Ever since IRON MAN came out, I always ponder on whether or not the MCU’s “shared universe” experiment would pay off. Amongst the Phase 1 movies barely reaching above average and the obnoxious references to other movies within movies (to which AGE OF ULTRON became the worst example of), a small part of me wonders if any of it matters to the big picture, or if I actually stick around for said big picture. However, after seeing other superhero franchises executing this concept SO. FRICKEN. HORRIBLY, my doubts simmered while Marvel's biggest secret became clear. They take their time in developing their wacky, comic-book universe while virtually blending it with the modern real universe, They care about these characters and their struggles so much as to have us care about them as well. They explore concepts and opportunities within these heroes and expands their meaning and what they represent to those that wrote them in the first place.
And now with CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, when the film might tread on the “dark and moody” vibe instead of the campy escapist fare that they represent, they smartly delve into the morals of these already-established characters and their reasons for going off against each other, all while never being shy of occasional fun. The result, even considering a few missteps, blooms into the most grounded yet thrilling superhero movie since THE DARK KNIGHT; a shining example of Marvel's status as engaging character-driven action romps with poignant philosophies about what we believe is the right course of action.
MINOR SPOILERS
The story takes place after ULTRON and THE WINTER SOLDIER, as the aftermath of those films leaves many people mortified and scared of the actions of The Avengers. Thus, the government decides to step in and issue the Anti-Hero Registration Act, a law that regulates the superheroes to refrain from taking action without permission, an act that polarizes the members in opposite sides. Iron Man abides, in an attempt to lower the risk of casualties while doing superhero duty, but Captain America opposes due to his “needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few” viewpoint. The drama escalates even further as Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier) comes back to the picture, supposedly cured, and teams up with Cap in an attempt to steer clear from SHIELD incarceration. Meanwhile, a new character named Black Panther joins the conflict as a hijacking of a meeting kills his father and targets his rage at the Winter Soldier. This constant outbreak prompts Iron Man to team up the third Spider-Man in his team to stop the opposing side in order to comply with the Act.
If that sounds like more of an Avengers movie rather than a Captain America movie, that’s kind of the point. Rather than the actual character taking front and center of his movies, his ideas, the way he solves issues, and how said ideas are being conflicted instead reflects on the other characters, with some of them opposing the Act because they feel they can do things right again. The biggest variation, though, is that none of their sides ultimately become the WRONG choice nor the RIGHT one. With Iron Man switching towards responsibility to contrast the irresponsible behavior prior and Steve Rogers justified do-gooder turned independent vigilante, neither side trumps the other; sometimes it’s good that the world is saved with a few casualties, but sometimes said casualties wind up too unbearable to cope with.
All of this is due to the film's willingness to implement “breathing room”. Thanks to the Russo Brothers character-driven television backgrounds, the film allows them to set the story back a few times to properly flesh out these characters. I mean, c’mon! The idea of shoving in Spider-Man and the Black Panther while simultaneously developing Scarlet Witch and Visions friendship, AND shifting focus on Captain America saving Bucky would sound like another AGE OF ULTRON disaster, but it pulls together this time! While some hiccups are inevitable in this gamble, the willingness to take its time, plus some actual stakes by the actual team and not just another army invasion, gives this story its lasting weight.
And yes before you mention it, boy do I feel lucky to be alive seeing the best Spider-Man and the best Black Panther! Tom Holland as Peter Parker and Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther both succeed in adapting these characters in a script that impressively establishes them without treading on their back story for too long. Even keeping the abundance of solid action scenes in mind, the introduction of Black Panther and Starks small talk with Parker might be two of the best scenes in this movie.
But make no mistake, this film would never be worthwhile had it not been for the Russo Brothers surprisingly solid action. Seriously, this might be the best Marvel ensemble fight scenes ever! Explaining these would ruin the fun, but let’s just say that the airport scene… HOLY CRAP!
Judging solely on the action scenes pairing with the conflicting ethics of regulation would instantly make a masterful film, but sadly it is not. Once that big fight gets out of the way, the film feels like it should conclude from there, only to shift into another fight scene due to one’s own vendetta. No matter how bold of a move that is, to have this whole fight derive from a smaller but more personal struggle, but it took me out of the film to have yet another fight scene just a few minutes after another. You also might gloss over the “villain” in this movie that brings up a worthwhile twist in the end, but I pay no mind to it
Now I am sure there is quite a lot of discussion that my praise for this film strictly lies on my “bias towards Marvel” after recently bashing DCs shameless aping of this shared universe. Trust me, guys, I strained to stick with my doubts on this one. I desperately find anything wrong with this movie despite the ratio of reception of film and BATMAN V SUPERMAN telling me otherwise. Sadly, I stand by my statement.
This is not only miles better than DAWN OF JUSTICE, but I am right on board on the ever-so redundant but inevitable discussion that this is an opposite inverse of that in quality terms. Smart and funny writing instead of stupid and self-important trailer fuel; struggles based on character-based ideals instead of dumb manipulation; dark tone for meaning and weight instead of mindless aesthetic mimicking. Even that notwithstanding, this makes a confident, everlasting, and fun superhero movie properly made better by the eight years of world-building that has finally paid off. I would say watch it and judge for yourselves, but I believe my stand is as follows: SEE THIS ONE INSTEAD!
Rating: 8/10 (GREAT)
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