Captain America: Civil War (2016) Review

"Are we still friends?"
"That depends on how hard you hit me." 

Let’s face it, if anyone said 5 years ago that Captain America was their favourite Avenger, you’d probably be laughing in their face. But somehow over the years – however inexplicable – ol’ Cap seems to have snuck his way into the hearts of millions. How? By being the main character in some serious and actually rather good Marvel movies. After all, Hulk movies up until now have been a write-off, we’re still waiting for a Black Widow movie and Iron Man’s 3 film outing is actually pretty forgettable (Pepper who?). After The Avengers (see: good) and the second, Age of Ultron (see: terrible)0, it almost seemed as if people were getting bored of watching superhero films and studios were getting bored of making them. But fear not dear citizens, the man-with-the-shield heard your cries for good entertainment and is here to deliver you cinematic enjoyment.

Needless to say, Captain America: Civil War is unashamedly packed to bursting point, with more comic book characters in a movie than both of the Avenger films, and full of hero-on-hero combat. Questioning the effectivity of heroes and villains and the devastation both cause, the film pits two teams against each other: Team Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Team Cap (Chris Evans). Oh yeah, and there’s some convoluted sub-plot about winter soldiers and Bucky’s past – all of which seem secondary to the actual heroes fighting each other storylines (perhaps not the effect they were going for). Team Iron Man consists of new characters Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Spider-man (Tom Holland), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Vision (Paul Bettany) and War Machine (Don Cheadle), whilst Team Cap consists of Bucky (Sebastian Stan), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner).

The film itself echoes the love-hate relationship between characters, as some action scenes are utterly engaging and well-devised – like Black Widow’s opening fight scene – while other elements seem out of place, such as Black Panther’s forced storyline, no doubt designed to introduce the character’s own stand-alone movie. Regardless, the new characters remain intriguing and Tom Holland’s performance as Spider-Man is thoroughly likeable and charismatic as the energised but inquisitive teen who seems just thrilled to be there. True to form though, this enjoyable scene occurs randomly just after Black widow has been almost choked to death and everyone is bloody and bruised; a bit of an odd placement for such a light-hearted moment.

While some characters are finally given some screen-time and scenes they deserve, such as Black Widow and Scarlet Witch, as we are allowed more insight into their hidden conflicts, personal viewpoints and development. Not to mention Johansson and Olsen’s performances are commendable, and probably some of the best. However, this seems to be at the expense of Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp), who makes a brief appearance to serve as a fleeting love interest for Cap – right after love-of-his-life Peggy Carter has died. No, seriously, the funeral just happened. The whole affair is awkward and it seems a shame that she was relegated to such an abysmal role. Poor Sharon, and poor Emily VanCamp (think a girl needs to get her Revenge). While Downey Jr’s Iron Man seems to have regressed back into a petulant child, Evans’ Cap and Stan’s Bucky make for an unusual duo, and their partnership is compelling, as they both struggle with the consequences of their past lives. The overall instalment does well to tie up almost every loose end in this regard, and you are left with a renewed sense of understanding.

Unfortunately, the movie falters in places as the narrative loses its way after the first opening, and doesn’t regain momentum until the big fight scene (the one you’ve seen in all the trailers) in the latter half of the movie. It is a matter of overstuffing, as there is so much going on from each hero that the different storylines are never fully expanded on or explained, and you’re left guessing on some elements.

It goes without saying that the action sequences and special effects are lovingly crafted and structured to full-effect, drawing audiences in with every kick, explosion and magical power fights. This is perhaps what Marvel does best, and the production is exceptional in this aspect.

However, if you’re looking to rekindle your love affair with Marvel after the severely lacklustre of Age of Ultron then this will likely do it for you, provided you can hang on through its immensely long running time. So, if you want to see Black Widow kick ass, Tony Stark struggle with his huge ego, Captain America’s shiny shield, Bucky’s killer arm, Scarlet Witch’s interpretive dance moves with her telekinesis, and Ant-Man being…well…ant sized, then this shouldn’t disappoint.

Captain America has always been the series that is a bit more self-reflective, critically thinking, and immerses itself in the acts of espionage, war, and betrayal, so it comes as no surprise that these are prevalent in this instalment. It’s like Marvel-meets-Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (if Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy wasn’t such an unbearably dull film). A perfect film to view with your very own frenemies.