The MANDARIN Was Right (And was Responsible for Tony's Snap!) | Iron Man 3 + Shang-Chi Explained

With all the excitement about Trevor's return in Shang-Chi, it's time to revisit Iron Man 3. This movie is great. And most importantly, it's smart. Shane Black brilliantly satirized the military-industrial complex, and was key to Tony's evolution in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is arguably the most important film of Phase 2.
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Written and Hosted by Ryan Arey ( / ryanarey )
Edited by Ian Dugan
#Mandarin #ShangChi

[@connormacdonald2883]

As a vet, I NEVER understood the hate for iron man 3. It has, by far, the most accurate representation of PTS in film.

[@traceyrinaldi4759]

I always loved Iron Man 3 because it was the first time we really got to see Tony as vulnerable and human. In IM 1 and 2 we're still seeing ego driven Tony. It isnt until 3 that hes challenged and fighting an enemy hes out of his depth on leading to his ego being destroyed and his true heroic side finally emerging with help from that kid. Iron Man 3 rocks because of how human centric it is for a super hero film and Tony beating his PTSD by the end of the film was when he finally became the Tony Stark that would consider sacrificing himself to save the universe.

[@joshhigdon4951]

Most complaints were from fans of the actual comic books. I am one of them. Its not that IM3 was a bad movie, far from it. But they misused one of the best IM villains ever to be created. The Mandarin was not only an IM antagonist, but a threat level geared even for the Avengers in many cases. He "was" what Joker is to Batman. Of course neither IM nor the Mandarin was ever as popular as either of those, just a comparison. The nail in the coffin was the perfect casting for The Mandarin in IM3. Him being a middle aged stoner was such a bummer because he was perfect!

[@saturncrush]

@@joshhigdon4951 Exactly. It is a bit fair to blame comic purest. The Mandarin is legit connected to ever Marvel hero thru there villains. The Hand, King Pin, etc. And they had the perfect casting for him as well. Damn!

[@MachineFuckingHate]

Not to disrespect you, but I'd suggest watching Harsh Times. A much better movie with a much more respectful and compelling portrayal of PTSD. And unlike Iron Man 3, Harsh Times is written and directed by someone who was living on the streets, saw a lot of blood, and then joined the military. Iron Man 3 treats posttraumatic stress as a tertiary subject without any emphasis on how it affects his life beyond him looking like he needs to take a dump for a minute. Worst of all, you'd think we'd get a scene where Tony and Rhodey would talk about what Tony is feeling in depth, like a mutual talk, since Rhodey would know something about it, given that he was a military pilot. But no, Stark spends more time talking to that worthless kid than he does to the best friend who'd actually relate to his struggle. All in all, Iron Man 3 deserves the hate. And so dies its creepy director, who put his редо friend in many of his movies, including IM3, while knowing he was caught for sneaking CP.

[@shannond7437]

Same! Sadly if Marvel would have made all of these points in your face obvious or pointed them out to all then there would have been angry political viewers. Similar to those against the Falcon and Winter Soldier. This was a great film!

[@johntaylor9381]

The lessons Tony learns in this movie he's trying to teach to Peter in "Homecoming".

[@gatfatf]

What were those again?

[@Water_Me_Loan_64_YT]

With Great Power Comes Great Power Bills.

[@isaiahcooper203]

Doesnt make sense tbh, tony said "dont be the suit" but he doesnt need his suit to fight, while tony does 😂. Ik its a different universe, but batmans "dont become the mask" makes more sense

[@RonJomero]

@@gatfatf "If you're nothing without the suit, then you don't deserve it."

[@michicon5758]

@@isaiahcooper203 Actually tony can fight without the suit, both in IM 3 and in Civil War, not just to his full fighting potential but he can more than a normal civilian

[@colinray4186]

The fact you have to say "I'm not being anti-america" tells so much about how brainwashed patriotism has been shaped.

[@Raufi1917]

On effing point Theo 👏🏽

[@Yuilen]

Not really. Being anti-American is simply the opposite of patriotism. You also don't appear to know what patriotism means.

[@colinray4186]

@@Yuilen claims of anti-americanism are steeped in nationalism which are absolutely not patriotism. I'm a fucking patriot that wants the best for this country, and not stick our noses where it doesn't belong. *Nationalism* is what is wrong with this country. Take the boot locking somewhere else.

[@taywimz]

@@Yuilen I was gonna say you appear to not understand the difference between patriotism and nationalism, but the other guy beat it to it a bit. So I'll explain part of the difference. Being incapable of criticizing your own country when you believe it's doing something you believe is unethical, or never seeing it's unethical actions as exactly that, unethical, because you'll blindly follow anything it does no matter what.. THAT is nationalism. Protest isn't the only form patriotism comes in, but it is the highest form of it. Strive to make our country better, not assume everything we do is inherently good because "we're the best." The best always has room to improve.

[@MungeParty]

You guys are being hyperbolic attributing fundamentalism to nationalism. Most self-identified nationalists have plenty of complaints about the current administration for example.

[@justingriffiths6931]

Ryan, Yes, as a chaplain who has seen and worked with PTSD, I loved Iron Man 3 from the beginning (which was probably the first time I watched it in 2017 or 2018). The mental and spiritual anguish that veterans of the wars in the last 50 years have faced is real. This movie brings that out in a beautiful way. I am also loving the emotional stories that are being told now the post-blip MCU, the grief, trauma, systemic racism that are real in our world. Through these movies and shows we can explore the real issues from a different vantage point.

[@danielsmith9130]

Couldn't have said it better, myself, Chaplain Griffiths.

[@Water_Me_Loan_64_YT]

Thank you for your response Justin!

[@SIZModig]

I wish Disney/Marvel would have more to say on the topics rather than just bring them to light - they're still not taking political stances on them, which is capitalism talking loudly.

[@hunterkiller1440]

With the Mandarin problem solved, I find this movie more appealing. Except how did he decide to suit up again in Age of Ultron?

[@DesireeStamat]

He's an addict, he made more

[@devashishkumar3813]

That's in line with his personality, he did it coz he must do it, as a superhero he has some responsibilities to fulfil.

[@bombasbounce3611]

Screen crush talks about this in one of his marvel plot holes video

[@itsboyaknow]

He explains why in Civil War

[@itsboyaknow]

He didn't wanna stop being Ironman and that's why he and Pepper weren't together anymore.

[@speeddx]

BRILLIANT… you managed to make me think of that movie in a whole different perspective. Now I will go watch it again and help Disney make more more… sheeeeeesh.

[@ccjacks3]

I love the meta commentary that this channel brings.

[@TAKE_BACK_BRITAIN]

I don’t. It’s cringey and overly opinionated.

[@McTagg]

@@TAKE_BACK_BRITAIN then don’t watch it

[@travisbrown9769]

@@TAKE_BACK_BRITAIN gee I wonder why you don't like it lol

[@gabrielperez82204]

@@travisbrown9769 LMAO

[@edkwon]

@@TAKE_BACK_BRITAIN shut up KZbin bot

[@adamjohnson2383]

I’m a vet and I truly appreciate what you have brought to a lot of people threw your explanation of this awesome movie KEEP CRUSHING IT screen crush Thank you

[@adamjohnson2383]

Never ever posted anything Thank you for the likes who ever you are It will help me be inspired to make more comments Thanks again Ryan for your awesome videos Keep crushing it

[@seanklein]

My biggest problem is, what happens to Extremis? “I solved it” was about all we get at the end, then don’t see it again until it’s in a fighter in the “lower” cages in Shang-Chi

[@AlexandreBeaumont]

I think this has to do with the fact that Tony thinks it's too dangerous to risk it falling in the wrong hands, if he's not willing to let soldiers of the army using his armors, I'm guessing he won't let anyone get near the extremis technology, but maybe some of Aldrich's goons might have escaped when things got sour for their boss :) Might not be right but that's how I explain it

[@ultimamage3]

That's about it. He "solved" the exploding/overheating problem and clearly used it on himself so he would survive the operation to remove the shrapnel and heal his chest. So if anything he has control of the technology and remedied those that were already part of the procedure since it does have actual benefits (regeneration of course; why would he let veterans suffer loss of their limbs if they don't have to?)

[@TG626]

@@ultimamage3 that actually helps explain how he withstood the stones for as long as he did.

[@ultimamage3]

@@TG626 But it doesn't explain how Tony got one (1) single stab wound from his own suit's weapon in IW and needed a special spray to heal it, and it was apparently so serious that Strange gave up the Time Stone over it so Thanos could spare him. But w/e, IM3 had one director and the Avengers movies clearly have another set so ignoring continuity to tell a story is just something they do (see also: Loki getting the great idea to try and stab the purple titan with a piddly knife when he just saw Hulk get the dogshit beat out of him).

[@justsomeice9585]

@@ultimamage3 yeah I don’t think he took extremis because if he did I don’t think he would’ve died in endgame his body would have instantly started glowing red and regenerating all the damage done to his limbs

[@SpiritLife]

This was surprisingly deep and touching! Brilliant analysis and historical breakdown. Best of all, Thanks for your sensitivity and respect for veterans! Just subscribed!

[@shannond7437]

Sadly true! If Marvel would have made all of these points in your face obvious or pointed them out to all then there would have been angry political viewers. Similar to those against the Falcon and Winter Soldier.

[@DRoyale1]

@@shannond7437 absolutely. And even so, ppl still hate IM3, even though it’s what ppl say they want. It is a pretty nuanced Marvel movie. Iron Man has been, for a very long time, about the American Military Industrial Complex personified. Your point about Falcon and the Winter Soldier is spot on. Just goes to show, no matter how good Marvel presents its products and how much they blow away practically all of the competition, ppl are still mad. When the MCU and it’s properties are finally done, ppl will clamoring for the “good ol days” of Marvel movies, even though they trashed the sh*t out of the formula. Ah well, 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Byronic19134]

@@shannond7437 It's complex because everybody agrees the military industrial complex is out of control, not everybody is aware that images and media is used almost entirely nowadays to manipulate, and what people are saying is Disney is apart of this media manipulation, and truth be told, there is truth to what they are saying, albeit they are misguided.

[@KevinK523]

Really appreciate your research and revisiting the strength of characters and writing that most overlook until it’s seen in the bigger context of the MCU films.

[@TheJremple]

Yup I agree. This is what makes me love this channel.

[@swiftdog49er51]

This has to be the best explanation for the truth and being natural and true. Thank you for saying that about the Vets, means a lot. Keep up these videos because I can't get enough of it.

[@polaroidd1306]

crazy how this mirrors our reality, almost like it predicted things happening right now

[@snoopy_peanuts_77]

because these are easy lessons we still have not learned....so the end result is very predictable

[@drghaamhussain]

The same thing happening in Afghanistan... Tells alot about society.

[@jasonlunstrum9599]

It's not crazy bruh.... It's intentional.

[@comkver]

Especially today on 9/11... Bravo indeed.

[@faisalmir1383]

America is a disgusting country. How can its citizens allow the government to continually go to war and for the public to convince itself that it is justified every time. To only find out that they were lied to, again and again and again. Without wars, or funding them- America is nothing!

[@tompotter8703]

If anything after Shang-Chi ended up showing us the true leader of the 10 rings as a complex and sympathetic character despite his many, many flaws, I’d say Iron Man 3 deserves more of a second look.

[@Denevive]

Tony Leung knocked it out of the park the whole movie. For being the ostensible "villain," I found myself caring about, and even loving Xu Wenwu throughout the entire runtime of Shang-Chi.

[@antona.1327]

Why, what for? We still have to deal with an awful villain whose motive boils down to being fan-turned-evil cliche, ridiculous plot, ridiculous comedy, stupid side characters, Rhodey being useless for most of the movie, and that broken third act with awful action scenes and mediocre visual effects.

[@thevarietyslate]

I always enjoyed Iron Man 3. But Shang Chi definitely made the plot of Iron Man 3 even better through the explanation from both Wenwu and Trevor.

[@kingbeef66]

No, they turned him into a complete simp with bombastic Thor like bracelets.

[@thefirststopher]

If I was not already subscribed to this channel, I would have clicked the button after watching the video; This video rocks and hit me in the feels. IM3 is my favorite movie in all of the MCU for all the reasons given. Thanks for the journey down memory lane and thank you for the awesome content. C-)

[@robertford5614]

Ryan's content goes from "good" to "great", to "out of the park" -- connecting viewers with core essentials, hidden in plain sight. This one was all " home run": shiny, funny, and brutally salient, perfect to take to Poly Sci classes. Tell 'em your mom sent ya.

[@DRoyale1]

This take on IM3 was exactly what I was saying ever since I first saw the movie. As an Afghan vet, I completely understood how the Mandarin was used. Didn’t bother me at all about his comic book counterpart.

[@macrochelys]

the 3 times he said "I am Ironman" in each IM movie reflects his state of mind and what it means to be IM

[@verbalfonders]

I’ve watched this movie a few times and I actually enjoyed the Mandarin twist as a commentary about image and narrative manipulation and as a motivation for creating enemies. That being said, I always had a hard time getting over the part where Tony’s newest suit ran out of power when he invented a whole new element for the arc reactor in his chest in Iron Man 2.

[@VanAlexi]

I love how this channel shows that even those these are movies based on comics, these are still forms of art that have deeper meanings that pertains to the real world. These videos are also long with substance not just a bunch of jokes.

[@JoeEnglandShow]

Very well said. And for what it's worth, I always loved Ben Kingsley's Mandarin, even without the larger implications. He looks like he's having SO MUCH fun with the role.

[@sabrinabaskerville]

This was such a GREAT dissection of Iron Man 3!

[@MrKago1]

The irony of Eisenhower creating the military industrial complex is he was also the one that warned if it was installed it would likely be next to impossible to remove. As for Kingsley's character, I didn't care for the goof side of it, but I understood why he was like that. Personally I thought he was PERFECT as the Mandarin. To anyone who was old enough to understand and saw the towers fall, tell me "You'll never see me coming." didn't haunt the shit out of you.

[@willbeaty6892]

I think the big issue with Iron Man 3 was timing. People have to be in the right mood to enjoy superhero deconstruction, and we weren't ready right after the first Avengers movie. Don't forget how much that first Avengers was hailed as a "return to optimism," almost like the release of ANH. We just built this magic trick of a franchise, why are tearing it down? Thor Ragnarok achieves almost all of the same third-entry deconstruction and franchise reinvention that IM3 attempted, but without pissing off MCU or comics fans. And I would argue that tossing away the Surter/Ragnarok story elements for a twist is just as "sacrilegious" as Mandarin. But why was it received better? Timing, I think.

[@notanactualuser]

yeah, Ragnarok is a fun adventure romp to, IM3 subverts expectations from trailers of a terrorist fucking things up for Tony to a guy who's kind of the anti-Tony that we got in IM and IM2. Avengers got us settle for crossovers and big sprawling adventures and ultimately gave us a credit scene of Tony talking to Banner. I think that's why since we always have at least 2 heroes do something together to continue the larger story of the universe.

[@willbeaty6892]

@@notanactualuser I would also argue that Taika feels more contemporary and hip than Shane Black, who is using 80s movie tropes and dialogue, during a moment where superhero movies were pushing past those tropes. So there's an "old man yells at cloud" feeling.

[@isaiahcooper203]

Honestly, its not that, its the villains. The fake mandarin and aldrich killian just werent good enough. Yea, years later the fake mandarin paid off, but it was still an eh story for IM3

[@willbeaty6892]

@@isaiahcooper203 you're not wrong, and I'm not caping for IM3. But I think a huge fan of Simonson's Thor run could argue that they're just as irritated by the handling of Surtur and the Ragnarok cycle from the comics. I wonder how much of this has to do with Mandarin having a built in fanbase from 90s cartoons.

[@isaiahcooper203]

@@willbeaty6892 idk abt ragnorak, but the mandarin is a bad ass villain who honestly wasnt portrayed right. The 10 rings we see are weak compared to the comics

[@williamwatson4354]

I loved Iron Man 3. For me it was the antithesis of the Dark Knight. No toys given to him by others. Its all him. Stripped of the trappings that makes him a hero, the true hero emerges.

[@robertmartin4449]

So the real bad guy in this movie was just Syndrome from “The Incredibles”.

[@tompotter8703]

“And when everyone is super, no one will be.”

[@Barot8]

While I love that movie, Killian is more a reflection of Stark, than Syndrome of Mr. Incredible.

[@tompotter8703]

They have similar origins at least, a former fan who ended up being rejected by their idol, and dedicated the rest of his existence to supplanting him.

[@MachineFuckingHate]

@@Barot8 Killian is yet another Obadiah Stave and Justin Hammer. Very interesting, indeed.

[@ailius1520]

You could also say he was the Riddler from Batman and Robin.

[@benandobandapangestu6169]

"the reason why tony stark was such a sucessfull arms dealer...." *shows a cut off arm* ah..... i see what you did there

[@korruptgamer5608]

I was literally about to say that

[@IantheDugan]

(Hi editor of this video here thank you for noticing)

[@korruptgamer5608]

@@IantheDugan your doing a great job keep up the good work

[@tjunior6128]

Wow what a way to redeem such a maligned movie. Even the moody piano was a nice touch to make the point hit home. I don’t know who your researchers and writers are but man, your videos are compelling and so well crafted!

[@RobertAnthonyPitera]

I freakin' love these deep dives on the vision of the story teller and this one was no exception. Yes; I love the Easter egg vids and the recaps but this level of meta exploration of the theme or themes) of a film or episode are what made me sub in the first place. (And Doug, of course. Props to his comments!) Keep up the excellent work.

[@stefanlangenhoven78]

Having trading cards from a war is wild

[@drivenbyrage5710]

Manufacturing Consent comes in many forms. Including childrens toys.

[@delmarfrazier2727]

Was I the only one who didn’t know that’s a thing lol 😂

[@leppardito]

I’ve been following this channel for a couple of years and I love it. There’s no time I watch a trailer, a movie or any Sci-fi material without watching your videos related to them. But man I’m crying whit this video! I’m moved by this profound analysis of the movies I love, the whole vet suffering, the war as an entertainment tool (via tv and other media). It would be so nice to have a subtitled translated version to share with my students. Man I loved this video! Thanks a lot Ryan

[@andieg8615]

Iron Man 3 is probably my most watched of the three movies. I really liked that part when he lost his suit and AI. The kid telling "YOU'RE A MECHANIC!". I was also both sad and happy to see the same kid in Tony's funeral. This meant Tony probably kept in touch with him.

[@ScrybeSG]

Excellent review. Better than I expected. Great dive into the soul of one of the MCU's all too often undervalued outings. Thank you. Loved it.

[@JohnFoley1701]

I dont know why everyone thought that tony star quit being iron man at the end of IM3. By destroying his suits, he was proving he didn’t need them to be iron man. He could destroy them or build more at will. They were manifestations of his true super power, his mind.

[@86LukeM]

Bravo to Ryan and the people of Screencrush. Especially humanizing veterans. My older brother once told me he’s seen body bags loaded on helicopters. While he was serving the country, while barely entering his military career. Luckily he hasn’t suffered any mental health issues. But I’m sure it’ll stick with him, when he retires this year. He served 20 years in the Air Force.

[@Paul_Simon]

Your Easter Egg videos are always immediate go-tos after new episode or movie releases, but these essays on content are where your channel really shines. Very much appreciate the insights!!

[@kevinfagan8400]

So many interesting points in this and put together so well. Easily my favourite video you’ve done and I’ve been a fan for a good while. Really excellent work. ☺️👏🏻

[@iammz81]

The same with Thor and Thor 2. People tend to hate them, but they are much more better than what people usually think.

[@108asf]

Except with Thor 2

[@xaviergonzalez44]

I like Thor 1 but it will take one hell of a screen crush video to change my mind on Thor 2 because it’s rough

[@iammz81]

@@108asf thqt's a decent movie. There are lot more worse movies in the MCU

[@r.j.hernandez-diaz4408]

One of the best ScreenCrush videos produced to date. Reveals a deeper connection between the military-industrial complex, PTSD, and media-technology complex. Thanks, Ryan.

[@jennbruin]

This one the of the best videos I have seen in a long time. Thought provoking and includes actual evidence that support your ideas. Great job!

[@fawazr]

Aldrich Killian's character predicted the explosion of men who would desperately try to model themselves after arrogant billionaires. Iron Man 3 was ahead of its time.

[@TIGER-xk4gk]

You are full of heart and soul in your videos Ryan, keep up the good work

[@zhalk7325]

That Nick Cage cameo when the Declaration of Independance is mentioned was awesome.

[@mikemiville3009]

This one was of the best commentaries on how a movie shows what is going on with the media and wars. Very well done and thought out! More content like this please!

[@jmattos]

I always thought Iron Man 3 was a great treatment of his trauma from Avengers.. and exploring his inner conflict with his dependence on the suits

[@saturncrush]

Can you imagine how fresh the War Machine is going to be dealing with vets who have been physically injured in war.

[@Gissellemartinez1981]

Always loved this channel but this video was so perfectly made. Thanks for making us think past just the entertainment value!

[@0super]

This video is a work of art, Screencrush. Just fantastic... it's compassionate, empathetic, insightful, and just above all... just so smart. Thank you for all the wonderful work you do.

[@staticactual5464]

Hey boss, great thought out video! Some of your examples blew my mind🤯 Nice work.

[@marcmistica3534]

I mean Killian spelled it out in the movie, I think people were just too busy being mad about the Mandarin twist lol

[@StaminaMC]

I fucking love these longer 'thinkpiece' sorta videos this channel does now and again. I don't get this from any of the other ones I regularly check out (aside from Implicitly Pretentious, which is exactly what it sounds like). Bravo. 👏🏾

[@rineenerdad1774]

The title does not describe how deep and insightful this video is. Great job.

[@rythmverma9780]

This was such a great Iron Man 3 deep dive, absolutely loved it.

[@notanactualuser]

this was actually quite insightful, still don't love Iron Man 3. I think it suffered being straight after Avengers when we'd had a huge team up and we were wondering what the world looked like after an Alien Invasion and instead we got this quite complex story with no major big bad and nothing that moved the universe forward. Considering the film ends with him no longer being Iron Man. the iron patriot etc. Tony and Pots properly together, hell Pots being super powered. Literally everything was reset by the time we get Ultron. Compare that to Winter Soldier that destroys Shield, has Fury hiding out and sets up the story for Bucky's redemption in Civil War, you can kind of see why IM3 is practically forgotten compared to even IM2.

[@Water_Me_Loan_64_YT]

Imagine if WenWu was the Main Villain of Iron Man 3. (The Real Mandarin not Aldrich Killian, no one’s favorite Marvel Character.)

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

This is the best video I’ve ever seen on Screen Crush. Well done. 👏

[@kiranr3104]

I thought this would just be another filler re-watch, but man, this is one of the best videos of screencrush

[@Fetishrock]

I loved the twist of making the Mandarin a fake. ESPECIALLY because it was so perfectly cast. Having such a big name actor do it added to the effectiveness of the suckerpunch. No one would see Ben Kingsley and think for a second that it would happen like it did. Then with the One Shot "All Hail The King" they made it even more interesting to me. I'm a long time comic book fan, particularly Iron Man, and I really enjoy the changes that have come with the MCU. It doesn't change my enjoyment of the comics one little bit and doesn't rehash an old storyline that I knew by heart with nothing new to add.

[@Azuwat]

Im surprised this video has a soul

[@saied_daniel]

Great video, and very well done in regards to navigating the message of the video. Keep it up, and can't wait for you to break a million subs!

[@gribco]

Did not expect to feel quite so moved by a Screen Crush video. Well done on a great video

[@bryanthoyte9156]

This breakdown is the best I've heard so far of iron man 3- u truly do GET IT..huge thank u 4 this

[@burrahobbit]

This is the realest shit I've seen in a long time. After The Falcon and the Winter Soldier how can any Marvel fan disagree with what Eisenhower (a Republican 5 star general) said in his farewell address?

[@aurelwedding6041]

Did not expect this video to be as good as it is. Great work!

[@billmcclure2602]

That was hands down the best one you’ve done. Amazing.

[@Krillinish2]

Iron Man 3 is a fine Christmas movie.

[@edkwon]

In the great tradition of all Shane Black films 👍🏻

[@SourceLOOPS]

Award worthy upload 🏆

[@stefansmith1744]

One of the best videos you've done, yet. The explanation of what's going on with Tony Stark in Iron Man and Iron Man 2, contrasted with how he is in Iron Man 3 after Avengers is dead on, and very reflective of how his life has been up to that point, and after that point. This video is so much more than your normal analysis videos, and covers a topic that is much more important and life-changing than your usual fare, and I appreciate it. Thank you.

[@chandrakantlavaniya1858]

Hey Ryan .. this is by far the best interpretation I have seen.. solid research and absolutely brilliant.. I wait for your videos every day! Huge Fan ! Hats off buddy...

[@ADour1996]

I feel like some of the points regarding Tony's emotional journey were a bit far-fetched, but aside from that I think it's refreshing to see somebody express what I've thought about the Mandarin twist (and how Iron Patriot adds to it) for almost 10 years. As a big Iron Man fan, I love Iron Man 3 and I love the Mandarin in it.

[@Feefa99]

With this theme, I am recommending Manufacturing consent from Noam Chomsky

[@dcube999]

*Manufacturing

[@Feefa99]

@@dcube999 fixed

[@richardthemagician8991]

There is more passion in this video than all of your videos combined. Well done.

[@monicamorales5748]

Amazing video Ryan! Thank you for your hard work!

[@celondelon351]

I love these deep dives, I also loved Iron Man 3. Shane Black is insanely talented Kiss Kiss Bang Bang being one of my faves.

[@FelonFitness]

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is so much fun. An under appreciated gem.

[@jacoblear1265]

I like the Trevor/mandarin. What I didn’t like was the nerd to nemesis arc, the secondary female villain (who should have been in the killian role) and the one scene where Harvey says “you’re a mechanic” and then tony immediately gets over his ptsd, by building things to hurt people.

[@wallcity318]

He wasnt just building something that hurts people, he was doing something that feels natural to him. My nephew and daughter art both artist and when they feel stressed give them some paint or pencil and for some reason it helps soothe them.

[@senselessbabble1996]

This could possibly be your very best video. Well done!

[@spokojnik]

I love your videos, this one is up there with the best ones you made. Nice work!

[@yuchiachen3075]

Always loved Iron Man 3, never cared for the Manderin not being a racist image like in the comics. Now that Shang Chi does the Manderin justice, people should stop hating Iron Man 3 all together.

[@Lekid23]

"He can't sell arms without an enemy." - Shot of a woman without an arm.

[@Bshack1987]

Ok, I watch a lot of video essays. Ryan, this was hands down amazing. I never looked at this film in the light you shined upon it. Thank you for challenging my original thoughts on the film.

[@zenowl3093]

Wow that was amazing!!!! Thank you for all your time and effort you put into this.

[@keithpennock]

I vehemently disagree with your take that Tony built Iron Man “to kill for his pleasure.” I think it is clear he built the Iron Man suit to expiate his felt sins from dealing arms that as he himself said were built to protect Americans but Obadiah sold and were used to kill Americans as the shell nearly killed him in the beginning of Iron Man. He didn’t kill because he enjoyed killing he thought that by using the Iron Man suit to protect others he could obtain the remission of some of his perceived sins, i.e. rebalance his ledger.

[@Chromwel-A]

But seriously, the extremis that was told being developed for years, and the arc reactor in the chest, all those were "healed" in a few seconds of narration, THAT, I HATE THAT.

[@KodyK82]

Ryan, Your video essays are incredible. Thanks

[@MountainDewComacho494]

I like how "Mandarin" didn't even wash his hands after the massive dump.

[@AH-is5yg]

Shane Black later admitted that he underestimated the fans and he regretted what he did to the Mandarin.

[@nation5743]

I think he overestimated them - that they will understand what he was trying to convey. :)

[@AH-is5yg]

@@nation5743 he also stated that he regretted not staying true to the comic character of The Mandarin

[@AH-is5yg]

@@nation5743 yeah I get it, but he did read how fans reacted on his Mandarin the first time. He also read there is a rule, when your making a movie about the hero facing his arch enemy, stay true to the source material.

[@SegelDK]

Omg imagine if the US spent money on social service and welfare rather than military

[@ailius1520]

We already do. Frankly in my ideal world the military would be 95% of the federal budget, but only on the account of it barely existing to do just that, and nothing else. Then everyone saves on taxes and social services get handled by people more competent.

[@SegelDK]

@@ailius1520 What percentage is used on welfare services and what percent on the military?

[@ailius1520]

@@SegelDK I'll cite the pie chart in this very video at 11:01 since that looks about right. That looks like 64% social programs, 15% military. The caveat to that is most of the social programs are "non-discretionary", so politicians can say "of the discretionary spending, defense is bigger than everything else put together." IE. they're only counting the two slices in yellow and ignoring the rest, and if you do that defense is a little more than half. That's pretending the politicians can't/don't touch the rest of it. Which they do. They just say they can't so it 'won't be their fault' when the bill comes due.

[@SegelDK]

@@ailius1520 15% seems very excessive. It is pretty mind-blowing for a Scandinavian to see those numbers.

[@thehershbathens9483]

I love this channel and this video is a perfect example of why. Bravo, Screencrush. Bravo!

[@goatelope7539]

Awesome video. I hadn't thought thru the real implications before, and the parallels it held between movies. Amazing job. And Tha ks for showing appreciation for our often underappreciated vets

[@TheClassof_1992]

Correction: many “self” justified wars.

[@ironthunderbolt]

⚡ScreenCrush is the best at explaining and breaking down the MCU. ⚡

[@therealbobbysoto]

Great video. Love the tonal shift while still keeping the heart of the channel.

[@carlosisaias4453]

IronMan3 breaking expectations with Mandarin" was amazing

[@Moshuun]

The movie was always fine. The Mandarin concept & execution was always terrible. With that being fixed now, the movie can be enjoyed. I hate how people who like this movie, from the movie can’t just admit that they’re biased & that they just didn’t care about the misuse of the Mandarin. That’s all the problem ever was.

[@eminemfan50098]

So if I disagree with you I'm biased now?

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

I guess the question should be "Does Shang-Chi fix the Iron Man movie that everyone seems to hate?" IMO the answer is no. I still do not enjoy that movie. Although the "My name is Trevor" memes are still funny.

[@toyguyty8557]

Fantastic video! Your breakdown of the media/military processes of selling war is spot on.

[@patrickbennett5129]

And this is yet another reason I love this channel. Well done.

[@AjinoARC]

Yaah this was the first marvel movie I really enjoyed

[@LeleJackMusic]

Wasn't a fan of Iron Man 3. In fact, I actually preferred the dreaded Iron Man 2 over 3. But you've converted me. The underlying message of the film, which I'm ashamed to say I didn't pick up on, is something I can definitely get behind.

[@mbt101]

I love all of the SC breakdowns and analysis, but this one is absolutely brilliant!!

[@Moncriefs]

Dude, You are thorough asf, I appreciate your content and skill