Directors: The Russo Brothers
Starring: Christ Evans, Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson
‘A Captivating Comic-Book Sequel’
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved the appreciation of Chris Evans. Ever since his rise to stardom during the 1990’s, Evans has become an icon. Whether it’s beloved heroes, suspects of murders or political leaders, Evans has portrayed many strong characters. Evans’ finest strength as an actor has often been his likability. Evans is one of those rare actors that has always embodied the qualities of heroism. Through his capability to portray superheroes which are compelling, Evans has built a legacy in Hollywood which is lasting. Shining a bright light in darkness, Evans has transformed into one of the most iconic actors in entertainment. Evans’ abilities to embody strong qualities of heroism has made him a beloved icon that has achieved stardom. An actor with strong commitment towards his craft, Evans has transformed into a celebrated icon in entertainment. Throughout his long-lasting career, Evans has made countless commemorated films discussing thought-provoking themes which are definitely without any doubt worth seeing.
I’m a big fan of Evans and adore all the films he has made throughout his career. However, “Captain America: Civil War” is my favourite. Ever since its release in 2016, Chris Evans’ film has stood the test of time as a comic-book classic. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best comic-book movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a strong performance by Chris Evans, who embodies the heroism on Captain America. Ultimately, what makes “Captain America: Civil War” a great comic-book movie is its message. Unlike most films in the genre, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message about the fragile nature of friendships which are torn apart with differences which would resonate with everyone. A captivating comic-book masterpiece, there are several strong reasons why “Captain America: Civil War” is a commemorated movie worth seeing.
Following events of “Avengers: Age of Ultron”, “Captain America: Civil War” follows the hero embarking upon a journey of civil war. Chris Evans plays Steve Rogers/ Captain America, the hero upon a dangerous mission. Captain America has always got along well with his team of comrades. Sharing similar interests, he has always shared a powerful bond with the Avengers. However, Captain America’s strong bond with his team is tested by forces of fate causing disaster. Due to his conflicting views against Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America is forced to wage a civil war against his team. As his friendship with Stark becomes a tense rivalry, Captain America is forced to question his place in the world. As he discovers shocking secrets about Tony which he was never aware about, Captain America begins to question his role as a superhero that faces doubt.
The Russo Brothers are fascinated with the stories of superheroes. Before they directed “Captain America: Civil War”, the Brothers had showcased their aptitude for capturing lives of superheroes. Their previous movie “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” offered strong glimpses at the comic-book hero embarking on a journey to confront a villainous soldier. With “Civil War”, however, the brothers made their most emotional comic-book movie. It was the filmmakers’ first attempt to capture a hero engaging in rivalries against teams enduring adversities but he succeeded. Through bold visuals, the Russo Brothers capture a hero on journeys to discover his identity. Visually, the movie is a breathtaking feast for the eyes. The Russo Brothers have always had an aptitude for creating action using handheld cameras, and “Civil War” showcased their strengths as directors. The Russo Brothers successfully use handheld cameras to capture the tensions of a team torn apart by differences. For instance, handheld camerawork elevates the opening fight scene. During this unforgettable scene, the Avengers struggle to defend a building from destructive terrorists. One appreciates handheld camera capturing tension faced by teams enduring trauma. Handheld camera is a tricky technique to use in comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through stunning visuals, the Russo Brothers capture superheroes embarking on journeys that are terrifying.
Another strong aspect of “Captain America: Winter Solider” is the action sequences. The Russo Brothers have always had an aptitude staging breathtaking action in their movies, and “Captain America: Civil War” showcased their strengths. The Brothers effectively use cross-cutting to stage action sequences that involve superheroes which are breathtaking. For instance, this cross-cutting elevates the Winter Soldier chase scene. During this tense sequence, Captajn America chases Bucky in a tense car ride across the city. One appreciates cross-cutting capturing the tensions endured by superheroes facing consequences that are terrifying. Cross-cutting is a tricky technique to use in action movies. As Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” suggested, cross-cutting elevates science fiction movies capturing dreams. That being said, it works tremendously in this movie. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Henry Jackman’s music gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the burden superheroes bear. Through stunning production-design, the Russo Brothers capture superheroes that face a decline.
Storytelling is one of the primary reasons why “Captain America: Civil War” is a comic-book classic that is compelling. The film is extremely well-written, and effectively uses flashbacks to capture the tension faced by superheroes that discover shocking secrets. Amidst the thrilling action, the film finds compelling time for strong character development. The Russo Brothers effectively use flashbacks to capture tension faced by superheroes which don’t get along well together. For instance, the flashbacks enhance the secret discovery scene. During this unforgettable scene, Tony Stark discovers the shocking truth about Bucky’s role in killing his parents that Captain America was aware of. One admires flashbacks capturing intense hardships which superhero friends are facing. Flashbacks are tricky techniques to employ in comic-book movies. As Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begin suggested clearly, flashbacks are suited to films about the commemorated caped crusader. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through an extraordinary screenplay, the Russo Brothers capture the hardships of celebrated superheroes facing a painful price to pay.
One admires astonishing performances.
Chris Evans delivers one of his finest career performances as Captain America. Evans gained appreciation for playing the captain with courage in “Captain America: The First Avenger”. With “Captain America: Civil War”, however, he took on his most emotional role. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and fury of a superhero engaging in back-breaking civil war rivalries with world-famous teams causing catastrophe. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most commemorated actors working today.
Robert Downey Jr. is remarkable as a starkly rich millionaire facing a burden to bear. RDJ was born to play Iron Man ever since he was first cast in 2008’s “Iron Man”. With his charming personality, sarcastic sense of humour and charisma, Robert Downey Jr. has always excelled at playing Iron Man. With “Civil War”, however he showcased an emotional side to Tony Stark audiences hadn’t seen before. As Iron Man, RDJ employs his body language to create a hero that’s compelling. Whether he’s having a tense argument with Captain America or shocked to discover a secret about death of his parents, RDJ uses body language to create a hero that’s compelling. It’s a bold turn from one of the most commemorated actors working in the industry today.
The supporting cast is spectacular and worthy of appreciation. Scarlett Johansson is superb, capturing the tension faced by a heroine that is torn between two tense teams. Tom Holland is terrific, capturing the larger than life nature of a web-swinging superhero that’s excited to work with Avengers. Last, Chadwick Boseman merits appreciation. As T’Challa, he brings an air of emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Captain America: Civil War” will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing the lives of friends going to war. Unlike most comic book movies, it tackles universal themes which everyone would relate to. The film tackles bold themes including identity, friendship and regret which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the MCU to recognize it. Therefore, “Captain America: Civil War” is one of those rare comic-book movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Chris Evans will definitely enjoy “Captain America: Civil War” and so will movie-goers seeking enjoyable entertainment. A captivating comic-book classic, it celebrates a legendary actor that has built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly 10 years following the release of a groundbreaking comic-book film about captains facing challenges whose strong relationships with superhero teams face civil wars which are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor that has gained a huge fan following earning worldwide recognition for his abilities to portray heroic characters that are compelling whose marvellous movies are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 