'Captain America; Civil War' Review: Marvel's New Film is Overlong, Messy But The Superhero Showdown Is What Audiences Have Waited For
This year has already seen the superhero genre come to movies two times with "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" and "Deadpool." One showcased a new type of superhero movie that went against all rules and the other demonstrated how bloated a movie could be. Now to begin the summer, Marvel brings a third kind with "Captain America: Civil War." This movie showcases how bloated a film could be but at the same time brings together a compelling plotline and continues to develop its series of renowned superheroes.
"Captain America: Civil War" tells the story of Captain America (Chris Evans), whose work to save his friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) causes political tension and a rfit between him and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). This movie should be called "Captain America V. Iron Man" as it develops the two characters' journeys and audiences discover more about who they are.
The Positive
In many ways this is the movie that DC Comics' fans wanted from "Batman V. Superman" as Iron Man and Captain America truly duel throughout the film and the rift in their relationship is caused by human emotions. Iron Man does not want to see any one else die while Captain America is is split between his loyalty to the Avengers and his loyalty to Bucky. This conflict is incredibly well done in the film and audiences can truly engage with this part.
Where the movie also succeeds is in its action sequences. The middle battle with all the avengers shows how inventive these superheroes can be and how different their personalities are. For example Ant-Man becomes a giant while Black Widow uses some new gadgets and Falcon's flying powers are enhanced. Spider-man is a welcome surprise and Black Panther is the most well rounded of the cameo superheroes. Scarlet Witch continues to be developed as she realizes she can not control her powers. However, it would be more interesting if she had her own film and had to face her demons.
The highlight however is when Iron Man and Captain America duel it out in the most intense sequence, which is the grittiest in the Marvel universe films. This sequence is not only extremely emotional but it shows Marvel pulling towards a more realistic way of doing superhero movies.
The Cons
In many ways this film continues the Marvel legacy and continuously finds ways of making fresh jokes. It also adds to the world it is creating. However, this movie is truly problematic. The connection to "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" is still questionable and the fact that Hawkeye, Black Widow and Falcon have not received proper treatment is still questionable. Marvel also fails to take risks and one hope that after such an intense battle there would be consequences. Iron Man talks of people dying but in reality none of these people are shown in this film and therefore there is no reason to care what people die. One would also think that after Quicksilver died in "Avengers: Age of Ultron," Marvel would not mind taking that step.
There are also questionable absences such as Nick Fury and the Hulk. Thor's absence is the only one to make sense if audiences are truly following Marvel's plotline. But the absence of these two characters seems weird and unexplained.
Then there is the opening of the movie. The film starts with a bloated action sequence that truly never ignites. After that there is half an hour of dialogue with so much exposition that can truly get old and simply boring.
The villain, Captain Zelmot, is also a throwaway. Not only does he show up in a very small portion of the film but he also never does much. It's the type of character that does not really have to be there in order for the plot to move forward. And this is where Marvel continues to lose. Marvel's villains continue to be so flat and unappealing. Not since Loki has Marvel successfully put forth a likeable, charismatic and interesting villain. Like Ultron, Zelmot's motivations are weak.
However, fanboys will be extremely happy with this installment and will truly enjoy this film. For those awaiting for a superhero showdown, look no further. This is the showdown everyone's been waiting for and it won't disappoint.