By Paul Hall
The Avengers are under fire in the new film Captain America: Civil War. After a couple of missions cause unacceptable collateral damage and loss of life, a number of the world’s governments decide they’ve had enough. Together they push through the Sokovia Accords in the United Nations. These accords will only allow the Avengers to get involved in a conflict after receiving U.N. approval. Tony Stark (a.k.a. Iron Man) approves of the regulation while Steve Rogers (Captain America) is intent on responding to a wrong whether or not he has a green light to proceed.
After an incident at the U.N., Rogers pushes forward to find the person responsible, even as early intelligence points to his friend Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier). He is not sure who is responsible, but is intent on getting to Bucky before anyone else in an attempt to protect his friend. It is this hunt that sets into motion the true split for the Avengers. Stark gathers his friends and sets out to find the once friendly Rogers and bring him to justice. But that is just the beginning of the battle.
The two former friends now have this fundamental difference of opinion and the rest of the team have their own opinions as well. Black Widow, Falcon, War Machine, Hawkeye, Vision, Scarlet Witch and even Ant-Man divide into opposing forces to set up an incredible battle. We are introduced to T’Challa (Black Panther), whose father met a terrible fate and who has his own agenda. Plus it’s time to welcome Peter Parker (Spider-Man) to the fold. The battle will rage, but will it solve any of their problems?
I had to take a deep breath after that quick look at the film. If it seemed packed to the gills, it was. The two-hour-and-26-minute adventure has so much going on that I truly feel like they squeezed everything in. And do you know what? It worked.
Look, this film could be a Captain America sequel (it is) or an Avengers sequel (it feels like it is), but throw the title out the door — you are getting all of your favorite characters. With the broad depth of the Marvel Universe at their fingertips, directors Anthony and Joe Russo swiftly move from scene to scene, accentuating the positives of the divergent characters in their battle.
They keep a funny and light air to the film despite the heavy topic — collateral damage — and the implication of the consequences of the Avengers’ actions. And the stars have come to play as they always do. Chris Evans’ Rogers is stoic and driven and is up to the challenge presented by Robert Downey Jr.’s driven but fun Stark. And the rest of the amazing cast helps integrate Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man so it seems like they’ve worked with the team all along.
Although Captain America and Iron Man try to get you to pick sides, you still find yourself enjoying their personalities, and that is a major accomplishment. The story hints at future films and, yes, there is a scene during the credits and one at the very end — so stick around. It is one heck of a civil war and it is amazing to watch these iconic characters take a stand. From a film standpoint, I can’t wait to see where we go next with this universe.
Captain America: Civil War
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Grade: B+
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