It’s finally here. “Captain America: Civil War” hit the big screen May 6, 2016, and it did not disappoint. There has been hype leading up to this movie for months, arguably even years. But like any movie has its ups and downs -- but don't get me wrong, there's plenty to enjoy.
WARNING: Potential spoilers ahead. Read with caution if you haven’t seen this movie.
Let’s go ahead and start with the bad stuff, because nothing is perfect, right?
First, this movie in no way follows the comic book story. In the actual comic book, Tony and Steve are fighting over the Superhuman Registration Act, which basically does what it sounds like and forces all superhumans to register under their human identities and carry cards with them at all times. The potential danger here is immense, considering the reason heroes have secret identities in the first place is for the safety of themselves, their loved ones, and the people they serve and protect. The movie changes the premise. In the adaptation, the fight begins over the “Sarkovia Accords,” an agreement between the avengers and the U.N. that states that the Avengers will never operate without sanctioned government approval. This officially classifies the Avengers as types of weapons to be used, rather than as people with their own convictions and priorities. Even Tony refers to Bucky as a weapon at one point.
Second, Tony and Steve get dangerously close to a pissing contest that rivals Batman and Superman’s. Each of them believes that they are making the right choice in terms of the accords, and they’re also both way too stubborn to see it from the others side. This wouldn’t be such a big deal if they weren’t dragging other sides into it. They put the lives and identities of multiple innocent people at risk. All of Cap’s team winds up imprisoned, with the exception of himself and Bucky. Tony not only turns on Natasha, who has friends on both sides, but also somehow tracks down a teenager from a YouTube video and uses his fame to drag him into a fight that has nothing to do with him. Imagine if Aunt May found out!
Speaking of Aunt May, let’s talk about my final issue with this movie. Why was she only, like, 35? She’s supposed to be at least 65. I know this is a minor thing, but it genuinely feels like the only reason the made her so young was to create some sex appeal for Stark, and that’s just offensive to Pepper.
Despite these few flaws, the movie was great. It didn’t follow the comic books, but it was jam-packed with action and created a story line that was entertaining and easy to follow. Captain America’s unfailing love for his best friend, Bucky, is incredibly touching and speaks to the audience on a very personal level. We have been watching that bond for years. The bond between Rogers and Stark is equally touching. It is clear that they don’t truly want to fight one another. They want to talk it out and make the other see their side. It is only when this is not possible that they actually fight. And what a fight scene it is! Honestly, the previews really made it look like a clichéd mess, but they definitely delivered. They were able to include screen time for both sides, teamwork and lots of laughs.
Something else that really made the audience believe in Stark’s love and respect for Rogers is the way he risked his safety and rushed to his side as soon as he realized he was wrong. This is where the fight between Iron Man and Captain America really takes place, and the entire time, Iron Man is trying to avenge the death of his parents. After finding out the truth about Bucky killing his mom and dad, Tony seems to go into a blind rage, targeting Bucky. The Captain stands by his friend, but when given a clear opportunity, he does not kill Stark. He only abandons him.
So, a fugitive on the run, Steve sends Tony a goodbye for now letter, telling him that he will always have a friend, and stops at the sea prison to save the rest of the locked up heroes, who are all fugitives now as well. This wide open ending leaves the audience ready for the next installment in the Marvel Universe in the best way possible.
























