Vertigo

Vertigo
Vertigo

Thursday, May 05, 2016

Friendships Tested in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR


Captain America: Civil War, inspired by the Marvel comic book arc, spins it into a darker, complex, character study of bromance and loyalty.  It is the deepest, most thoughtful super hero film since The Dark Knight, the most entertaining since The Avengers, and is a worthy followup to the excellent The Winter Soldier.  There has never been a multi-starring super hero film so well balanced while showcasing every major cast member. (Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice should take notes on how to do this kind of mashup.)

Due to past battles by the Avengers that resulted in massive, human loss, there are international laws to control the super heroes which brings brothers in arms, Captain America and Iron Man (Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr are great), on opposite sides, each with legitimate, compelling viewpoints. To complicate things further, the Winter Soldier is apparently implicated in a series of devastating attacks that test loyalties and friendships. The well written screenplay, which shifts among many locations, culminates in a couple of outstanding battles amongst our heroes against one another including an all-out, multi-hero faceoff  at an airport (worth the price of admission), and a brutal, climactic beat down loaded with emotional angst. All the while a mysterious figure is orchestrating events as our heroic group is disassembled.

There are tantalizing introductions of The Black Panther and Spiderman who have substantial roles. Part of the fun is watching various matchups and combinations of the heroes displaying their super abilities; the fight choreography is outstanding. The film surprisingly works on an intimate level-it never forgets the thread of Cap and his best buddy, Bucky (the Winter Soldier). While the average viewer may simply finds this a well-orchestrated piece of fantasy entertainment, the film works best for Marvel fans in terms of continuity and canon;  It does function as Avengers 2.5, but at its heart, it is the grandest Captain America film to date.  Well directed by the Russo brothers. (There are also two significant post credit scenes and a Stan Lee cameo to savor.) 

**** of **** stars (for Marvel fans)
 

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