CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR (2016)

Genre: Action / Adventure
Running Length: 2:26
Cast: Chris Evans, Daniel Bruhl, Martin Freeman, William Hurt, Tom Holland, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Chadwick Boseman, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Emily VanCamp         

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Screenplay: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely

There are two major themes in  CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR that are conceptually interesting on paper but wasn't fleshed out effectively in execution.

Firstly, the concept of a government body stepping in to regulate the honest actions of superheroes in causing civilian casualties during their epic battles with supervillains. (Interestingly, this similar premise was explored in the recent brood-ish Batman v. Superman). Among all the superhero movies, the X-Men stories have done a much better job at exploring this theme.

So, I personally found this reason a little weak for team Captain to clash with team Iron Man ("Lionheart" CapAm is against the accords while "pro-capitalist/anti-war" Iron Man is for it). As a result, the climatic royal rumble between the two camps felt restrained. Despite a lot of flying action, pummelling and blowing things up, it played out more like a spectacle than an all-out war. You can kinda expect no superheroes will die during this battle.

That said, somewhere towards the end of the movie, an intimate fist fight between Captain, Iron Man and The Winter Soldier is more dramatic and powerful. Because it's personal, there is a possibility that someone will die. It felt more real.

As for the second misstep, the theme of "a house divided against itself" is the most interesting but the journey to get to that point seems overly convoluted.

Although it's jam packed with characters, the movie doesn't feel bloated. It's probably because we are familiar with the back story of 90% of these characters which were introduced throughout the years across different movies in the Marvel Productions Universe (MPU). Not counting the re-introduction of a younger Spider-Man (brilliantly played by Tom Holland), the only new character is Black Panther.

Overall, Civil War is entertaining but it’s not as gripping and tight as Captain America: Winter Soldier. Oh, one gripe. As adorable as Marisa Tomei is, but as the new Aunt May...really?

Rating: 7/10

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDEIR (2014)

Genre: Action/Adventure
Running Length: 2:17
Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER is one solid piece of entertainment. It easily surpasses the original in every department. I never really grew up with Marvel superhero comics but the comic book elements are all here; side-kicks, no important characters actually die because they will come back again, intertwining stories and characters within the Marvel universe etc. However, it doesn't feel childish at all because CA:TWS has a certain realism to the narrative (and it's a strong standalone movie as it doesn't feel obligated to lead to the next Avengers extravaganza). Two thirds of the movie is reminiscent of a Cold War-era espionage thriller; a suspicious government, double agents, spy games, corrupt bureaucrats and Robert Redford. This film also works because it takes the time to develop its characters and their relationships. As a result, I’m now more invested in the Captain’s world. Despite his extraordinary powers, he is a sympathetic character, stuck in the past while struggling to adapt to the present. He is indeed the moral compass of the Avengers. Chris Evans is no Robert Downey Jr but he is definitely more than a choir boy,  giving Cap's character depth and humanity. The final one third of the movie is the expected special effects-laden (yawn) big battle scene but what made it different is Cap's side-kick Falcon's thrilling aerial acrobatics. And The Winter Soldier is one striking killing machine. Another thing noteworthy is that the filmmakers isn't afraid to shake up the status quo as one wonders how the proceedings in this film will affect SHIELD the TV series.
(End credits watchers take note. There are two scenes; one occurs mid-way and another after the end credits have completed)

Rating: 7/10