Marvel Reaches New Heights With ‘Captain America: Civil War’

Dyan James

The buzz that “Captain America: Civil War” is already generating suggests that this 12th “Avengers” installment is destined to be another legendary event in the Marvel annals. Dubbed “shrewdly entertaining” and “decisively superior,” the film is said to pack a powerful punch and sure to have Marvel aficionados fanboying (and girling) everywhere.

This time around, Earth’s population is annoyed at and complaining about the damage caused by the superheroes when valiantly trying to save the planet. The United Nations, therefore, makes the decision that all of the superheroes must no longer operate without the UN’s close supervision or else face dire consequences. Most agree to the deal: Robert Downey Jr.‘s Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, and Don Cheadle’s War Machine all concede to the deal; But others, like Captain America and Falcon, played by Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie respectively, are not willing to act the part of minion. Naturally, this sets the tone for inevitable conflict with the superheroes at odds about ways to safeguard the world.

Directed by brothers Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”), this most current chapter of the “Captain America” franchise is often compared to the recently released “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” but by all accounts, the latter pales in comparison to the former. “Batman vs. Superman” is widely viewed as predictable, dark and gloomy, while “Captain America’s” storyline is said to have a more interesting, action-packed story with characters who look to be having a blast even among political strife. This is thanks in part to writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely who succeeded in inserting plenty of sarcasm and banter even during the most violent sequences.

Praise is generously doled out to Marvel newcomer Tom Holland who plays Spider-Man; Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier; and Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther while Paul Rudd makes a surprise return as Ant-Man (proof of the comedic content).

Perhaps the most engaging and stimulating Marvel movie since “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Captain America: Civil War” delivers more than expected. Described by its creators as “the first film in phase three of the Marvel cinematic universe,” fans are likely safe in looking forward to another sequel.

“Captain America: Civil War” opens nationwide May 6.