Captain America: Civil War (2016)
By Russo Brothers.
Based on the comic book of the same name. But only borrows the theme, not the actual story. Civil War is my first superhero comic book series, because I was never into that nerd bandwagon until that point. It was plainly over the top, like current DC movies.
How about the story?
Disregard the comic book.
It is about Captain America doing what he think is right, against Iron Man's industrial reasoning. Because this is Marvel you know who is right. The essence of the story is thin, but the plot is thick, probably that's what makes this movie brilliant.
Like most Marvel movies, this one also tries to avoid critics by trying its best not to take itself too seriously and tried so bloody hard to relate with us, without crossing that "make-believe" borderline campiness (e.g. Transformers and Batman vs. Superman). You don't meet philosophising US government officials nor overly dramatic and idealistic superheroes. Steve Rogers and Tony Stark tried their best to argue with the commonest sense and avoiding hollier-than-thou platitude.
The dualism is plotted too quick, we don't get clear reasoning why some superhero choose Steve why some choose Tony. They don't exchange their values too much to bore you, but we were shown that they were agreeable buddies. Again being down-to-earth avoids being philosopher-wannabe, thereby avoiding scrutiny by smarter people and critics alike. Was it dumb then? Well, it doesn't insult our senses, therefore it is alright. If you like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, this has the same vibe in it.
How about the action?
Avengers (2012) - level. Joss Wheddon might be topped by the Russo brothers this time. Captain America: Civil War introduced exciting new superheroes: Black Panther and Spider-Man. I thought non-titular superhero introduction can't be as breath-taking as Wonder Woman's entry when she enters the Doomsday fight scene in BvS. But Black Panter almost had it. I like it, but Spider-Man is unnecessary sub-plot, and without him, the movie will be less dumber, although less funnier as well. You got plentiful of beautifully choreographed action sequences that doesn't care about continuity, yet still extremely cool.
A gang of wise-cracking superheroes
Ant-Man, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the suddenly clever-mouthed Hawkeye. The quartet is very mouthy throughout the epic fight shown in the trailer.
A trip to campiness
Back in 1960s, African nations started gaining independence, and since there are no internet and Atlas takes several years to be corrected and re-printed, American comic artists couldn't care any less about naming a proper African country: Wakanda. If it were done today, it would be as offensive as naming a reclusive fictional Asian country "Ching Chong Ping Wang." or Caribbean nation "Republic of Ooga-boogie." Seriously, if they weren't careful with their real world references (e.g. US senate, Romeo-Juliet law), I would unleash fury upon such past ignorance.
A potential great story thrown away for the sake of another great plot
Civil War comics talk a lot about politics and values like BvS supposed to be. However, the movie storyline is altered so greatly that it is now about some kind of colossal intricate revenge scheme. The basis of the conflict is the same, the opposing side leader is the same, the team rosters are different, a bit disappointing, but I like it.
8.5/10 Probably one of the best superhero movies, on par with The Dark Knight and Avengers.
