Captain America: Civil War Review

If I could sum up Civil War in one word it would be: perfection. The film contains every element that makes it an instant classic: a well-established cast, emotional turns, key-talking points, awesome action scenes, and a desire for more. Let's start with the plot. The Avengers have had their fair shares of saving the planet, but it doesn't come without leaving some damage. Who is held accountable? Are the Avengers above the law to the point that they can act without limitation? In response, the United Nations create a proposition: the Sokovia Accords. The Avengers will act only by approval of the UN and will have to be registered. This is the division of the team. Half of the Avengers, led by Iron Man, believe it is time for the Avengers to be held responsible for their destruction. The other half, led by Captain America, believe they must be able to act to their own will without supervision. While each member has their own agenda for taking a side, the teams are broken down as: Black Widow, Black Panther, Spider-Man, War Machine, and Vision join Iron Man. In opposition, Hawkeye, Winter Soldier, Ant-Man, Scarlet Witch, and Falcon join Captain America. While the film is based off the Civil War storyline it is very relevant to today's political climate when it comes to authority. Are they accountable to their actions? Or do they make the law and place themselves above it? In a world of comics and a parallel theme to reality I find myself very divided as well. On one point, I think superheroes should be able to act on their own will in order to do what must be done, but I don't have the same belief when it comes to police. This is what makes the film outstanding; there is no right answer and keeps the fans talking. Everyone has their own belief and reasoning to how security should be handled.

While that is the premise of the film, there is much more content that sustains the plot. Not to be overshadowed, the real villain is Zemo. Knowing he can't defeat the Avengers on his own, he decides to destroy the team from within. He makes it personal and has the members turn on one another. That is what makes this different from other superhero films. There is no typical, cliche villain of wanting to take over the world or get rich. Zemo has a personal agenda against the Avengers and takes them on a psychological rollercoaster. The thing that brings fans into the conflict is seeing their heroes fight one another. It is like a child seeing their parents argue. You don't want to see it and if it must be done, who do side with? Then, there is the ultimate geek-gasm with two epic fight scenes: the airport & the Iron Man and Captain America duel. At the airport we witness the two teams go against one another. Each hero uses their skill to overpower another or work alongside another member. Comic scenes come to life such as Ant-Man being launched by Hawkeye or Ant-Man turning gigantic. It is cool watching the Avengers work together to fight the common enemy, but when they are fighting one another it really leaves a toll on your emotions. Lastly, the duel between the two leaders (Stark & Rogers) is the ultimate stab to the heart for any fan. It becomes heart-breaking and emotionally exhausting seeing two friends beat one another till they are left lying on the ground. It tests the boundaries of friendship.

As if you couldn't get more excited for a star-assembled cast, how much hype can you give with the debut of two of the greatest and most well-known characters: Spider-Man & Black Panther. FOR YEARS, Marvel fans have dreamed of seeing Spider-Man fight alongside the Avengers. However, due to legal issues over character rights, only Sony was able to create Spider-Man films. It wasn't until Marvel Studios and Sony came to a compromise did it fulfill the dreams of many geeks. Tom Holland's first performance as the web-slinger cemented his status. He has the personality and charm of Peter Parker, but still the sassyness and physique of Spider-Man. While the only critique I have is that he is a bit young, it makes sense to have the actor like that. It allows for him to grow with the MCU and be able to connect with kids. The costume also looks on point! It is the perfection translation from the early days of the Spider-Man comics. Then there's Black Panther. He is another character who has been teased of existing in the MCU since Avengers 2 when the team fight in Wakanda. T'Challa is everything that is expected of the character. He acts mature, has amazing fighting skills, and earns the respect of his peers. The airport scene shows not only can he hold his own, but may be superior than some Avenger members. This is evident when he his seen fighting hand-to-hand with Captain America. Both characters make their debuts with a grand introduction and make their long-overdue appearance something to talk about & expect more of.

Where do we go from here? The Avengers are officially teared up. Can Iron Man ever trust Captain America again? Also, with the Sokovia Accords in full effect what does that mean for future heroes? The aftermath of the Accords also affects the TV show Agents of Shield. Inhumans, humans with extraordinary powers, exist and aid Shield. But with the Accords they must now register with the government their identity and whereabouts. Thinking large picture now, the bigger storyline tied with the MCU is the infinity stone plot. With the large threat of Thanos coming after Earth will the Avengers unite once more to save the planet? Civil War does an excellent job and satisfying your geek need, but does a better job at making you want more. Only time will tell the effects of Civil War and what each character has left to offer.

Final Score: 10/10

This is film is nothing but amazing! It keeps you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Just like wine, every Captain America film becomes better and better as time passes by. If you weren't a fan before, welcome to the MCU!