Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
Starring Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, Chadwick Boseman, Robert Downey Jr.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: An incident leads to the Avengers developing a schism over how to deal with situations, which escalates into an open fight between allies Iron Man and Captain America. -IMDB
While I’ve experienced the Marvel Cinematic Universe in its entirety, the Captain America trilogy just might be the best out the bunch (although, Guardians of the Galaxy was so good that it got a Blu-Ray cop). Recently, I movie binged all three films, and while I haven’t decided which one I like the best (The First Avenger, while solid, is definitely the weakest), Civil War just did so many things right. Seeing Black Panther on screen had me so excited (for more than one reason…#HeyBoo!), and they finally got Spider-Man right. However, as far as the central debate of the film, I almost gave Cap the heave-ho.
Now, I will be honest: Actual comic books aren’t my forte (although I went and bought Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Black Panther run after seeing this film), but I fucks with Captain America. When it comes to Marvel vs. Capcom, Cap and Spidey are my two main go-tos. And, when I can stand being patriotic towards this country, Cap sort of reaffirms a system of belief. My knowledge and appreciation of the good Captain has come second hand, but I’m willing to read back.
So with all of that being said, at first, I agreed more with Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). But ultimately I was more upset at Captain America (Chris Evans) for putting his friend Bucky (Sebastian Stan) over his duty (shows how great of a friend I am). Typically, any other time, Cap was about the mission first. Matter of fact, when Scarlet Witch becomes riddled with guilt over her fatal mishap at the top of the film, Evans, in so many words, simply says, “It happens.” But, as soon as brainwashed, Hydra assassin Bucky becomes a prime suspect, Captain Ameria wants to catch him before the government does. Understandably, he no longer trusts the government after finding out Hydra had infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. in Winter Soldier, but he also had no problem letting the government experiment on him.
Be a government guinea pig, but question the government when it comes to your friends? And then put other people at risk through death or imprisonment? Cap’s hypocrisy was apparent during the entire movie.
And that’s what makes Civil War click.
Don’t get me wrong, Tony’s hypocrisy has been apparent all over the MCU — from Iron Man on up. But, at the end of the day, Tony Stark has always wanted to make Tony Stark feel better, not anyone else. Iron Man’s hypocrisy hasn’t been concealed by a strict moral code. In past films, audiences were allowed to see through Tony’s actions, even when Stark is saying the complete opposite. On the flipside, after all the moralizing Captain America has done over the last several films, his actions in Civil War felt a bit like a slap in the face.
Still — somehow — Cap’s ethics still lines up with his actions throughout Civil War. The movie really plays off the idea that neither one of these men are right, and neither one of them are wrong. The screenwriters don’t approach Civil War as a black and white issue. As a viewer, I understood and appreciate that perspective.
I forgive you, Cap. You can stay on the line up.
Captain America: Civil War is available now on Digital HD. It will be available on Blu-ray September 13, 2016.