Phase 1 introduced the world to Earth’s mightiest heroes, in Phase 2 we watched the world of superheroes grow and a sinister plot begin to unfold. Finally in Phase 3 the stakes are only going to get higher and the ultimate climax is fast approaching (giggity). It’s time to begin Phase 3 with the biggest film to date! It’s time for Avengers: Civil War… I mean… Captain America: Civil War. They’re basically the same thing.
Plot
After Ultron nearly ended humanity by turning Sokovia into a meteor, people are fed up with the Avengers. Believing the Avengers are the cause of most of the world’s life ending events, (let’s face it they kind of are) governments around the world created a bill called “The Sokovia Accords.” The Sokovia Accords would require all superheroes to be to be maintained by the government; meaning the Avengers could only fight the bad guys when the government deemed it necessary. Iron Man, riddled with guilt from the death and destruction he’s caused agrees to sign the Accords. Captain America, however, feels like the Avengers should remain free and accept responsibility for their actions. He feels as if the Accords only moves the blame. With these two butting heads, the rest of the Avengers are forced to choose sides. Things get even trickier for Cap when his best friend Bucky aka Winter Soldier resurfaces and kills the leader of Wakanda (the leader exporter of Vibranium to the world). By protecting his friend and refusing to sign the Accords, Captain America involuntarily begins a civil war amongst the Avengers.
Villain
The villain section of this movie is a little tricky because it’s all about which side of the Civil War you agree with. That being said there’s one person that’s the villain no matter what way you see it and that’s Helmut Zemo. Zemo lost his family in Sokovia during Ultron’s battle with the Avengers. Ever since, Zemo has been obsessed with destroying the Avengers and he is the one villain in the MCU to this point that actually succeeds with his master plan. At the end of the film the Avengers are disbanded and still not on speaking terms. He does all of this without throwing a single punch making him a refreshing villain in the MCU. He DID create a terrible meme though with “Mission Report December 16th, 1991,” but besides that Zemo is a pretty great villain.
If you’re #TeamCap, then another villain in Civil War is Iron Man. Iron Man thinks the Avengers need to be brought under the government’s surveillance. He has Captain America arrested, tries to kill Bucky, and locks up half the Avengers at the end of the film. Sure he lets them go and gives them a running start, but it can be argued that if Tony didn’t sign the Accords then maybe the other Avengers wouldn’t have either.
Now if you’re a monster and are #TeamIronMan then the other villain for you is Captain America. Captain America defends his friend Bucky who kills the leader of Wakanda and murders Tony Stark’s parents. Yes, he was under mind control but he definitely deserves some type of punishment for his actions right? Both Iron Man and Cap have blame for all the bad to come out of Civil War along with the Avengers splitting, so deciding who the bad guy is is based solely on opinion.
Best Scene
The battle at the Airport. What else could it be? Before this, I think it can be argued that the Battle of New York was the best action sequence in the MCU, but this fight takes the cake. In fact, I think this battle is the best scene in the entire MCU. Not only is it Spider-Man’s big debut, but it has several memorable moments! Ant-Man finally uses his “Giant Man” technology, Black Panther actually scars Cap’s SHIELD, War Machine nearly dies, and every other hero in the MCU (minus Thor and Hulk) clash! There’s even a great Star Wars reference! It’s a battle that’s only possible because of years of universe building and will undoubtedly be considered one of the best superhero film scenes of all time.
Stan Lee Cameo
At the end of the film after Tony lets Cap and the other rogue Avengers free, he and War Machine (Now slowly recovering feeling in his legs) are talking about whether or not signing the Accords was the right call. They agree that it was “the right thing to do” despite what happened to their friends. While they talk there is a knock on the door and it’s Stan Lee working as a FedEx employee with a package for a “Tony Stank.” It’s hilarious.
Post Credits Scene
Cap and Bucky are in a research lab in Wakanda. Bucky says he thinks it’s best he stays in cryogenic sleep until the scientists in Wakanda can help fix him. Cap then thanks Black Panther for keeping Bucky safe and warns him that if the government finds out that Bucky is in Wakanda then they’ll come after him. Black Panther simply laughs and says “Let them try.” The shot then zooms out to reveal they’re in the “true Wakanda” which is a hidden technical marvel.
The second scene shows Peter Parker coming back from his trip to Berlin where he fought the Avengers. While looking at a watch from Tony Stark, he finds out that it contains tons of tech to make Spider-Man a more credible hero than ever! Clearly we haven’t seen the last of Peter Parker!
Final Thoughts
The people that directed Civil War also directed its predecessor Winter Soldier. Anthony and Joe Russo have made two of the best superhero movies of all time. Civil War is another knockout featuring incredible action, a story with some genuine meaning and significance behind it, and plenty of fun surprises to please the most diehard Marvel fan. The Civil War story in the comics is considered one of the best superhero stories ever and although the film version is drastically different, I think it’s a more than worthy adaptation. With the Russo brothers being on a winning streak making films, it makes me so excited to know they’re making Infinity War. You just KNOW it’s going to be incredible with these two behind the camera.
Thanos Meme of the Week
The Magical World of Dids 