Trailer Talk: First Look at 'Iron Man 3' One Metallic Mess

Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark told us earlier this year in “The Avengers” he doesn’t play well with others.

Now, we can see a little bit why as the first full trailer for the upcoming “Iron Man 3” hits the web. The original “Iron Man,” directed nimbly by Jon Favreau, rocketed to the top of the superhero movie heap, while its sequel reinforced everything that typically goes awry with follow-up features.

“Iron Man 3,” written and directed by “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’s” Shane Black,” could be a return to form. But our first glimpse is anything but reassuring.

Huh?

It’s possible Team Marvel wants to keep the main story under wraps, but you can still build a compelling trailer with imagery that intrigues and delights. Not here. We see a fleeting shot of Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin, one of Iron Man’s signature foes. And both Don Cheadle and Gwyneth Paltrow return as Tony Stark’s confidante and gal pal, respectively.

The rest is CGI wizardry, plain and simple. Where’s Tony Stark’s witticisms? 

“Iron May 3” hits theaters May 2013, and let’s assume a more satisfying trailer will reach us months before then.