2016 Summer Movie Season - Captian America Civil War: Review & Analysis

To The End Of The Line!!! Marvel's Ambitious Free-For-All Offers Unforgettable Thrills, Epic Moments, and Hype Worthy Glimpses of What's To Come!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

United We Stand. Divided We Fall.

Story Description

Ever since the battle of New York, the Avengers have done their hardest to maintain the safety of the people on earth. Despite their efforts, collateral damage and continued lack of authoritative regulations have caused mass political strain and unrest especially since the colossal event in Sokovia. Looking to prevent an incident like that from occurring again,  the government issues a restrictive accords in an attempt to work with the Avengers directly and have them report to a high power rather than working independently. Unfortunately, after another devastating event leaves innocent lives at risk, Steve Rodgers (Chris Evans) finds himself in a difficult situation after the rumored culprit is said to be former HYDRA assassin and Rodger's childhood friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). With tensions rising and loyalties tested, Rodgers, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr), & the Avengers find themselves choosing sides and turning against each other in a confrontation that will change them all and shake the foundation of the world they know.

Tony Stark and Steve Rodgers try to talk out their issues at HQ.

Critical and Financial Analysis

Since it's announcement at the Marvel Phase 3 press conference, Captain America Civil War has garnered significant hype and skepticism. Given this is an on screen adaptation of one of the most beloved and shocking comics in Marvel history, expectations were high with people wondering if it could really be pulled off. From a critical standpoint however, it satisfied critics and audiences alike. The film garnered an overwhelming positive 91% certified fresh rating on rotten tomatoes with an equally strong audience rating of 92%. Critics praised it for its terrific action, strong and established plot, and it's bold move to travel to more thought provoking themes. Financially, the film did equally solid. The film accumulated a strong $182 million at the domestic box office with an additional $401.8 million overseas for a worldwide total of $678.4 million. With widespread critical and audiences acclaim and over half a billion dollars in worldwide box office numbers, Captain America Civil War continues the summer movie dominance of Marvel Studios and gets the Summer Movie Season off to a roaring start.

Friends Turned Enemies.
Enemies Turned Friends. 

Film Review

Since it's announcement, Captain America Civil War has been one of my most anticipated films of 2016 and Marvel Phase 3. Introducing new characters (including some personal favorites), returning favorites, and emulating the most ambitious plot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe history is something that got me excited as well as anxious to see how it would all come together. I can finally say after seeing the film in IMAX, I can confirm that the folks at Marvel Studious have outdone themselves with this one. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo take the magic and genius they brought in The Winter Soldier and bring it to this film with care and relative ease. For starters, the film is no question one of the darkest films in the MCU. Everything from the tone and the extremely well structured plot reflect this fact. That said, the film has a fair share of humor and fun moments to keep things light as well as engaging. Character wise, it was a tall order to begin with but the Russo Brothers handle it very well. Downey Jr, Evans, Mackie, Johansson, and Renner are the polished veterans of the bunch and do a great job as always in their roles. The relatively new cast members such as Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettney, and Paul Rudd return with new found depth for each. For Olsen as Wanda, it is refreshing to see her grow as a character who is still coming to terms with who she is. Her story arc in this one is trying and at times tragic which makes her a character to keep a close eye on as Phase 3 progresses. As for Paul Rudd, he goes from surprise hit in his stand alone movie to instant classic comic relief. His sequences are among the best and he delivers the film's most memorable comedic lines that are hilariously well placed. But the big heavy hitters besides Captain America and Tony Stark were the rookie characters making their anticipated MCU debuts and they don't disappoint. One of them was King T'Challa aka Black Panther. Chadwick Boseman exceeds expectations delivering an intense, strong willed, and well structured character. Besides being a bonifide badass, Boseman plays the role with extreme pride and charisma. It is a true showcase of the talented actor he is and I am beyond ecstatic for his and his character's involvement in the MCU. As for the other new comer who goes by the name spider man, Tom Holland delivers a Peter Parker that is essentially the embodiment of what we see on screen...a kid. Skilled in combat, technologically savvy, but no different from every nerdy and thrill obsessive millennial his age, Holland does a solid job in delivering a new type of Spider-Man that has not been done in the previous installments. Only time and the 2017 standalone movie will determine if this Peter Parker/Spider-Man is the one fans want and deserve. From an action standpoint, Civil War is The Winter Soldier turned up to eleven. The breathtaking fight choreography returns and is an absolute blast to watch. A thrill from start to finish, each action sequence is more fast paced and explosive than the last with the obvious standout being the epic airport sequence with everyone gathered together. With the action also comes the challenge of balancing a very large and loaded list of cast members and characters. The Russo Brothers do an admirable job balancing these characters giving each one just enough spotlight to shine while still keeping the focus on the main players to the plot. Speaking of which, the plot of the film is a well structured and deeply detailed work that has moments of dark undertones, disturbing and heartbreaking revelations, and themes that can mirror the world as we know it now. This is one of the best scripts and well layered plots I've seen in a Marvel movie yet and hope this continues throughout Phase 3. Overall, Captain America Civil War is an experience that hasn't left me this blown away since Winter Soldier. The future of the studio looks bright as ever as Marvel's maturity and boldness grow along with their ambition and willingness to try new things.

Rating and Final Thoughts 

One of the most ambitious films in Marvel's library culminates 

into an unforgettably thrilling and structurally solid cinematic

 treat with as much depth and deeply layered substance as it 

has amazing thrills and mind blowing moments

With Civil War Getting Phase 3 off to a phenomenal start, the anticipation as well as the expectations of the next films in the loaded line-up skyrocket as Marvel Studios begins to head toward legendary status.