Last Thursday, we got to see Captain America: Civil War. I have been holding off on posting a review because I wanted to make sure I had considered all of the aspects of the movie and gave it a fair critique. This is that critique.
The Good
First and foremost, the story of this film is as solid as the one for Winter Soldier. It really is a continuation of that story as it relates to Cap's friend Bucky and the skeletons in his closet. The parallel story, which is just as compelling, is the destruction left in the Avengers' wake as they perform their heroics. The way these two threads weave through the movie and intersect is the backbone of Civil War and it is a strong backbone.
Next, the Russo brothers once again prove their excellent grasp on these characters themselves and what motivates them, especially Captain America. Each of the characters in the film make decisions that you expect them to make. You're never left saying "Tony would never do that!" or "Why is Ant-Man team Cap?". It all makes sense and draws on the character development in all the previous movies and continues to develop them even more.
Speaking of the Russo brothers, they are fantastic directors and this movie is their best work yet. The way they work with so many characters and yet each of them has their perfect moment to shine. No one is shortchanged in this movie. Just watch the airport scene. Enough said!
Introduced in this film is a new-to-the-screen hero named Black Panther who presents himself as an unstoppable force blazing a violent trail right through the rests of the agenda's and plans of the other characters. Black Panther is definitely an impressive character and I feel like there is so much more to delve into with King T'Challa's solo movie coming out in November of 2017.
Finally, Spiderman is AMAZING. Tom Holland IS Peter Parker, as far as I'm concerned and the way he interacts with all of these larger than life heroes is exactly how you'd expect a teenager to do. I wasn't sold on another Spiderman reboot before, but now I'll be #1 in line for my Spiderman: Homecoming tickets.
The Bad
The pacing of the movie is a bit start-and-stop. As the directors try to kick-start each plot and sub-plot, I found myself a little frustrated with what we weren't spending more time on. By the end of the movie, I was satisfied, but I think the choppy pacing is a by-product of a movie with so much going on.
Additionally and without spoilers, the major driving conflict that the film sets up is ultimately left dangling at the end of the movie. I can't say much more without giving it away, but at a point, things take a decidedly personal turn, but the questions that the Avengers have been dealing with throughout the movie are left unresolved.
The Ugly
The villain of the movie, Zemo, is not a terrible villain. However his ultimate plan is paper-thin. You'll understand when you see it and it is definitely a big spoiler. I would have liked it to be a bit more thought out.
Verdict
Marvel has outdone all of its previous MCU entries with Civil War. The expert direction, rock solid story and character development make this, quite possible, the best comic book movie to date despite minor irritations with pacing and a weak villain.
8.5 out of 10
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