There's a reason Robert Downey Jr. earned $50 million for playing Iron Man, Tony Stark, in The Avengers movie. It's because Downey can carry a superhero franchise to box office glory all by himself.

That will certainly be the case with Iron Man 3, which was released in theaters today, May 3 2013.

Some critics are even calling Iron Man 3 the best superhero movie ever made, saying it even beat out The Avengers.

I mean, how could Iron Man 3 go wrong. Robert Downey Jr.'s sharp sardonic wit couple with a lovely Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts; all leading up to an epic CGI explosion heavy fight scene conclusion? Ben Kingsley even plays mastermind villain The Mandarin. Kingsley hasn't had a role like this in years. Basically Iron Man 3 gives Kingsley a cross between Osama Bin Laden and Fu Manchu combined with the voice of Billy Graham.

Fan critics of Iron Man 3 are taking to the Internet to rave about their favorite part of the Jon Favreau film.

Jeffrey M. Anderson of the San Francisco Examiner wrote: "A bit like Tony Stark himself, "Iron Man 3" crackles with personality and humanity, not caring what people may think."

Richard Roeper of Richard Roeper.com wrote: "Iron Man 3 is one of the best entries in this modern golden age of superhero movies."

Not everyone was so pleased with Iron Man 3.

"Iron Man 3 is a primer on how not to handle a superhero sequel--but Paltrow's abs look great!" according to Christian Toto from Big Hollywood.

Check out Iron Man 3, starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Kingsley, in theaters May 1.