After finishing Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, (MCU for short) Disney & Marvel Studios collaborated to develop films for Phase Three. Films listed in production order are Captain America: Civil War, Dr. Strange, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man And The Wasp, Captain Marvel and finally, Avengers 4.
Today’s review is the first chapter of Phase Three known as Captain America: Civil War or as many fans call it, “Avengers 2.5.”
Captain America: Civil War was released in 2016. (around the same year Deadpool came out) It received many positive reviews from critics, fans and movie goers. In addition to positive reactions, it made a billion dollars at the box office.
Now that Avengers: Infinity War is finally out. Here’s my list on what’s good or bad about Civil War. By the way, Spider-Man’s foe Venom, is gonna get his own movie with Tom Hardy playing my favorite Marvel bad guy.
This review does not feature any crucial SPOILERS. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article.
Positive & Negative Qualities
Positive: The Main Cast from previous installments reprise their roles and they all did an amazing job for their respective performances.
Newcomers to the MCU are Chadwick Boseman, Martin Freeman, Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei & Danie Brühl all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: Martin Freeman, known for playing Watson in Sherlock, worked with an actor who portrayed Sherlock Holmes. Both Robert Downey Jr. & Benedict Cumberbatch collaborated with Martin in separate works. In the upcoming Captain Marvel film, Jude Law who played Sherlock’s sidekick Watson, will be the second actor after Martin to join the MCU.
The Russo Brothers did a magnificent job on directing.
The film is based on Marvel’s Civil War. Before Marvel Studios adapted the storyline, a video game called, “Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2” also has a storyline based on it.
The film marks Spider-Man’s first appearance in the MCU after Sony made an agreement with Disney/Marvel Studios to include the character after the critical disappointment of The Amazing Spider-Man 2. I’m giving Sony an Extra Point, for making a noble decision. Tom Holland confirmed that Peter Parker was already in the MCU as a little boy wearing an Iron Man mask in Iron Man 2. Don’t believe me, look it up as proof that he’s already been around before he got bitten.
Spider-Man costume is based on Steve Ditko’s early concept art and the spider symbol on the chest. For the first time Spidey’s eyes squints through the mask’s lenses. They act like binoculars or a sniper scope. Now it makes sense in context for Spidey to shoot web at long distances.
This version of Spider-Man is a combination of the Mainstream Universe & Ultimate Universe.
For those who are complaining why Aunt May isn’t a frail old lady, she’s actually a 40-50 year old woman in the Ultimate Universe. Remember a few episodes of Disney XD’s Ultimate Spider-Man?
Besides Spider-Man, Black Panther makes his cinematic debut as well. After many years of hectic development to put The King Of Wakanda in a motion picture, we finally got our wish to see him and his solo movie.
Action Sequences were breathtaking in epic proportions. The Fight Scene that stands out the most is Team Iron Man Vs. Team Captain America. I rooted for Team Iron Man.
Suitable Humor is retained from previous films. Whenever a respective team fights, they react to each other’s powers & abilities they’ve never seen before. I gotta love a mix between action & comedy blended in one!
For the first time in Marvel history, one superhero uses “The S-Word.” I’m giving this milestone an Extra Point for making me laugh out loud!
My favorite line is, “Sometimes I wanna punch you in your perfect teeth!” Hollywood pearly whites in a nutshell!
Visual Effects were beautifully gorgeous. I didn’t cringe to find anything fake lookin’ at all! I’m giving the effects team Bonus Points, for all their hard work. Somebody give them a Christmas Bonus for Big Pete’s sake!
The film is presented in two storylines. The A Plot, primarily focuses on The Avengers divided into two separate groups when the government forces them to disband the team because of the collateral damage in Sokovia, (from The Climatic Battle in Avengers: Age Of Ultron) and civilian casualties were high. Thus, changing the public’s perception/attitude towards superheroes. The B Plot, involves a man named Zemo, linked to The Aftermath of Sokovia, who has a personal vendetta against The Avengers.
One scene pays homage to a comic book cover of Avengers issue number 223.
A character mentioned Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Stars Wars: Rogue One came out the same year as Civil War.
Zemo’s motive clearly explains why he resents The Avengers. I won’t tell you what it is, you’re gonna have to see for yourself.
There’s a shocking moment near the end of the film. I don’t wanna spill the beans!
Cap said his catchphrase, “I can do this all day!”
In nearly every Marvel movie, Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance.
A Mid-Credits Scene sets up a character’s solo adventure.
A Post-Credits Scene also sets up another character’s solo adventure.
Negative: Shaky Cam is often used in a few Fight Scenes. One particularly showing Black Widow in combat. Seriously? When will Marvel ever learn to take feedback on this problem?! Who’s the man behind the camera, Speedy Gonzalez consuming a truckload full of Monster Energy Drinks!?
The Final Verdict: A-
Captain America: Civil War is another successful installment of the MCU. I can’t believe I’m gonna say this over a Batman related film, Civil War is beyond superior to Batman Vs. Superman. Marvel knows how to properly branch a storyline for its use of character development, chemistry between individuals and planning out big events for each character’s solo adventure. Zack Snyder & Warner Bros. take notes on how to build a cohesive narrative, otherwise you’re gonna make the audience lost for not planning a proper universe.
If you’re extremely excited to see Infinity War like me, I highly recommend this movie. If you’re already up to date with every single film before Infinity War, now’s the perfect time to see it on the big screen. Get your tickets before every single one is taken!
Nickthemoviecritic.com 