Captain America: Civil War Review

This review takes a spoiler-free look at Captain America: Civil War, the latest film in what seems like a never-ending stream of super hero films. While this “never-ending” comment could be construed as a jab, when it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Disney and Marvel have done an excellent job structuring the MCU, creating action-packed films with heart and humor, and even different genres, all of which has helped prevent super hero “fatigue.” Civil War is no exception.

Despite my undeniable geekiness, somehow, that never extended to some “typical” interests. Rather than reading super-hero comics and watching Lord of the Rings in high school, I was reading Calvin & Hobbes and collecting Criterion Collection DVDs (that’s probably dorky more than geeky, but we’re splitting hairs). Point being, my familiarity with the characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe extends only to the films in which the characters appear. I have no knowledge of the underlying conflict in the comics upon which Civil War is based. This lack of familiarity made me a bit apprehensive that the premise would be little more than a pretext for an undue super hero throw-down. Fortunately, those fears were unfounded. This film–as with the other MCU entries–is more about storytelling than it is action.

As someone with geeky propensities, I’ve really enjoyed how Marvel has built this universe, and used the films to engage in a sort of long-form storytelling. As geekiness has gone mainstream, it would appear the general public concurs. The Avengers was the first film that really converged the characters’ separate stories, and it did gangbusters at the box office.

While The Avengers demonstrated the potential of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Civil War executes and delivers on that promise. It’s a very good standalone film, but an exceptional culmination of the stories and characters that have been developed in the films that preceded it. There’s a lot to love about Civil War, but it’s not without flaws. I’ll get those out of the way first.

The biggest disappointment for me is how little attention it gives to some of the characters beyond Captain America and Iron Man. Perhaps it’s because there are simply so many other characters, but it felt like there were a few that didn’t get a satisfying amount of on-screen attention (Hawkeye, in particular, seems superfluous and expendable to the story).

This is exemplified with the Sokovia Accords (for characters not present during the initial roundtable), as supporting players choose sides without exposition, and their decisions can seem arbitrary as a result. The political themes here are overt, not merely inferred subtexts, so it would be nice if the characters had motives beyond “Iron Man asked first!” In some cases, a greater understanding of the MCU provides insight into the “why,” but for a couple of characters, that’s not the case at all.

If this were an ordinary super hero film, this criticism could be construed as nitpicking. However, Marvel has redefined the concept. The result is films that offer thought-provoking story and themes to accompany the gripping blockbuster action sequences. Judged through that prism, I expected a bit more development of the central conflict over the Sokovia Accords before the action in the second and third acts kicked into high gear. I think this is an appropriate expectation, because, as was Captain America: The Winter Soldier, this is an intelligent film with lofty ideas and ideals.

When it comes to Captain America and Iron Man, the greatest conflicts are not physical. As the conflict relates to these characters, it builds rather well without explicit conversation of the Accords. Neither side is wholly wrong or right. Iron Man and Captain America are following their respective moral compasses, each is conflicted with their choices, and each shows emotional vulnerability. They also both make suspect decisions as a result of those emotions.

All of this is deftly conveyed in the film, as Civil War gives new depth to both Captain America and Iron Man. This is what makes their conflict so gripping when it spills over into the action sequences. There’s actual emotion turmoil at play, so it doesn’t feel like shallow and gratuitous super hero on super hero action. This emotional conflict also adds an element of unpredictability to some of the action sequences that would otherwise lack it.

Although this is a Captain America movie, I felt there was far more elucidation of Iron Man’s position than Captain America’s. Moreover, if anyone carries this impressive ensemble, I’d say it’s Iron Man, not Captain America. Clearly, Cap is relying upon his instincts in his steadfast opposition to the Sokovia Accords and other actions in the film. As an audience you are supposed to trust in him because he’s The Avengers’ moral beacon.

I didn’t feel he really offered any compelling justification, but maybe that’s okay. His saving grace here is how his character has been developed in the prior movies. This is a great advantage of the long-form nature of the movie: the filmmakers can rely upon audience goodwill towards the character and trust in him because his instincts have always vindicated him in the past.

In that, there’s also a real vindication of the long-form storytelling that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has built since Iron Man. As mentioned, Civil War works as a standalone film, but I feel those who have seen the other MCU films will get so much more out of it. Not just in terms of understanding throwaway nods to other characters or events, but in understanding how everything else has built towards this. It makes you feel more vested in the story & characters as a viewer, and it enables the filmmakers to tell the story here in under 6 hours.

It thus behooves you to see the other films in the MCU before a viewing of Civil War. Unless you’re living off the grid in some isolated desert commune, you’ve probably seen at least a couple of these films (and if you are in an isolated commune, you probably don’t have electricity and thus can’t read this, anyway). I’m not saying you should sit down for a marathon viewing of the dozen or so films that came before it; but viewing the the two previous Captain America films, Iron Man 3, and The Avengers: Age of Ultron will certainly help.

To talk only of “boring” things like ideology, themes, and story would do Civil War a great injustice. As great of a movie as this is, it’s also a great summer blockbuster. There are 3 scenes in particular that are true standouts, and one of those is the best I can recall from any Marvel film, which is quite impressive considering the nature of the scene. Not much more needs to be said about the action; suffice to say, it’s phenomenal.

Ultimately, Civil War excels because it manages to do so many different things so well, even with a bloated cast of characters and while juggling all of the stories that came before it. I think it falters a bit as a political thriller, but the drama, humor (here’s hoping Ant-Man gets more screen time in Infinity War!), and action are all exceptional, making for one of the best blockbuster films in recent memory.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about Civil War is where it leaves the story. Early in the review I called this film an “exceptional culmination.” The thing is, as much as the film is weaving together elements that have been developed before it as something of a crescendo, there is also a sense that this is the beginning of a seriously awesome chapter (or phase, I suppose) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The downside to that is that we’re in for a bit of a wait until that happens in 2018.

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Your Thoughts…

Have you seen Captain America: Civil War? Which Marvel Cinematic Universe films have been your favorites? Do you like the “universe” concept for movies? We love hearing from readers, so please share your take (please, no spoilers) in the comments!