darwan’s life and how he enjoys being a devout Sikh.

There’s nothing that surprising about Learning to Drive and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a gentle sort of film with a certain amount of charm about second chances and making your own way in the world. 3/5.