In 2013, writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely began working on a script for a third Captain America movie. While tying in elements from the previous films, they also used concepts from the controversial Marvel series, Civil War. Originally written by Mark Millar, the series was about the Avengers having to release their identities to the public. One faction opposed this, while the other didn’t, resulting in the titular civil war, which ended very unsatisfactory. The series was meant to be commentary on the Bush administration and politics of the time, but divided Marvel fans. After being impressed by positive test screenings of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Marvel decided to rehire the Russo brothers. In addition to the returning characters, this one would also introduce some new ones, making it a huge entry. To start off Phase 3 of the MCU, Marvel released Captain America: Civil War.
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Despite having saved the world numerous times, the governments of the world want to put The Avengers back in check. The United Nations put together the Sokovia Accords, which states that The Avengers will be controlled by an international panel. While Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) is in support, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) sees it as their freedoms being taken. Things escalate further when a bomb goes off in Vienna during a meeting to discuss the accords. Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) is blamed, and several people, including Prince T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) are after him. Given their past, Rogers tries to figure out how to reverse Barnes’ brainwashing, while Stark gathers his forces against them. Meanwhile, a mysterious person named Zemo (Daniel Brühl) is secretly pulling the strings and having Bucky commit acts of terrorism. It all leads to a massive showdown between Iron Man’s faction and Captain America’s faction.
For this entry, the Russo brothers really had the deck stacked against them: making a sequel and incorporate several characters. In lesser hands, this would’ve felt like a jumbled mess, but with the Russo’s, it works incredibly well. As a sequel to Captain America: The Winter Soldier, it serves as a great continuation that ties everything together. As an ensemble film akin to The Avengers, the brothers are able to perfectly balance several different characters together. Honestly, this works as a way better sequel to The Avengers than Avengers: Age of Ultron. Like that film, this one introduces new characters and elements to the series, but here it’s done more naturally. Chadwick Boseman is a welcome addition as Black Panther, and Tom Holland shows potential as the new Spider-Man. While this film is more serious, there’s also plenty of humor that’s mixed in well.
Of course, the real highlight is the climax, where several Marvel superheroes are pitted against one another. Not only is it awesome to see so many heroes together at once, but the action is handled incredibly well. Unlike most action-filled climaxes where it just drags, the action here is fluid and always engaging, even adding character development. It also helps that we’ve gotten to know these characters so well that we actually care about what’s happening. Eventually, this leads to moments where friendships are truly tested, truths are revealed, and The Avengers are seemingly disbanded. I won’t divulge too much so as to avoid spoilers, but let’s just say that this is another game changer. There’s honestly so much to talk about, it’s hard to say more without this review going on too long. Overall, Captain America: Civil War is easily one of the best entries in the MCU.
