Captain America: Civil War movie review: what Avengers 2 should have been

The previous Captain America movie, The Winter Solider, was a stellar entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo not only created a genuine superhero movie, and a spy thriller as well. Would they be able to capture this lightning in a bottle once more? Yes, yes they would.

Titled Captain America: Civil War, the movie is loosely based off of the comic by the same. Taking place after the events of Avengers 2: Age of Ultron (AoU), and Ant-Man, the world has been this taking note of the ragtag team and their ‘lawless’ actions. They’re seen as a threat to those they protect; an army without governance. These views are only compounded by the destruction left behind after the events of The Avengers, The Winter Soldier, and AoU.

After their latest mission goes awry by accidentally killing many civilians, the team is approached by General (Thunderbolt) Ross, representing the United Nations, to incorporate the Avengers under official control. This, of course, doesn’t sit well with everyone and the group starts to splinter.

Captain America sees it as an invasion of the heroes’ rights, while Iron Man thinks it better to regulate the group and hold accountability for their actions. And everyone else? Well, they’re taking sides.

The story continues on with twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat, while the film’s pacing starts off slow and ramps up magnificently during the last third. This really is the movie AoU should have been.

Truth be told, the movie should have been called Avengers 2.5, because that’s essentially what it is. It takes the team from the end of AoU and throws them into battle, along with bringing new allies into the fray. Everyone gets enough screen time and it doesn’t feel as though anyone is left out in the cold.

This time, Black Widow is actually treated with respect and really hold her own against stronger opponents. She’s given a much stronger role in this film, which is the way she should be. Everyone and everything just better in Civil War.

One of the biggest aspects about any superhero movie is the fighting, which, like almost everything else, is handled incredibly well. The ultimate showdown between all of the heroes is incredibly easy to follow and interesting way that will leave you wanting more. Saying the cinema was in stitches would be an understatement.

There are a few questionable lines and scenes that will have you asking how a character got to destination A from B, but it’s all overlooked in the grander scheme of things.

The special effects are mostly top-notch, but some character suits, such as Spider-Man’s, could have done with more post production touch ups to make them look less CGI. But, hey, there’s a lot of explosions and death-defying acts, CGI or otherwise.

Movie information:

Release Date: 27 April 2016 (South Africa)
Cast: Chris Evans; Robert Downey, Jr.; Scarlett Johansson
Studio: Marvel Studios
Director: Anthony Russo; Joe Russo
Genre: Action
Age restriction: 10-12 PGV
Running time: 2 hours 27 minutes

Verdict: Captain America: Civil War is a superb addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and easy one of its best entries. In fact, it’s one of the best superhero films ever created. I could gush for pages and pages about how fantastic and wonderful the movie is; about how it’s one of the best Marvel films, but the best thing I can say is go and watch it for yourself.

Score: 9/10