Books and movies have a different language. Usually, comics are lot closer to the linguistics of film. They’re both dialogue driven and rely on irreverence to get the job done. But with Captain America: Civil War, the plot is thicker than usual. The movie is nothing like the comic book. Definitely not in terms of story intricacies. It deviates from the details of the Marvel comic world but the big play is the same, team Captain America versus team Iron Man. Superheroes fighting superheroes. Kind of like gladiators in a colosseum. And like the legendary Roman entertainment bouts, there’s a strong undercurrent of politics here. And it’s all relevant enough to modern times for you to sit up and take notice. It’s that rare superhero movie that’s intelligent and complex. It may not be the best movie ever made, but it is a far cry from the usual cacophony of CGI-inspired stunts that make superhero movies nowadays.
When the Avengers initiative starts to get a little too intimidating for common men, governments across the globe decide to buffer the freedom of super-powered individuals. A 100-odd nations propose to put the Avengers under the control of a UN panel. It’s a thought that’s been prevalent for quite a while. The first X-Men movie (2003) was based on it, so was the recent Batman Vs Superman debacle. While still not overused, the idea does offer a decent political argument. Iron Man, reeling under his conscience decides to endorse the thought, while Captain America offers resistance. It’s all a subtle nod to current world politics and the paradigm of power in the world. The effect of all these complex themes is that we get a superhero film that’s about as intelligent as a Chris Nolan film. Having said that, some of writers Christopher Markus’ and Stephen McFeely’s subplots in Civil War are a little daft. Tony Stark’s entire character arc can at best be described as convenient considering the villain Zemo, played by Daniel Bruhl, has a lot more information on the happenings. Stark usually prides himself at being Mr Know-it-all. That’s not the case in Civil War though. So that sets the clash between Captain and Iron Man. And the dozen odd superheroes on display in the movie take sides to fight it out.
Directors Anthony and Joe Russo, who previously did Cap’s Winter Soldier movie continue their fine form with Civil War. Some of the direction on offer, especially the first action sequence with Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow and co. stampeding through a busy African market is stellar. Combined with IMAX 3D this particular action set shows you how technology can enhance the experience of watching a film. Even the consequent sequences, like the superhero royal rumble on the air strip and the concluding brawl between Captain, Iron Man and Bucky Barnes are all engaging and like a dream for action aficionados. There are no large explosions and disregard for human life and property, just intense combat and a steady sense of drama and conflict. If you can abstain from Sherlock Holmes tendencies to critique the script, Civil War has all the trappings to sway your experience and make you feel like you’ve watched the best superhero movie of your life.
Without handing out spoilers, the best thing about this film is the repartee between Tony Stark and Peter Parker. There’s a particular scene of bro-code between Captain, Falcon and Bucky that involves a kiss and a nod and it’s absolutely brilliant. Spider Man and Ant Man are a rage in the superheroes versus superheroes battle. The new big guy on the block, Black Panther (played by Chadwick Boseman) is a definite value-add to the Marvel movie universe. Civil War has a lot of momentum going for it. It’s a seriously impressive film with the right amount of irreverence. But if you are a stickler for logic and Civil War comics, you might feel a little underwhelmed.
Having said that, you’ll really need to have a butt plug to not like this film. Despite a lengthy runtime, Civil War draws you into a world where superheroes are essentially just individuals fighting for their rights. There’s no looming sense of evil and doom. Not archaic antagonists or bad guys. The good guys bring in enough grey shades. They’re just super powered people fighting for their ideologies. And it all proves the point that; great source material will always result in a great cinematic experience. Do not miss the veritable, action movie of the year.
SHOW COMMENTS