Minutes 51-55

These action-packed minutes of Iron Man 3 seamlessly blend intense drama with screwball comedy as Tony Stark confronts both his PTSD and extremist soldiers in a small-town bar. The sequence features stellar character acting, including what Rob and Kyle consider a perfect one-word performance from Drew Michael Hershner.

While investigating the mysterious death of Chad Davis, Tony's anxiety reaches a breaking point when Harley pushes him about New York. Subsequently, a seemingly simple conversation with Mrs. Davis at Walker's Bar erupts into chaos when Brandt reveals herself as an extremist agent. The hosts particularly note timing inconsistencies with Savin's arrival but praise the sequence's masterful tonal shifts.

The sequence showcases remarkable range, moving from a sensitive portrayal of PTSD to intense action and perfectly-timed comedy. Additionally, the hosts highlight the exceptional performances from veteran character actors Dale Dickey and Spencer Garrett, while dissecting the complex logistics of the villains' plan and questioning some plot mechanics.

These minutes of Iron Man 3 stand out for their ability to balance serious themes with humor, culminating in what the hosts consider a perfect moment of small-town reaction to superhero chaos. The sequence effectively demonstrates how the film manages to keep Tony vulnerable and relatable even while building tension and maintaining its signature wit.