Picture the year 2007. The Superhero movie world is in shambles. the last films have been Superman Returns, X-Men: The Last Stand, Fantastic Four:Rise of the Silver Surfer. Spider-Man 3, and Ghost Rider. The MCU didn't exist yet, nor did we know it was coming. Marvel Comics rolls out one of its biggest events in years- Civil War!! Teenage me dreams of seeing this on the big screen one day, though I'm resigned to thinking that if it was even possible to have multiple superhero franchises join in one movie, it would probably suck, because Superhero movies suck (see list above). Then Favreau gave us Iron Man and it was GREAT. The shared universe was born, and the outlook on Comic-book films quickly transitioned into what it is today. Fast forward to 2016, ten years after I dreamed of seeing Marvel's Civil War on the silver screen, and boy did I see it.
The hardest part of making this movie, I thought, would giving the plethora of characters their due, while keeping to the Title- CAPTAIN AMERICA. In the months leading up to its release, people began referring to it as "Avengers 2.5". I can say conclusively that this is a Cap film trough and through. the story points flow through Cap and he is truly the connective tissue. The presence of Iron Man and Co. only serves to further the concept of a shared universe, and truly sheds light on the so-called rules of engagement in the separate franchises.
The introduction of Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa AKA Black Panther not only fits in smoothly with the story, but enhances the plot, serving as the key to blurring the lines between Cap and Tony. Beyond his superb acting, Boseman gives everything to the roll, leaving us with an introduction i don't think can be matched by any other in this universe.
The inclusion of Spider-Man in this was one of the most hyped and talked about. While I felt that the reason for bringing him in, story wise, was quite weak, it was still handled with that same excellence Marvel always brings to the table. the winks and nods to the audience (Marisa Tomei as a young Aunt May), and the overall care given to the character shines through and through. The devotion to the character's comic persona and Tom Holland's portrayal is promising to say the least. 2017's Spider-Man:Homecoming will see this come to fruition.
The entire cast does excellent work and continues to show that Marvel's casting is spot on. Paul Rudd continues to defy expectations as Ant-Man and Martin Freeman gives an excellent preview of what could be with Everett Ross. What RDJ and Chris Evans have done with Tony Stark and Steve Rodgers is truly remarkable. Both characters' personas barely resemble their original portrayal, yet are as true to themselves as can be. The evolution of not just their relationship with each other, but their views on the world shows what an incredible job they have done.
Score another ace for the Russos, Marvel, Disney and comic fans all over. Captain America:Civil War is exactly the kind comic-come-to-life I always imagined.
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