Captain America:Civil War
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Stars: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson
Duration: 147 mins
Class: 12
KRS Releasing Ltd

When the two factions that make up Captain America’s civil war face each other down in the film’s key sequence, that twinge of anguish you feel at being forced to take sides is testament to the way the protagonists of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU) have steadfastly inveigled their way into audience’s hearts over the course of the franchise.

For the assembly of Avengers, for so long united to protect the world, begin to show humungous cracks within their alliance. They have reached a crossroads, as the public’s growing alarm and animosity towards them (as a result of the severe collateral damage they cause) compels the US government to set up a body that would oversee their actions. Some members of the team agree that this is the way forward; others less so, believing that government interference will only hamper their work.

The remarkable plotline similarities between this and Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice are glaringly obvious: not just in the public’s increasing mistrust towards the superheroes and the fight between the main protagonists, but also in the strong emphasis on family ties that permeates the storyline. Whereas, however, the former was hampered by lack of character depth and an overall oppressively dark and too serious tone, Civil War continues to bear the MCU standard of superior storytelling in terms of narrative, character development, excitement and humour.

At this juncture in the mythology, there is little need for character exposition, leaving time for the disagreement between Captain America and Iron Man, a.k.a Steve Rogers and Tony Stark (a.k.a Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr.) to fester. In a neat twist, it is Steve, the clean-cut World War II hero and stickler for rules, who objects to the idea of the Avengers being supervised; while the normally arrogant and cocky Tony, pricked so much by his conscience following the devastating events that concluded previous instalment Avengers: Age of Ultron that he is convinced it is way to go.

Underpinning this conflict and amping up the emotional resonance are the deeply personal issues that come to the fore for both. Steve comes to terms with a poignant and painful loss; while Tony is haunted by the death of his parents years ago (a scene depicted with some astonishing CGI that removes years from Downey Jr), an event about which he learns a painful truth. As both men grapple with memories of their respective pasts, their present also suffers.

Effortlessly juggles the demands of storyline, character arcs and action

Moreover, the decades-old friendship between Steve and the returning Winter Soldier a.k.a Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) colours the former’s judgement and fuels the fire that threatens to permanently destroy the ever-fraying bonds between him and Tony. This in turn force the hard choices faced by the rest of the gang as they are pushed into taking sides. It is also refreshing that the main villain (Daniel Brühl) is an ordinary Joe (well, as ordinary as anyone can be), whose motivation is less world domination than personal revenge.

The Avengers’ ranks have swelled considerably in this outing for, even though Thor and Hulk are absent, the story involves myriad major characters; veterans and newbies alike, a fascinating mix of personalities.

Screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely make a commendable effort in incorporating them all, however, time constraints mean some characters get more weight than others. Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye barely registers, while Don Cheadle’s War Machine and Anthony Mackie’s Falcon remain steadfast in their previously-established loyalties. Returning Ultron cast members Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch) and Paul Bettany (The Vision, a vision with his striking red visage and normal black sweater and grey trousers) forge a lovely, if tentative, friendship. Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther flexes his feline muscles effectively enough in anticipation of the character’s upcoming solo film outing.

Robert Downey Jr

It is wonderful to see Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man taking his place alongside the main congregation of superheroes, and in a brief but memorable turn gets to really kick Avenger butt; I was less enthused by the presence of Tom Holland’s slightly annoying Spiderman (I was firmly Team Andrew Garfield).

Director brothers Joe and Anthony Russo, who also jointly helmed Captain America’s previous outing, The Winter Soldier, effortlessly juggle the demands of storyline, character arcs and action of a gargantuan franchise such as this. Although, if I am allowed a small quibble, I confess I felt that the high proportion of action came really close to overwhelming the story. And, while admittedly it is never short on spectacle – not least in the gargantuan showdown between the two factions – some battle fatigue did set in.

That said, Captain America: Civil War is undoubtedly another feather in Marvel’s considerable super-heroic cap, as yet again, as the final credits roll, you just long for the next instalment.

No mean feat for a franchise that has rolled out 13 exceptional films in eight years.