I remember seeing Iron Man in a somewhat full theater back in 2008. At the start of the credits, a number of people left the theater. But a few remained, eager to see Nick Fury talk to Tony Stark about the Avengers initiative. I remember my little 11 year old self, thinking about the possibilities of an Avengers movie, and how, despite being more of a DC fan my whole life, we’re finally gonna see a cinematic universe of a grand scale-- if it all goes to plan.
Flash forward to this past weekend, I’m 19, being my usual fatass self and eating rainbow candy and drinking a large ICEE Blue Raspberry drink, and eager to watch Captain America: Civil War for the second time in what just happens to be the same theater I watched Iron Man 1 in.The theater was absolutely packed, and nearly EVERYONE stayed after the credits.
It, to me, really speaks to the level of quality and the world building Kevin Feige and company have accomplished. Captain America: Civil War is no exception. If anything, it’s THE exception not only in the MCU, but in the CBM genre as a hole. The film, unlike Hawkeye (as Wanda endearingly noted), doesn’t pull any punches. To fully delve into the film, the characters and the story, I must journey into the spooky land of spoilers. If you haven’t seen it, and don’t wish to be spoiled, go watch the movie, and come back!
What I liked so much about Captain America: Civil War was the story, and how it managed to perfectly balance all of its characters with ease. Even after seeing it twice, I feel like there is more to unpack in regards to the character motivations, plot points and the brilliance of the entire scale. First let's break down the story.
STORY
This movie had so many moving pieces yet it made it WORK. I have to admit, it might be perhaps the best MCU story to date. I think the overall plot was just masterfully crafted. Remove one piece, and the whole thing crumbles. Just a beautiful painting that feels perfectly blended together. What I really liked about it all is how despite being an adaption of the series in the comics, it is distinct in it’s own unique way. The comic series built on the foundation of the comics, and the movie built on the foundation of the movies.
The movie feels more focused than the comic series too, and it paints more of a moral gray area than the comic did. Even the outright villain, Zemo, is a morally gray character as well. It’s a well thought out piece on politics, morals and beliefs. I walked in a firm believer in Team Cap, and even though I left still a Cap fan, it’s hard not to sympathize with the likes of Tony and T’Challa.
Another great aspect of the film is the character motivations and arcs. Being the “great” writer I am, I will dissect every character I deem worthy of dissection. Let’s start off with Cap.
CAPTAIN AMERICA
Cap is at a crossroads in this movie. What I like is how Cap is now much more comfortable in this world, and understands it more. He brings a unique voice to the table, and he just wants to do what’s right. His relationship with Bucky is a fantastic, heart-wrenching experience. Captain feels an obligation to do what’s right, and doesn’t back down easy. But when there’s action, he wants out. He wants a quick and easy solution. This film is still HIS movie, and the movie is all the better for it.
BUCKY “The Winter Soldier” BARNES
Bucky is similar to Cap in many ways in this. He wants out of the fight. But throughout the movie, he keeps getting dragged into things that he doesn’t want to be dragged into. I really appreciated the complexity of his arc, and the direness of his situation. I am a little sad how overlooked he was in the entire film from moviegoers. His arc throughout the trilogy is very well thought out.
IRON MAN
Iron Man has been busy as well, in the character development department. His anxiety and guilt level has been steadily rising since The Avengers, and this Tony is much more willing to compromise and settle. He starts to understand how the world works, and chooses to not sit by and let people die on his watch anymore. This is by far the most complex MCU arc of all, because in the beginning he flat out refuses to give himself or his tech to the government, but he’s much more comfortable with it now, and sees it as the path with least consequences.
T’CHALLA “The Black Panther”
T’Challa’s arc in this film is beyond insane in terms of deep development. His scenes are relatively short in the entire film, but when he’s in the film, he 100% steals the spotlight. His arc is one of redemption, as he has been chasing the wrong man the entire film. When he discovers the man who was actually responsible for his father’s death, he doesn’t decide to kill him, rather spare his life. This tells leaps and bounds on his character, and how greatly he was done.
SCARLET WITCH
Wanda has lots of character development in the film as well, but it’s much more implicit. After the events in Lagos, an extreme amount of guilt engulfs Wanda, and it almost consumes her. But her imprisonment gives her much perspective, and when given a choice to leave, she chooses it. It’s not about the way the world sees her, it’s about being yourself. She chooses to stop seeking approval of others and just be comfortable in her own skin. Seeing this is what gives Wanda such a great arc.
HELMUT ZEMO
By far my favorite MCU villain yet. In no way does he present a physical prowess to the Avengers, and he doesn’t want to. After his family was killed, he vows revenge on the Avengers, but doesn’t up the ante with any physicality, but rather his intellect. He wants to see an empire fall, and that it does. Simply a breathless level of storytelling.
BLACK WIDOW
She really needs a solo at this point. In a similar move to Tony, she begins to take responsibility for her actions, but not lightly. She understands the ramifications of everything, but isn’t completely with Iron Man. When Black Panther tries to kill Bucky, she stops him. She understands Cap, and understands both sides.
VISION
Vision didn’t have much of a complex arc in this, but at the center of his arc and his characterization is clarity. He understands the consequences of the Avengers being free, and wants safeguards. I like how he takes the role of Reed Richards in this.
ANT-MAN AND SPIDER-MAN
Now now, there’s a reason I coupled these two together. Both have very minor plots in the film, and they both want to appease Cap and Iron Man, respectively. But they are [frick]ing awesome, don’t get me wrong. They are gonna be absolutely incredible additions to the MCU.
MINOR CHARACTERS
Rhodey was fairly minor, but he was awesome nonetheless. General Ross was great, and it’s awesome to see him back. Sharon was pretty fun. Hawkeye was minor, but I liked him in every scene. Falcon was pretty awesome too, I loved his flying. But he wasn’t the focus, he was more of a sidekick to Cap. I hope to see his role expanded to a much larger role in the future, such as taking Cap’s mantle.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Captain America: Civil War is a complex, well-thought out psychological thriller that will forever change the state of the MCU. It’s incredibly well-layered. The Russo’s have proven they are more than capable of handling Infinity War. I cannot wait for more, and this film will forever change the state of the MCU and CBM’s in general. I will award this film a culinary level barbeque bacon cheeseburger.
What do you think? Am I right, or am I a Marvel shill? Sound off in the usual place!