Captain America is another great Marvel film!!!

The start of summer can mean only one thing when it comes to the local cinema:  A new Marvel movie will come out and attempt to wreck all previous box office records.  And right on time, here comes Captain America: Civil War after the blasé Batman vs. Superman film.  To be quite clear, the new Captain America is excellent, and quite possible, the best “Avengers” film. It certainly deals with more “grown up” themes, whereas past films dealt mainly with “The End of the World.”   Like the previous Marvel films, it has the perfect cast, tone and script, while poking fun at itself, though not to the extent of the recent Deadpool.

The plot revolves around the Avengers (minus Hulk and Thor) discussing and potentially being forced into "accountability" by the United Nations and other governments after a chase goes sideways in east Africa.  It goes without saying that the words "accountability" and government should never be uttered in the same sentence, but i digress. Of course, this entire U.N. “accountability” has been completely set up and manipulated by someone controlling Captain America’s good friend “Bucky” the Winter Solider.  In this sense, the film feels like an extension of the “Winter Solider” film, but completely surpasses the previous films because of the jaw dropping truths that are revealed throughout the film.  

Most of the characters initially agree that they should be held in check, because without that accountability than we are “no better than the bad guys,” according to Tony Stark.  His legacy, idiosyncrasies and pride are completely believable and brought to an excellent denouement by Robert Downey Jr.  In the previous films, he had a charisma that would put off many people because it always followed an arrogance that drove people, and his teammates crazy; but you knew he was brilliant, so you just kind of went with it.  In this film, he is so different from the previous films, many may be upset that his personality has undergone a huge transformation, but we believe it (for those who have seen the other films) because we know he wants to leave a legacy that matters, one that is based on saving people and even teammates from making the same mistakes that he has made.  The film is commendable when it comes to this theme, as well as the idea that actions, right or wrong, are ultimately what people are remembered for.  For Captain America, it has always been about integrity and serving others, in whatever capacity the country needed him. Contrast that with Stark, who has been a billionaire wiz kid, seen first hand the destruction of his devices, lost a close relationship, and yet, still believes he can change his legacy and that of his family.

The idea of family is an excellent theme, one that is constantly brought into the film, as these characters make stands that impact all those involved, as well as future films.  The side plot involves family and an evil character that brilliantly plays the Avengers off of each other, and is a great tribute to the old Hitchcock films where a giant “Truth bomb” levels everyone near the end:  “I knew i couldn’t kill them.  Better men than me have tried.  But if i could turn them against each other, that would be…”   Vengeance becomes the driving force of this character and the movie, and one that our world always argues and discusses.  This movie pushes the idea of vengeance to its breaking point, as all the characters that seek vengeance end up struggling, as if they can see something powerful, but can’t grasp it.  There is a character that chooses to forgive and instead of sounding cliched or dumb, is very powerful in setting up the future Avenger films.

Spider Man and Black Panther make their debuts into the Marvel canon and they are excellent in every capacity.  They are perfectly cast and highlight their skills without being overbearing.  Tom Holland really does look like a teenage Peter Parker, one who is in awe of all the Avengers, while Black Panther has an identity and power that has its own secret.

The movie is great in every area and while the length of the movie may seem long, nothing ever stalls or lingers, unlike Batman vs. Superman.  In fact, i would say the most intriguing aspect of the film is the idea of leadership and who is really “in charge” of the Avengers.  Hint: it will never be the government.  Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. own their respective characters, and their scenes together are truly magical and the reason we go to the movies:  to see characters we care about struggling with ideals and identity.   Throughout the Marvel films, we have known Captain America not only is the leader of the Avengers, but he is symbolic of heroes in general:  they fight for the weak and sacrifice their lives for others.  That’s what we all want, need and even wish we could be.  Tony Stark, in this film, truly becomes a leader, but cannot usurp Captain America, and it is because he cannot over come the character and man, Steve Rogers.  Iron Man knows he is responsible for casualties, weapons and a dysfunctional family heritage, but wants to take responsibility and be accountable.  But Steve Rogers has always had character and leadership qualities that make him a man people want to follow; they know he is willing to sacrifice for something he believes in, whereas Stark, even though he yearns for accountability, has to manufacture it or hire someone for them to follow him.  The fight these men go through against each other is both personal, as well as symbolic of who they are and wish to become, ideas that the Batman vs. Superman could not even scratch.
As the film closes, the “bad guy” is told that his plot has failed, and with a wink, he asks the best question, one audiences will be asking as future films are released: “Did I [fail]?”  Knowing the team is split, hurt and completely at odds means that only a fight against the all mighty Thanos can bring them all back together.