Grade: A
I’m just going to be completely honest — I’ve never read a comic book in my life. But, I’ve also never missed a Marvel movie, so I am 50 percent qualified to review “Captain America: Civil War.”
This next movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings us a new chapter in multiple Marvel series. Though it was a Captain America film, it felt more like a full Avengers movie, since all of the important characters were present.
After a disastrous mission in Africa, the Avengers come back to a terrible public relations job.
While the team is away fighting, Tony Stark comes in contact with a woman who lost her son because of a previous mission that went sideways.
Believing it is time for the Avengers to be put in check, Stark works with the secretary of state to draft the Sokovia Accords, an agreement that would place the Avengers under the control of the United Nations.
Enter the civil war as the team divides over the signing of an agreement.
However, nothing is as simple as it seems. A terrorist attack occurs during the signing of the agreement, and Steve Rogers believes he must break the law, take on vigilante status and take down the real terrorist.
Now, you’ll have to become Team Captain America or Team Iron Man.
I don’t want to give anymore away, but I’ll just say, Marvel has some amazing things prepared for Phase 3, and “Captain America: Civil War” provides some excellent insight into what’s to come.
What makes this film great is Marvel has transformed and developed the complexities of Captain America and Iron Man unlike any of its other superheroes. Stark and Rogers have significant depth and all of their developed backgrounds intertwine artistically in Civil War to leave viewers uncertain of which team they’re on.
The universe Marvel has created in this film centers around Rogers and Stark, but throughout the film I found myself switching sides, uncertain of what would come next. Even at the end, you’ll be uncertain if the men really hate each other, or if they are just pitted against one another.
All ideals and morals are questioned throughout the film.
“Captain America: Civil War” adds another layer of depth to the always tried and true to the red, white and blue Rogers. He is going against the flag in this battle for what he thinks is right, a side of him that has been lying dormant throughout the series.
Whether or not you are familiar with comic books, you’ll love this addition to the Captain America and Avengers story. And if you’re not familiar with how the whole story plays out, this film will leave you questioning and guessing what is next throughout the entire movie.
You just might even switch teams.
Allison Wagner
allmwagn@indiana.edu | @allisonwagner
