Review of Captain America: Civil War (2016) by Haneef A — 23 Mar 2017

CAPTAIN AMERICA:CIVIL WAR IS A MOVIE ABOUT BICKERING SUPERHEROES WITH CAPTIVATING ENERGETIC ACTION SEQUENCE WITH STRONG CHARACTERIZATION. HOWEVER THE VILLAIN IS (AGAIN) FORGETTABLE. AN A-.

After 12 Marvel movies, the world and characters Marvel have built through these movies has been well realised.

So what are the stories left to tell? Well, how about a rumble-n-tumble between all the superheroes, a rift/argument between them to a colossal proportion? The Marvel superheroes have always been united, especially through the Avengers teams, so a conflict between them can be a major plot point.

In this 13th Marvel movie and 3rd Captain America movie..that is what actually happens. The Avengers continue to hunt down criminals globally, but US Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt) and almost all UN leaders think that the Avengers/superheroes should be identified,regulated, and supervised by the UN under the Sokovian Accords Treaty; claiming that the Avengers have caused reckless destruction, killing innocent bystanders.

The superheroes are divided over whether they should sign the Treaty, with a side led by Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) arguing that the heroes should be accountable for their actions and conform to law; and another opposing side led by Captain America (Chris Evans) arguing that the Avengers should be an independent entity, free from political influence/interests.

The movie provided a strong argument for both sides, and never do I felt swayed by one side only. The characterisations and motivations of the heroes are aptly enhanced..especially for Cap and Iron Man. Their friendship is really put to the test. The emotions are raw and heartbreaking.

And there is a villain, lurking in the shadows. However, the villain in this movie is not engaging/menacing enough, which has always been Marvel's weakness (save for Loki).

The movie also deftly introduce/re-introduce 2 heroes to the Marvel pantheon, and amazingly their limited screentime is enough to flesh out both characters.

The action is stupendous, the best that U have seen in a Marvel movie, and that is saying something. It is very energetic, kinetic, and inventive; especially the Avengers operation in Nigeria at the beginning of the movie, a (running!) chase scene involving Cap and 2 other characters, and the climactic all-out rumble/battle between both sides of superheroes at a private airport. That battle involves almost all of the heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far.

TLDR, it is an excellent movie. Recommended for everyone. I have been intentionally vague about the plot so that u can enjoy it for yourself. An A-.