Captain America: Civil War

Captain America: Civil War is the latest film from directors Joe and Anthony Russo, the duo behind the highly entertaining Captain America: Winter Soldier. Civil War isn't as good as Winter Soldier in my humble opinion but that doesn't mean it's not epic, which it is in every way. It's another feather in the cap for Marvel and it was an amazing jumping off point for Black Panther. I think I need to see it again but for now I give Captain America: Civil War four buckets of Killer Korn.












To start off, Chadwick Boseman is BADASS as T'Challa aka Black Panther. I just had to get that out. Now you should already know by now who the characters are and who they are to each other unless of course you've been living under a rock since 2011. I have to admit I didn't initially like Winter Soldier but after re-watching it I figure I must have either been in a bad place in my life at the time OR I expected a better plot. Whatever the case I have come to realize just how good Winter Soldier was so I was really looking forward to Civil War (I was really hoping it was going to be better than Batman v. Superman and it was...by a country mile). Chris Evans reprises his role of course as the star spangled super soldier and now the fiercest BFF anyone could ever hope to have, Steve Rogers. Robert Downey Jr. is once again Tony Stark and these two men are on the opposite end of an argument about government oversight on the Avengers after a series of mishaps while they were trying to save the world. This movie could have actually been the third Avengers film since only Nick Fury, the Hulk, and Thor were MIA.

While the USA and at least 17 other countries were seeking to have the Avengers sign the Sokovia Accords, which Rogers felt were unwarranted there was a plot underway to bring the Avengers down from within. The amazingly talented Daniel Bruhl plays Zemo, a determined man with a brilliant plan to end the Avengers. Written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, Civil War had the first plot that didn't feel like it came from a comic book. The plot in this epic movie was all about the very human emotion of revenge. It was about who wanted it, who deserved it, and who passed on it which is something everyone can relate too even if you aren't a comic book fan. In both Avengers films there was building tension between Rogers and Stark and in Civil War that was built up with the use of Cap's old friend Bucky Barns. Zemo's plan almost comes to fruition but he didn't account for awakening Black Panther who tenuously sides with Iron Man and his crew against Cap and his team just so he can get his hands on and claws into Bucky. Ant Man shows up and shows you that he also has the ability to get big, REALLY big. Spider Man shows up as well and his sense of humor and sarcasm was perfect. All in all every character had a great showing of who they are and what they can do.

The reason I say I need to see Civil War again is because where Winter Soldier was a tautly wound film with amazing action sequences, Civil War comparatively felt all over the place. That may be because Winter Soldier took place in one location whereas Civil War globe hopped. My one complaint with Civil War, well two actually are #1: the score. Henry Jackman was brought in again to lend his talents to Civil War and to build upon what he created for Winter Soldier. This time the score was more grandiose but lacking punch. All the same themes were there from Winter Soldier but the poignancy and beauty were missing. Issue #2: this movie could have been twenty to thirty minutes shorter if they had chosen to get into Zemo's plot quicker and didn't drag out what happened to Stark's parents which they repeatedly did (it was almost as bad as watching Bruce Wayne's parents get shot three times in Batman v. Superman, we get it!). I enjoyed Captain America: Civil War and I look forward to the next Marvel installment. I'll see you at the theater.