More than just your run-of-the-mill superhero movie, Civil War leaps from the comic book pages to the big screen and succeeds in being more than just an action-packed flick, writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely create the most comprehensive chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by playing on the dynamics of the characters and creating a relatable emotional conflict which will draw audiences in.
Marvel knows their strengths and play on it, like 'Hulk on a rampage', directors Joe and Anthony Russo are able to seamlessly combine the darker themes in the movie with incredible action stunts (in my opinion, the most ambitious ones we've seen) and laugh out loud moments. The stellar cast all gave strong performances; this may be the best Marvel ensemble movie yet.
Non-Spoiler Review
The film opens in another edge of your seat Avengers mission in Largos, this of course ends in catastrophe with a whole lot of collateral damage. The UN takes notice and sends Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt) to let the Avengers know that the government is taking over. Through the Sokovia Accords, the Avengers will now be reporting to the UN, who will be taking charge of the group, and will essentially be the ones saying when and where the Avengers will be deployed.
The group is immediately split in half, with Captain America (Chris Evans) leading the side of not being under the government's thumb and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) who insist that in the wake of the death and damage of their missions, need to be checked.
Things become more tense when Steve Rogers' (Captain America) old 'frenemy' Bucky Barnes AKA 'The Winter Soldier' (Sebastian Stan) is framed for a bombing in the UN. The Captain rushes to find Bucky, in an effort to reach him before the governement does. This very action makes him a rebel on the run, with Falcon and Scarlett Witch on his side, as well as a few new recruits, #TeamCap faces off with #TeamIronMan, Black Widow, War Machine, Vision and a recruit of their own.
This big clash, probably the biggest fight scene in superhero movie history-yet and probably the number one reason which makes me want to see the movie again is the best!
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just leave it at that-okay?
I might come up with a spoiler review and we can talk about it then. :)
The directors took a chance with a less traditional storyline with the third act of the film. While the big face off between the groups is happening, an unknown evil is lurking in the shadows, in the form of Helmut Zemo (Daniel Brühl) who has been hunting for secrets to Bucky's past. While he is nothing but a mere mortal with no extraordinary powers, he believes that:
'An empire destroyed within itself, is destroyed forever' and with this belief, the Avengers may face their greatest threat yet.
Through careful planning Zemo sets the stage for an emotional climax in the film, one where Rogers and Stark face off in a gut wrenching battle that makes you feel as though, you are watching your two best friends go through the worst fight and then wanting you to choose a side.
There is a well meaning and thoughtful approach to the different characters, giving them more depth, instead of just having them beat each other up. With the past two Avenger movies we have already seen a friendship between Rogers and Stark, one that goes along the lines of mutual respect but in Civil War, we see two friends face off, after being put against each other by circumstances beyond their control.
10/10 Captain America: Civil War is everything a Summer Blockbuster should be-and more!
Opening across the Philippines on April 27-Marvel's “Captain America: Civil War” will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Marvel, namely, (FB) MarvelPhilippines, (Twitter) @marvelstudiosph and (Instagram) @marvelphilippines and use the hashtags #choosewisely, #teamcap, #teamironman.
