Captain America: Civil War.
Film review of the latest Marvel blockbuster that sees the avengers begin to fracture as they turn on one another.
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo. Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Studios, Studio Babelsberg.
Action/Adventure/Superhero.
Cast & Credits.
Producer: Kevin Feige.
Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely.
Camera: Trent Opaloch.
Music: Henry Jackman.
Sets: Owen Paterson.
Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Tom Holland, Daniel Brühl, Frank Grillo.
Synopsis:
After a mission in Lagos ends in collateral damage, the avengers see themselves condemned as vigilantes by the world. The United Nations believe it is time to allow control over the superheroes, that is to say they would decide if and when the team is needed.
Captain America (Evans) refuses to be governed and makes a stand against the UN, along with The Winter Soldier (Stan), Scarlet Witch (Olsen), Falcon (Mackie) and Hawkeye (Renner). Iron Man (Downey Jr.) on the other hand, believes that the heroes should be held responsible for their actions, joining his side are; Black Widow (Johansson), Vision (Bettany), War Machine (Cheadle) and newcomer Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther who has a personal vendetta against The Winter Soldier.
Review:
We seem to be spoilt with the amount of Superhero films and TV shows lately. With Marvel and DC in a constant battle, films are being produced in a speedy manner.
This time it's Marvel's Captain America: Civil War which serves as not only as the third instalment of the Captain America (and Avengers) franchises, but also as Marvel's response to DC's recent Batman Vs Superman (2016) blockbuster. Short story: Marvel won.
Loosely based on the comic book storyline, Civil War is up there as one of the better superhero films. It has everything you'd expect from a Marvel blockbuster; it includes a lot of superheroes, a lot of action, and a lot of fun.
But in this particular case, the film focuses heavily on guilt, revenge and politics. There is no big bad in this film as such, the conflict stems from two opposing opinions. As a result, it pits friends amongst each other, which creates a larger scale of drama.
The acting in this film is phenomenal from all players. Captain America may not be the most engaging of characters, but Evans puts his all in to his performance. The Cap is stoic, strong and sympathetic in his quest to not only protect Bucky, but also in his beliefs against the UN. Opposite Evans we have the always charismatic Downey Jr. Filled with guilt, Iron Man takes on a more serious side than previous instalments with the much loved character. Less funny one liners, and more focused on making sure the avengers are kept in check.
Before you start thinking this film is all gloom, there are still plenty of fun to counterbalance the solemn storyline. Hawkeye and Falcon provide a lot of comical wit and Vision's modern wardrobe is amusing to see. The addition of Paul Rudd/ Ant Man also brings in some much needed, albeit brief light hearted enjoyment.
Arguably the best newcomer is that of nineteen year old Tom Holland in his first appearance as Spider Man. Holland has won the world over in his performance; naive, endearing and yet still capable of battling against the more advanced superheroes.
His addition to the film is quite simply fun, and it perfectly sets up for his future stand a lone feature.
The juxtaposition of jauntiness and maturity can best be seen in the battle between the two teams at the airport. The stunt work and the cinematography is flawless. As well as Cap America vs Iron Man, we can also see Scarlet Witch vs Vision, Black Widow vs Hawkeye, and Spiderman vs Antman, etc. Each battle is filled with imaginative moves and quick wit. More importantly it demonstrates what makes these films so entertaining, and that is watching the superheroes play off one another.
In all, Marvel have proven once again that they are not slowing down. With hit after hit, they have no reason to.
With plenty of comic book films lined up, it's safe to say there are not going anywhere. This film has perfectly given us a taster of the Black Panther (2018) and Spider-Man (2017) films. With Doctor Strange (2016), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) also lined up, all leading to the climatic Infinity War (2018).
We won't be without latex covered muscles any time soon.
