Over the last year, anytime a Captain America: Civil War commercial or trailer would play, I'd wonder why Bucky Barnes was being so violent. I understood he was probably experiencing some PTSD and was in a battle with Team Iron Man, but there were some serious anger issues he needed to deal with. But Captain America: Civil War is so well made, those trailers we've been watching (stalking) just come together to make an entertaining powerhouse of a film worth the price of all the movie tickets for your family.
"You think you're right. That makes you dangerous."~Spider-Man
In Captain America: Civil War, we find our house divided because each party believes in their side of the disagreement. Tony Stark is of the opinion that superheroes need to be kept in check -- that a legitimate organization like the United Nations should be in charge of who they fight, what types of battles they take on, and where they can go. So many innocent lives have been lost. So much catastrophe has torn through people's homes, and the public has noticed. Steve Rogers, on the other hand, wants to maintain the freedom to right the wrongs as he sees fit. Even if he and other enhanced aren't always the best choice, it is his belief that they are the right choice for the moment.
"Compromise where you can. And where you can't, don't. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right, even if the whole world is telling you to move. It is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye and say, no. You move."~ Peggy Carter
Steve receives an awful message that the love of his life, Peggy Carter, has passed away in her sleep. He and Sam travel to the funeral and there, find out that Sharon Carter is Peggy's niece. Sharon Carter's eulogy reminds Steve of the strength he could always find with Peggy at his side and the way she could always guide his moral compass. He knows what he must do.
"Conflict breeds catastrophe."~ Vision
Meanwhile, the members of the team who are willing are at the United Nations to sign the Sokovia Accords. Suddenly, an explosion kills many innocent people, including King T'Chaka of Wakanda, who was speaking at the event. The race is on to find Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier, who was caught on film near the site of the attack. The United Nations has given shoot to kill orders. Captain America isn't going to cooperate, but he'll be competing with the new King of Wakanda T'Challa who wants vengeance for his father.
Now Steve is on the run to find Bucky and bring him home and help prove his innocence. Well, at least he hopes Bucky's innocent. And if he isn't, Steve is certain it will be because he's still brainwashed. Meanwhile on that front, our villain of the day Zemo (nothing like the comic book version to be clear) has put together an evil plan to activate the Winter Soldier. Although this character was terribly disappointing, it was important to concentrate on the superheroes being the villains as well. So although there was a bad guy with a thumb twiddling evil plot twist (an impressive one at that), it was really just a catapult for a new act in the movie.
"I can do this all day."~ Steve Rogers/Captain America
The reason Captain America: Civil War is receiving great reviews and high marks is that it delivers the whole package. The Russo brothers are a fan favorite. With shows like Community under their belt, they've got wit and banter on point. This third installment in the Captain America franchise was undoubtedly the funniest. Tony Stark, Scott Lang, Sam Wilson and Peter Parker are all characters that can carry a scene, but put them together and movie goers are rolling in the aisles. The writers, Steve McFeely and Chris Markus, gave these characters a lot to bounce off one another. They chose the quips carefully and doled them out to the right characters. The fight scenes were believable for a superhero movie, unlike some recent superhero movies. Kicks and punches weren't two feet off and stunt people weren't evident from down the block. The explosions and other catastrophes were over the top, but I wouldn't really expect much otherwise, especially with the film's subject matter. And speaking of subject matter, although the movie didn't follow the Captain America: Civil War comic book, it was one of the first times over the past five years I realized I didn't care. I wasn't rolling my eyes half the time thinking, "That would never happen," or, "It didn't happen that way."
You can check Captain America: Civil War out for yourself on Friday May 6th. Take my advice and don't wait on this one. Read my 10 Can't Miss Captain America: Civil War Movie Moments on My Sentiment ExactLee.
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