In the 8 years that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been around, the films have gone from franchise/universe establishing films to a “they’ll come no matter what we give them” mindset. While no MCU film is overtly terrible, the last 2 films have shown the Marvel Cinematic Universe in sit back mode, as they have been concerned about their films continuing a story, rather than be an original film, adding depth and story to their characters. Captain America: Civil War has shown that when Marvel wants to, it can provide a breathtaking, action-filled, political drama, and a heartfelt story that will make even the casual film goer want more and more of it.
While a big fan of the Civil War story arch in the Marvel comics, the path the Russo Brothers took with the film is just as breathtaking. The film’s importance of accountability leads to the tension between The Avengers. The government feels that the designated good guys are responsible for the deaths of innocents, despite the many they have saved. For this, a registration act is put in place in which the Avengers must register, abiding by governmental rules and requests. They can only act if they are approved to do so. This sets in motion a chain of events that leads to our superheroes taking sides and a back and forth fight that leads to one of the finest action sequences I’ve ever seen in film.
The Russo brothers do not steer towards one side, as any cinephile watching this film will undoubtedly understand. They show both sides’ reasoning for signing and refusing to sign the registration act. The motives of each character are made clear and the new characters introduced within the film gain a strong development and purpose for being in the film.
The added depth to Tony Stark and his character is a warm welcome, unseen since the first Iron Man. Robert Downey Jr portrays Tony’s internal conflict magnificently. The surprising, best in show performance goes to Tom Holland as Spider-Man. I have never been a big spiderman fan, but Holland stole every scene he was in and truly took Spidey right out of the comic book and onto the big screen the way we all have wanted for years.
Captain America: Civil War is the best entry into MCU next to The Dark Knight, one of the best comic book films of all time. From top to bottom, this film is brilliant. DC Comics, take notes. This is not just how someone should direct a film, but what a comic book film should look like, and a great film should be.
Reel Talk gives Captain America: Civil War 4 reels.
