The Superlative Marvel Movie

Rating: 10/10 (6 June 2016)

To put into simple terms right from the start, Captain America: Civil War is the most intense, emotional, developed and well rounded Marvel film to date. It is overwhelmingly packed with fan service to one of Marvel's greatest comic stories, from Captain America's famous "river of truth" quote, to the iconic cover of Civil War with Iron Man's beams clashing with Cap's shield. Civil War is not only the best film in the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but arguably in the top 2 or 3 of superhero films in history.
Civil War perfectly shows how conflict between fan favorite heroes should be done, with emotions running sky high throughout the film, intertwining sub plots between numerous characters and giving them all meaning. The fact that most of the characters battling it out have multiple films of development behind them makes it all the more enticing, none more than the final act between Cap, Bucky and Iron Man, which was so intense, it actually made my stomach twist. Watching our beloved heroes fighting each other is as heart-wrenching as it is enthralling, an incredible feat to make your viewer care that deeply for the events unfolding on screen.
With so many characters to fit in just under 2.5 hours, things could have gotten sloppy. But to no surprise, the outstanding writing of Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, along with the equally outstanding vision of directors Joe and Anthony Russo, help Civil War be fantastically well balanced, and well paced, with the perfect blend of seriousness and humor. Even though the Civil War story with Cap and Iron Man takes center stage, this is still very much a Captain America movie, and a true sequel to 2014's phenomenal "The Winter Soldier", continuing the story arc built between Cap and his longtime comrade Bucky Barnes. The films excellent writing is able to use that story line to further progress the Civil War plot, and to help introduce new characters and arcs like the undeniably awesome Black Panther. There is not a moment wasted with nonsensical dialogue, and every character gets their moment in the spotlight, even if it's brief. The many subplots and character arcs are explored at some capacity with each and every scene having major implications towards either the story at hand, or for the future of the MCU, and with that, Civil War has truly incredible storytelling through and through.
Marvel Studios keeps setting the bar higher and higher with each ensemble cast they put together, and Civil War is no exception. We have the largest array of characters in a MCU film yet. New additions like Black Panther, many familiar faces, and finally, our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, who makes is MCU debut. Chris Evans takes the lead role again as Captain America, and he delivers his best performance yet. This is a different take on The First Avenger, he's views are clouded by his pursuit of his closest friend in Bucky Barnes, and the terms of The Sokovia Accords, and Evans displays that inner conflict perfectly on screen. Opposite Evans is everyone's favorite Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, who also takes on a considerably different writing of the character, with a much more serious tone, something that was needed for the Civil War story. Tony is put under more pressure and hardship than any other character in the film, and RDJ is able to perfectly display every emotion needed, from watching Rhodey being shot down out of the sky, to the revelation that The Winter Solider killed his parents. A truly spectacular performance from RDJ.
There are numerous other characters that are portrayed and written magnificently, with special mentions to Sebastian Stan (The Winter Solider), Chadwick Boseman (Blck Panther), Scarlet Johnasson (Black Widow) and newcomer Tom Holland as Spider-Man. Spidey and Black Panther are extraordinary additions to the film and the MCU at large, their powers are expertly done and the actors playing them both give an excellent showcasing. Marvel's "villain problem" hasn't necessarily been solved in Civil War, but with the focus on Cap and Iron Man, Zemo (Daniel Bruhl) was as good a villain as the film needed, he was cunning and twisted, and his involvement in the main plot becomes greater than expected, giving him some solid development.
No superhero movie is complete without action, and oh does Civil War boast some of the best ever. From the very start of the film, we have expertly choreographed action sequences, and get to see The New Avengers in action, with a special shout out to some stellar moments from Cap's right hand man, Falcon, and even his trusty drone- sidekick Redwing. The number of practical effects and live-stunts done in the film is incredible, and the practicality adds a level of realism few superhero films can match. Every action scene dazzles on screen, and they all progress the plot at a near perfect pace.
One scene in particular that I must discuss, is the now famous "airport scene", which is one of, if not the best, most precisely written action sequences in all of superhero films, and action films alike. We get to see every single hero in the film duke it out, with multiple skirmishes breaking out between different sets of characters, and every hero's powers and abilities are used to the fullest potential. The cinematography in the film is terrific, but it is absolutely breathtaking in this scene specifically. That scene was a dream come true for die hard Marvel comic fans, with loads of thrills, humor and fan service everywhere.
I could go on for pages longer, and not have anything negative to say about this film. I didn't even touch on the likes of Vision, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, War Machine, and more. Captain America: Civil War is the superlative Marvel movie, and with its glory, takes a heavy run at The Dark Knight trilogy as the best superhero film of all-time.
10/10