Captain America: Civil War is the Holy Grail of superhero movies. To me, this soon-to-be blockbuster played more like an Avengers movie with all of the character’s arcs woven throughout the script rather than a Captain America story, but Marvel is definitely a leader in this genre, so movie viewers will have to go with that!
The plot: A year after the international disaster in the Age of Ultron, the government needs some damage control. The governing power informs the Avengers that they are being perceived as vigilantes not heroes. The team needs to be accountable and the government will now oversee their actions. Friends quickly become foes and a shift happens between the Avengers. Enter Team Cap and Team Iron Man. Iron Man feels that the Avengers should work with the government while Team Cap sides with freedom.
Wow. If you want an explosive-major action movie with a plethora of superheroes relentlessly kicking each other’s butt — this is the movie for you. Full of monumental fight scenes and over-the top chase scenes, this movie is jam-packed with action AND has a good script. I attended the junket for this movie and a blogger mentioned that only true comic fans would like this film. I don’t feel the same way. Moviegoers who love the thrill and entertainment of action films will enjoy this movie. I don’t think you’d have to be a superhero or comic book obsessed fan to enjoy Captain America: Civil War.
Superheros and more superheros! We see old and new ones in this film. The one character I was anxiously awaiting was Spiderman. Where has Tom Holland been? (No offense Toby McGuire, I did like you as Spidey). Holland is adorable, witty and perfectly cast for this role. He adds the right amount of comedy to lighten the clash of the Avengers. His entrance to the Marvel Avengers world is perfection, thanks to the writing of the Russo brothers.
Audiences are also introduced to another new character, Black Panther. We quickly learn he has a vendetta against Bucky. Watch out! Chadwick Boseman’s acting was solid and I can’t wait to see more of him.
Ant Man – I admit it, I didn’t see Marvel’s Ant Man but after seeing Paul Rudd in this film, Ant Man is on my must-see list. Paul Rudd is charming, funny and I love that he’s smitten by the very sight of the Avengers. Black Widow? Which side is she really on? I did miss The Hulk and Thor but it’s not an Avengers film still, their presence was missed.
What I personally love about this film are the relationships that have been built between various Avengers. Captain is still coming to grips with the life he left behind. His last connection to “old” America is Bucky and Cap will stop at nothing to protect him even if it costs his friendship with Team Iron Man.
We see a ton of character growth in this film as well. Captain America finally thinks about himself in this movie. He goes for what he wants which doesn’t sit well with Iron Man. We get to see a deeper, compassionate side of Tony Stark and learn more about his parents. Through the magic of CGI, we get a glimpse of a young Stark and throughout the film we learn what happens to his family.
Other characters such as Voltron and Scarlet Witch make mistakes while trying to understand and control their powers. We see a human side to the characters in this film; their struggles are real (learning who we are, making mistakes, family first, putting ourselves first, perseverance etc.) and those relatable messages is a common thread throughout the film.
I don’t want to give away too much from this film but I can say with certainty that Marvel has won this war. Other studios need to learn from the masters.
And which side am I on? I haven’t made up my mind yet!
CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR is in theaters MAY 6 and is rated PG-13.
