Captain America: Civil War Review
Cautious optimism went through my mind going into this adaptation to a poorly executed storyline. Superheroes-fighting-each-other is beyond redundant, it’s so petty.
While The Russos pulled off a better rendition then it’s source material, just wasn’t my-cup-of-tea to end Star Spangled Avenger’s franchise on.
Winghead all-the-way in many iterations. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and his fellow Avengers signing Sokovia Acccords aka Registration Act means giving up civil rights:
“It’s run by people with agendas and agendas change. If we sign this, we surrender our right to CHOOSE. What if this Panel sends us somewhere we don’t think we should go? What if there’s somewhere we need to go and they don’t let us?”
Sam Wilson alias Falcon (Anthony Mackie) calls Natasha Romanov’s loyalty into question when she changes sides. He dives down to save Rhodes/War Machine before being partially paralyzed.
Glad Natasha (Scarlett Johansson) helped Rogers escape after her character arc previously even though she’s with Armored Fascist, remarks about confiscating Cap’s shield (government property) when they’re caught at Bucharest. Also tries swaying Rogers to sign-up while he grieves when she attends Peggy Carter’s potent funeral ultimately comforts him. She does rightfully call Tony out among many:
“Are you incapable of dropping your ego for one god damn second?”
Peggy’s niece (not granddaughter), Sharon (Emily VanCamp) delivers meaningful eulogy:
“Compromise where you can. Where you can’t, don’t. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say ‘No, YOU move’.”
She also helps Rogers-and-company find Bucky’s location despite her superiors’ orders to shoot first ask little to no questions later. Sam along with Barnes expressions after Steve/Sharon consummate their relationship had me chuckling.
Former Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) regrets people he’s murdered during his brainwashed years. Steve belief still rings although some aggression (throws officer off stairs) gets taken out on people attacking him.
Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) still learning to be a heroine about not being able to save everyone as-soon-as Brock Rumlow/Crossbones (Frank Grillo) dies within contained explosion which very painful killing Wakadians. Later, prevents former teammates from killing each other.
Reaction by Paul Rudd after Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) recruits Scott Lang/Ant-Man to meet Cap was priceless. Turning into Giant Man surprising. Figured they save it for his sequel enjoyed regardless-of it’s obnoxious comedy. Chadwick Boseman’s slow talking as Prince T’Challa aka Black Panther bothering at first viewing but got used to it.
Tom Holland plays Peter Parker/Spider-Man very bright kid. Gave him some slack for his first outing (months) before Stark uses him as an asset by guilt-trips brings up Uncle Ben. Rogers getting to know Peter while they’re fighting entertaining. Surprised Cap dropped a catwalk on him even though he has strength aswell.
Action at the Lagos opening were shaky. T’Challa appears superhuman out-of-costume while later fighting Barnes under control again after Colonel (not Baron…yet?) Hemult Zemo (Daniel Brul) recited Russian words: Longing. Rusted. Seventeen. Daybreak. Furnace. Nine. Benign. Homecoming.
Definitely complex enough villain despite changes made from comic counterpart wanting revenge methodically repeat his wife’s last message before family (father) were killed. Wasn’t tried to commit suicide before T’Challa stops him:
The living are not done with you.
Would’ve been nice to walk around with concealed hood.
Steve gave up the mantle (drops the shield) after Stark raves at him once he shuts his big toy (armor) down having found out Barnes (out-of-his-control) killed his parents. Guess Rogers returns in-the-role-of Super Soldier with some form of Secret Avengers.
Never liked on-screen Iron Man since the mediocre sequels. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) clearly antagonist. Driven by his guilt for Ultron catastrophe (rightfully so) guided by utter resentment towards Steve, Daddy, Pepper issues, already mentally imbalanced by using his technology fantasizing memories to-finally off-his-rocker (moment) completely. Rhodes dying prior release would’ve been enough.
Team Shellhead are tools blindly following orders while their “fearless” leader on-a-leash by ex-General Ross (William Hurt) walks over them.
Martin Freeman (Sherlock) using an American accent. But didn’t need to-be-there to chastise people. I’m getting used to Benedict Cumberbatch speaking for Doctor Strange.
Rhodey (Don Cheadle) loses most likability he had featured-in Age of Ultron. He compliments “Thunderbolt” then dresses down Wilson, who’s a fellow soldier. Almost gets Steve along with Bucky killed by shooting sonics at Wanda while holding collapsing airport tower caused by Vision.
Stark’s biggest hypocritical line comes before-that accuses Rogers getting them into this mess. He just threw a sixteen year old kid (Peter) into this pointless conflict. He bascially tells Parker to shut up during Peter’s dramatic entrance. He says, “You’re done.” chime-in that “Get out of here” kinda tone.
Panther’s one-track revenge mindset where he can’t-be-reasoned-with (Natasha/Bucky) for majority to be off-putting. Zemo takes some steam out of Claw (Andy Serkis) being personal threat to his main antagonist. Bio-weapon Crossbones stole at beginning goes anywhere.
Overall, has moments-of-levity however weakest out of this trilogy but that’s just personal taste. Would’ve prefered Serpent Society film instead.
Rating: 7 1/2
Enjoying where Bucky’s character is going (still teasing). He’s in good hands with Wakandian scientists to get rid anymore brainwashing techniques while frozen once again. King T’Challa making amends for being tropially misguided still gives me hope for his solo film.
Peter’s webshooter including Spider-Signal as opposed to belt fruitful. Looking forward his character develop in Homecoming. My only concern is how much Stark’s influence will have.
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