By: Daniel Chadwick-Shubat
“Compromise where you can. Where you can’t, don’t. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say ‘No, you move!’.” Who knew that a Marvel movie would include something so philosophical that applies to many situations in today’s world. Captain America: Civil War tackles the subjects of right and wrong, revenge and forgiveness and does so in a way that perfectly mixes comedy, drama and action.
Political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to collateral damage. The new status quo deeply divides members of the team. Captain America (Chris Evans) believes superheroes should remain free to defend humanity without government interference. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) sharply disagrees and supports oversight. As the debate escalates into an all-out feud, many of the Avengers must pick a side, whilst secrets are revealed that could turn them all against each other.
Adapting the iconic Civil War story line (from Mark Millar) was never going to be an easy feat. But with the Russo Brothers back after their brilliant execution of The Winter Soldier it was done in a way that blew my expectations out of the water. Even though this was a Captain America movie it perfectly balanced all the character arcs and the inclusion of Black Panther and Spider-Man were some of the highlights of the movie.
We also got to see the dynamic between Cap and Bucky become more established after the events of The Winter Soldier and it ended up being the emotional core of the movie. One moment is shared where they both remember a double date they went on and it almost feels like we’re back in the 1940’s when the two characters are inseparable.
Another fantastic, slightly humorous dynamic was that between Bucky and Falcon, as they were like two friends fighting for favor with Cap. This ends up creating some really funny chemistry between Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie, especially a scene where they are in a ridiculous looking getaway car.
As far as faults, you have to really read a lot into things to find any. Some complained about the certain ridiculous aspects of the airport fight and the way the movie drags on, but this was never a problem for me. Marvel has spent enough time catering to the mainstream audience and they’ve established their fan base enough now that they now make these movies for Marvel fans.
There are some scenes throughout the movie that are almost straight out of the comic books, one highlight was the shot shown in the trailer when Hawkeye fires Ant-Man on one of his arrows and that scene is even better than what’s shown in the trailer.
In regards to the characters Marvel once again gets it right. This new incarnation of Spider-Man on the big screen is the most fun and realistic one we’ve seen so far. Zemo is one of the best villains we’ve seen in the cinematic universe so far only below Loki. His reasons behind committing these villainous acts almost make you sympathize with him and I love how Marvel went down a different route with him than they did with him in the comics. Big kudos to Daniel Bruhl for a layered performance.
But the biggest applause should go to Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther who steals every scene he’s in and it surely made every Marvel fan giddy with excitement for the Wakandan’s solo adventure in 2018.
This movie is not only a deeply philosophical into man’s interpretation of right and wrong but also one hell of a blockbuster. Last year The Martian was a movie that perfectly balanced drama and blockbuster (being my favorite of last year). This movie does that whilst being a superhero movie.
If you can find a movie that better handles such a big ensemble with such ease and creates an instantly enjoyable environment please introduce me to it because I want to see that movie. Civil War closes off what in my opinion is the best superhero trilogy of all time and puts away all my worries about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie is a labor of love and features awesome action, heart-wrenching drama and some fantastic comedy to boot. Simply put, this is the best superhero movie ever and one of the best movies of all time.
Rating: 10/10
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