The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic:
on CAPTAIN
AMERICA: CIVIL WAR (2016, 147 minutes, PG-13)
The Captain America movies have set a high bar on storytelling and
action for Marvel’s franchise. Although
CIVIL WAR may not be the top contender, it still leads the pack on the
majority… but not among the CAP films.
*** SLIGHT SPOILERS ***
The plot is not much more than an action-fest to highlight the
heroes and their ability to bring destruction on the cities they love to
protect. The theme continues with the,
“Oh, we need to keep our powers in check.”
Or, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Even though needed to tie in the previous
films in the franchise, I think the idea is getting exhausted.
The addition of the two new chaps to join the crew, Spider-Man and
Black Panther, made this movie far more enjoyable. The introduction of Spider-Man was a bit off, seemed like his
opening scene was squeezed in, but his later performance was
‘spectacular’. And Chadwick Boseman (of
GET ON UP, 42, and DRAFT DAY) was a stellar choice. He truly carried this story, giving someone to root for.
There were a number of problems with the story. The villain’s plan was so convoluted, you
can only wonder how this could even have been pulled off. It required so many specific reactions and
decisions of the Avengers that there seems no way he could predict exactly how
this would evolve so that he would be successful in exacting his revenge. And how is it that there is a camera on a
dark stretch off road out in the middle of nowhere in 1991? How is it Tony would not have discovered
this a lot sooner? He is a super-genius
after all with a compulsion to know things.
And don’t get me started on Vision!
Where was he during most of the climatic fight?!
After all the hate given to BATMAN V SUPERMAN, I struggle with
writing this review as I see similar points can be made as to the weakness
everyone complained about in BvS in CIVIL WAR.
For over-saturation of heroes, CIVIL WAR stands out far beyond BvS. You get two new superheroes, Spider-Man and
Black Panther, and a full compliment for both sides to fight. The film does not match the comics in events
and fallout, also not staying true to the characters. The humor was less and the scenes continued to jump back and
forth. Don’t get me wrong; I just felt
it necessary to point this out since everyone was on the ‘hate train’.
In the end, the movie is still a great watch. The first action scene alone could be the
best one in my opinion. Yes, even
better than the major showdown, when it comes to fight choreography. So go out and watch this one with a trained
eye… see what you may see.
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