NICOLAS GARCIA

Captain America Civil War is an absolutely riveting and captivating film, especially for being marketed as a superhero showdown. The marketing doesn’t at all match the deep, sophisticated character drama and complex thematic ideas and philosophical questions of if we even should have superheroes. Steve Rogers goes through his most compelling character journey in this film as he is deconstructed. He is portrayed more as a man rather than a symbol of purity. Being the prime example of what a superhero is, the film organically displays its cynicism when the ideal superhero is shown to not be so perfect with his judgement, impulsive actions, and even deception all for very human and relatable reasons. Steve is an extremely sympathetic protagonist whose flaws are highlighted most here than in any other Marvel movie. Steve is a man who has lost almost all the factors in his life that gave him personal continuity and solidified his identity. The only thing from his lost world that’s left is in danger and Steve will stop at nothing to assure that one thing left is protected (Bucky). This will be the fundamental factor in Steve’s more morally questionable actions. The existentialism in this is amazing and it asks hard questions about who should have power and if the people we look up to are above any kind of scrutiny. The underlying thematic conflict of Steve Rogers vs Society is brought to life. By the end he loses a sense of continuity both by his own mistakes and also by finally being disenchanted with a world that no longer holds his values with some friends of his that doesn’t either. Steve makes a very personal decision by the end which conveys that even though he is a good man, he’s not the symbol of ultimate good that he is perceived to be. I find it visually metaphorical that we often see Steve in his Captain America costume doing things rather than thinking before jumping into action. He’s become hard wired and hard boiled to be heroic which the film does criticize him of mostly through Ironman although Ironman isn’t making the right decisions either. Tony Stark is perhaps (depending on your own ideology) more of a problem than Steve however like Steve, Tony’s motivations are perfectly human and sympathetic. There’s so much more to this movie but I would turn this into a film specifically story essay. My favorite Marvel film ever made still to this day.

The Avengers is a movie that shines in its unique tone which balances the fun action and witty lines with its more serious and compelling thematic ideas and character journeys. All the characters are incredible, however the standout is definitely Chris Evan’s Steve Rogers. A man just coming into this new world where everything he values is challenged with both Loki and Shields hawk like tactics. Watching him finding his place on the team and his relationship with the awesome Robert Downey Jr. Ironman emphasizes his worldview. Every scene immerses you in one way or another. The acting is absolutely superb and is half the reason why the interactions between our heroes is so captivating and entertaining along with the clever and intelligent writing. The action is stunningly beautiful even for being almost 10 years old. The visuals still hold up greatly. As this film came out I was just immersing myself in Avengers storylines from the comics and the Earths Mightiest Heroes show. This film came at the right time for me. Overall Amazing film and great time.