Review:
Tip your hat to the Cap for this knockout
superhero movie.
After another exceptional, but chaotic, mission
for Captain America (Chris Evans) and our other Avenger friends, we watch as
deep concerns mount around the world over the public and collateral damaged
caused by the superheroes, supposedly assembling to save lives. In Marvel’s
latest brilliantly marketed campaign, we are asked to “pick a side”, dividing
our loyalties between beloved characters. Of course, we soon learn it is far
from being that simple - with the lines of good and bad, right and wrong,
growing increasingly blurred. We witness the superheroes being persuaded into
signing the ‘Sokovia Accords’, making them accountable to the United Nations
with their future endeavours. The usually sardonic and rebellious Iron Man
(Robert Downey Jr.) tries to rein in Captain America and stop his mission to
save his friend Bucky (Sebastian Stan), in the belief that it will help ease
the guilt upon his shoulders for the loss of innocent life in their battle
against evil.
The Russo Brothers have provided us with an
action-packed adventure, but one that certainly makes you think. With Captain
America acting as the usual social conscience of the group, we start with the
assumption his would be the side to choose. The story cleverly weaves aspects
into the narrative that are symbolic of real life problems: America being a
super power, fighting big bads in other countries under the name of saving the
world (but not necessarily thinking of the fallout), how to handle or treat
prisoners of war, and whether a growing strength over others breeds dangerous
attempts to contend or fight back. All of these things start to feel rather
familiar to our outside world, which make us begin to understand why the UN would
like to gain some control. Yet, as in the previous two Cap movies Captain America: The First Avenger &
in particular, Captain America: The Winter
Soldier, our patriotic hero fights for what he believes is right: the
protection of his people's rights and autonomy, whilst battling his own inner
demons and losses throughout his life.
This is where Captain
America: Civil War triumphs over a film such as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - we are provided a film with
brains and soul on top of the bold, brash action. Far from a simple gimmick,
any links or characters from previous Avenger phases of the Marvel Comic
Universe movies feel fluid and natural throughout the narrative of Civil War, ensuring Captain America
receives full autonomy for his third outing in his own set of films. Never
fear, these MCU treats will certainly satisfy any hardcore Marvel fan! There
are plenty of pleasant surprises and appearances, so if possible, try to read
little about the film prior to watching in order to have a completely fulfilling
experience. There are many aspects I'm dying to discuss, such as the
introduction of a new cheeky web-slinging friend, but I definitely don’t want
to ruin this for you. All I will say is that it receives two thumbs up from me!
It is at this time, I should finally admit that I
went to the first possible showing of Captain
America: Civil War, which happened to be the 12:05am showing on Thursday
evening/Friday morning, finishing at past 3:30am. I was therefore watching this
film with weary eyes, sleepily balancing a pair of IMAX specs on top of my
already fairly bulky glasses – and I still found it one of my most exhilarating
visual experiences for quite a while. Civil
War contains skilfully crafted action sequences and choreographed fight
scenes; this is what IMAX was made for.
One aspect that continues to shine through the
whole Avengers franchise is how Chris Evans has managed to breathe life into
this character and fully made it his own. The development of Captain America
has shown good old Steve Rogers to be one of the most unexpected favourites in
a world of witty, hardcore and magical superheroes – and it has been a joy to
behold. I may have been unable to pick a side in Captain America: Civil War, but I can definitely pick Marvel and I
think you should too.
Have a listen on BBC iPlayer to me chatting
about the movie and other entertainment news on BBC Three Counties Radio’s
‘Drive with Rob’ – we can be heard on the final hour!
