CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR is the third Captain America movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; it is by far the biggest in scope and scale. With stunning action sequences, CIVIL WAR takes the series of movies to new heights as the Avengers team is pitted against one another in a high-stakes plot that unveils how easy it is to give up liberty and freedom because of fear and vengeance.
CIVIL WAR finds Steve Rogers aka Captain America leading the team of Avengers on continued missions against terrorists. With Sam Wilson, the Falcon, and Natasha Romaoff, the Black Widow, by his side, Steve is training the newest member, Wanda Maximoff( from AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON), to control her powers. When civilians are killed while on a mission in Nigeria due to Wanda’s inexperience, Steve’s team faces scrutiny from the government for their unsanctioned, unaccountable actions.
The Secretary of State, in an attempt to keep the Avengers going, submits a proposal that’s been approved by over 100 countries that would put the Avengers under the authority of the United Nations. Feeling extremely guilty from the accidental deaths caused by their heroics, Tony Stark aka Iron Man no longer wants to work unchecked. So, Tony, along with War Machine and Vision, agree the Avengers must be held accountable. Steve Rogers disagrees, however. He notes that government agencies have agendas, and agendas tend to change. He wants freedom to choose to do the right thing.
When the United Nations meets to pass the resolution in Vienna, a bombing kills the President of Wakanda, who was the resolution’s main sponsor. The bombing looks as if it was done by Steve’s childhood friend Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier. Steve knows that Bucky, who was a brainwashed soldier, once controlled by Hydra, would never do this now that he’s free from Hydra’s control. So, Steve sets out to protect his friend from the government. One of Bucky’s pursuers includes the President of Wakanda’s son, Prince T’Challa, who also dawns a costume as the deadly Black Panther and is set to avenge his father’s death by killing Bucky.
The stakes escalate and the conflict grows deeper and more serious. This leads to an all out battle between Captain America and Iron Man along with the superheroes that side with them.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR is very intense and incredibly entertaining. The action sequences start off a little rough, overusing the “shakey-cam” technique made famous in the BOURNE series. However, the movie quickly becomes more watchable.
Where CIVIL WAR shines is the cohesive plot. Steve’s fight over the United Nations resolution and over Bucky are connected thematically. Steve’s fear that of giving the government control over the Avengers effectively mirrors with Bucky’s storyline as a former solider, who was used by the Hydra cabal infiltrating government, stripped of his free will and controlled to do morally reprehensible things. With solid character motivations behind Steve, Tony and a mysterious villain, CIVIL WAR’s structure and pacing are remarkable.
That said, even though the story is expertly crafted, many viewers will have a difficult time watching two heroes they admire fight each other so brutally. CIVIL WAR is by far the most solemn and culturally introspective movie Marvel has made. Amazingly, though, considering how serious the plot is, the filmmakers brilliantly insert hilarious moments that will have viewers roaring with laughter. The inclusion of Ant-Man and Marvel’s new Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, adds levity to the whole affair. Without that comic relief, the movie probably would drag.