SPOILER-FREE IMPRESSIONS of: CIVIL WAR

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- Okay, yeah, these guys GET it. THIS is how to make a superhero movie that entertains, thrills, makes you laugh AND cry, carries weight, while simultaneously INSPIRES. I left the theater invigorated, smiling, SATISFIED. This was not a dreary, joyless movie, with lingering head-scratchers that are dependent on the clarification of the next film, or some solitary spin-off. And while this action-packed sequel appeared to be overloaded with guest-stars, the Russo Brothers deftly managed to spotlight each and every character sufficiently! Everyone got their moment to shine, and (for many, thanks in large part to previous installments) each is developed MARVELously, given proper and understandable motivations.

I love practically all the great superheroes, whether they belong to Marvel or DC. I love BOTH companies, and I want them BOTH to flourish (Why? Because their success is only a victory for the fans, the creators, and the studios/publishers.). Never in my wildest dreams as a kid could I have ever imagined the robust bonanza of my childhood heroes coming to life on the big and small screens. I don't believe in pledging loyal devotion to one over the other. That's just stupid. STUPID. However, the inevitable comparisons evoke discussion that may be valid, enlightening, and even enjoyable on certain levels. CIVIL WAR explores the same themes as BvS as far as a powerful superhero (or group of superheroes) who operates unchecked in the world, the actions thereof resulting in the rise of super-villains, as well as irreparable collateral damage to civilian society. Death. Repercussions. Mistakes. Penalties. In my opinion, first impression, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR is superior to BATMAN vs SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE............ by FAR.

With this film and the previous (CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER), the Russo Bros have set the new gold standard for this genre of movies based on fun factor, story and character quality, and the tremendous degree of difficulty. Some fans may carp about comic book canon, or a deviation from comic book costume designs. I couldn't care less about that sort of fan service when what is being presented is solid as a rock on its own.  It's a fair trade.  And these Marvel stories and characters are solid because of the solid foundation on which they stand, the brilliant franchise formula that built steadily from the ground up, EARNING a rich character history, and EARNING any forgiveness for whatever lapses to a very great degree. A good story trumps a slavish faithfulness to source material every time. In the end, cinema, being a separate medium from literature, must be responsible to itself, answerable to itself. It must entertain and inform on its own merits. It should not rely too heavily on the audience having read the book (or the comic book, as the case may be) in order for the story, as presented, to make sense, or for it to be accessible to the layman.

I do believe that, like BvS, this film occasionally staggers from a saturation of CG effects. It also suffers from too much in-close, rapid-cutting action sequences, which continue to frustrate, along with the frenetic camera moves. But these quibbles are more excusable due to the array of other things they get right. Not once did I sit through a scene thinking-- "Okay, why would the character do that? That was dumb!" BvS is full of that sort of eye-rolling stuff. Despite the small army of a cast, this movie keeps the characters behaving pretty much consistently. There are lighthearted moments to balance the gravitas, and slow and pensive sequences to allow us to breathe before plunging back into the action. Not once does this film lose or confuse you, and not once does it allow you to disengage. This was a very good ride. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

And, as always, your mileage may vary. Cheers! :)
© 2016 - 2024 Jerome-K-Moore
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A brilliant review, summing up my feelings about the two films perfectly!! :D