It’s the movie they shouldn’t have made without securing the rights to the fan favorites but here it is. Due to the fear innate in humanity, we don’t trust normal people to actually have power without using it against us. As always, that kind of freedom belongs to corporate narcissists, out-of-touch politicians, and initially charming but later vicious dictators. Running off one of the more recent Marvel story lines, Civil War focuses on political division based on superhero registration. There are many criticisms regarding the storyline, character consistency and content but one thing trumps them all: the scene where Bucky and Cap are kicking Tony Stark’s butt!
This sci-fi/action/thriller is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. It stars Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. After more collateral damage due to the Avengers’ actions, political pressure pushes for a system of accountability. The new status quo divides our heroes into difference camps of thought led by either Captain America a.k.a. Steve Rogers, or the Iron Man, Tony Stark. Steve desires the Avengers to remain free while Stark supports government oversight over the team. This is just the IMDb description though, it seems to omit the fact the Captain America is also protecting Bucky from the government.
Let’s start with the best part of what I saw here and that’s at 2 minutes and 10 seconds. Why is it good? It’s one of those fantasy moments for fans that either really like stories about two best friends or like seeing Tony Stark beat up by poor people. That’s the main attraction, at least, but there is also good set-up. Before the scene begins, Cap tells Stark “Sorry Tony…you know I wouldn’t do this if I had any other choice…but he’s my friend.” Tony responds with a “So was I”. That is a direct hit to the feels, a cheap but effective one.
Going back into the scene, it starts off with a punch and a kick by Bucky followed by a shield smack by Cap. Stark goes in for a hand blast but it doesn’t connect. More strikes by the patriotic duo leave Iron Man falling to one knee. This leaves enough time for Cap to ricochet his shield off Tony’s concussion-addled head back to Bucky wherein they just pound their fists further into his more than likely broken body. This is one of the most spectacular superhero ballets I’ve seen in a while. The unison between Evans and Sebastian Stan is great.
As for nitpicking, we get introduced to the Black Panther. Except that he isn’t so much introduced in the trailer but rather just shows up. He’ll probably get a proper introduction in the full film, though. I only mention it because Joss Whedon set so many things up, and the world should thank him for it. Just as a formality, Falcon’s nosedive off the building should have resulted in his death because physics. Every movie nowadays breaks that rule and the death rule but you should acknowledge it so real people never try the same thing. Now for the last issue to complain about: the lack of Spiderman. What? He’s in this and being played by Tom Holland. Okay, we have Spiderman. Now where is that Hulk vs. Wolverine movie we’ve been asking for?
Captain America: Civil War comes to U.K. theatres April 29th, 2016 while U.S. fans get a May 12th, 2016 release. For the full list of worldwide release dates, click here.
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Btw, Ant-Man is listed in the cast so expect quips. Lots and lots of quips.
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