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[guek]

I'm just glad we finally got something that has some emotional fucking weight to it, as opposed to the endless chaos we've gotten for...how many films now?

Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like your opinion, man

There's been plenty of emotional weight in the MCU

 

[Discotheque]

4.5/5

god damn. this is an impression I was looking forward to along with Sculli's since I really agree with your view on the genre (i.e. appreciation of singer xmen movies, spidey 2, nolan bats and acknowledging shortcomings of many of the mcu films etc.)

really happy to hear about the third act being scaled down. phew, i think i just might love this movie, there's too many elements in its favor now for me not to. and rdj's best turn in the mcu....yesssss. fuck man, one more week.

 

[AquaWateria]

Alright folks, just got back from seeing it, so here's my COMPLETELY SPOILER FREE review:

For context, my expectations of the comic book (or superhero, if you will) genre have become somewhat high over the last ten years or so. I'd say it was films like X2, Spider-man 2, and Batman Begins that really set a standard for the elements I'm most interested in seeing. For me, a core emotional element that ties my investment to the character and speaks to the human condition is crucial; that's what I most identify with. There aren't a lot of films in the genre that have done that and, for me, there haven't been any films in the MCU that have managed to achieve that.

The problem I seem to be having which is inherent in the MCU is the fact that the filmmakers seem to be more preoccupied with making the films and their stories fit together and interlock in such a way that creates a more broad and sweeping set of themes and subtexts, rather than honing in on a central, emotional idea. In the end, I just don't care for these characters as much as I do, say, Bruce Wayne's journey to discover who he will become in Batman Begins, or Peter Parker's struggle with accepting the responsibility that comes with his power and making personal sacrifices as a result in Spider-man 2. X-Men First Class and Days of Future Past, especially, created strong, core themes with scenes of raw emotional intensity, such as Magneto's tapping into a serene memory of his mother in order to realize the full potential of his power have had a far more memorable and lasting impact on me than anything I've seen in the MCU.

Enter Captain America: Civil War, which is by far the closest this universe has come to creating a "personal" and truly emotionally invested narrative which stays the course to the very end. Where The Winter Soldier failed to capitalize on Cap's emotional investment in the stakes by the time the third act comes to a close, Civil War succeeds on every conceivable level that a Marvel movie could, without feeling overly contrived and gimmicky. This is the first great film in the MCU.

There's a deft and confident direction here that's only been seen in one other Marvel movie, Guardians of the Galaxy. The film plays host to a number of interweaving threads and themes, but at the very center is the notion of escalation and "causality", as The Vision puts it. This movie gleefully spits in the face of the recent WB Superman efforts, taking time out to offer up a deep examination of the consequences of all of the relentless, mind-numbing, large-scale action set-pieces of the previous films (which I've come to despise). FINALLY a movie in the MCU comes along to acknowledge "Yeah, we constantly blow shit up while we fight the villain of the week...maybe there's some unseen consequences to that which we should probably consider." The Russo's exercise a steady and restrained (by MCU standards) hand in layering in the stakes and ideals that each of the characters face; some more than others. Surprisingly enough, the focus never feels like it strays too far from Steve Rogers himself; make no mistake, this still manages to feel like a Captain America film.

This is all paid off in spades with a final act that runs endless victory laps around the finale of every other Marvel film; it's tight, intimate, focused, and done on the smallest scale possible. There's a strong emphasis on solid action choreography that is well shot and paced. The Russo's step up their game in the hand-to-hand combat department, which is handled exceptionally well with credit owed to 2nd Unit and John Wick directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch. These films need more practical, street-level fight sequences, and Civil War finally delivers the goods. The exhausting, world-ending, CG filled climaxes of past films are finally shelved in favor of an action scene that sees the stakes raised by emotions, and not just plot. The climax ends with poignancy rather than massive explosions and towering structures which come crashing down.

Unfortunately there are a few missteps which hold it back a bit, for me, though that might be a result of my own confusion. I was sure the film had retconned something in the MCU which was apparently known to Captain America, but it felt like a mild contrivance for the sake of getting emotions to run high at the end. I don't ever remember this being mentioned before in any Marvel film, so correct me if I've just managed to forget. This is easily forgiven because the climax is so damn satisfying; easily the best scenes in the film come at the end (which is how it SHOULD BE, but rarely ever is with the MCU). There's also a few moments where certain plot elements get muddled because the villain has set several events into motion, and yet his motivations are kept secret for the majority of the film. It's sometimes difficult to understand why certain things are being done, outside of the central conflict regarding the U.N. accord.

Civil War is also shot and edited to perfection; it's some of the best editing and camerawork I've seen in a Marvel film (though none are really known for their cinematography). Everything is visually coherent and exciting, though certain visual effects are a bit obvious and feel like they could have benefitted from another coat of polish.

All told, Civil War is by far the best film Marvel has produced, by a very wide margin. Where The Winter Soldier failed to deliver a satisfying conclusion to what was an otherwise solid film, Civil War succeeds in just about every regard. Everyone brings their A game here, with RDJ turning in his best performance to date as Stark and Chris Evans continuing to prove he is the absolute definitive choice for Captain America. Also lending bright spots to the proceedings are Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther (a really outstanding performance and character) and Tom Holland as Spider-man.

This is still very much a Marvel film (Identifying an MCU movie: Yep, it's an MCU movie), but if Marvel Studios and the Russo brothers continue along this path (hint, they won't), we could finally see a true masterpiece from the franchise. For now, this as close as we're likely to get.

4.5/5

I was really curious to see your review since I agree with some of your opinions especially X-Men movies.

If you loved this movie that much yeah I definitely will enjoy this movie a looooooot. Everything is all good.

 

[m4st4]

Knowing that people are watching this AND playing Uncharted 4 way before I can is making me a real grump.

This, so much. Ugh. I hate you all.

 

[SolidChamp]

Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like your opinion, man

There's been plenty of emotional weight in the MCU

If there is, I certainly haven't felt it until now.

Everything up until this point has been, at it's best, a very entertaining time at the movies and, at worst, a middling distraction (and in Thor The Dark World's case, a really awful distraction). It's all pure popcorn spectacle and outside of a few Tony Stark and Steve Rogers developments, there's been no real emotional payoff to these characters outside of "I've saved the world, now I once again find myself at odds with my teammates and my own ideals."

Again, the themes and emotions have been far too broad for me to connect with on any real level beyond "oh hey, this character is cool and someone I should root for" and "oh hey, this villain wants to destroy everything and is someone I should not root for."

Finally, FINALLY we get an MCU film that doesn't follow that formula, with a villain I can finally give more than half a shit about, and a climax that finally gets me to care about WHY these people are fighting and what they are fighting for.

It's the lightsaber duel theory put forth by RLM; the emotional stakes are what matters in the fight, not the fight itself. Not once have I ever felt like an MCU film has gotten that right...until now.

 

[guek]

If there is, I certainly haven't felt it until now.

Yeah, that's fine. Unfortunate, but valid. I'm just presenting the other not uncommon response.

 

[SliChillax]

The exhausting, world-ending, CG filled climaxes of past films are finally shelved in favor of an action scene that sees the stakes raised by emotions, and not just plot. The climax ends with poignancy rather than massive explosions and towering structures which come crashing down.

Ok this was my main concern. Now I'm more hyped than ever!

 

[shira]

4.5/5

Did you need a recent rewatch of all the MCU movies or does the movie stand alone?

 

[SolidChamp]

Yeah, that's fine. Unfortunate, but valid. I'm just presenting the other not uncommon response.

That's cool dude. I'm just glad I've managed to enjoy an MCU film that is closer to something like DoFP (in terms of my investment in it) where I feel like there's something personal at stake for the characters, than The Avengers.

Actually, I'm not giving credit where it's due, and it's maybe because it's been so long since I've seen it but, I remember Captain America The First Avenger being a movie I really enjoyed on that similar wavelength. IM3 came close but never really gets there because of some strange directorial flourishes that Shane Black was preoccupied with (still really enjoy the film) and I feel like we lose the chance to explore more of Tony's narcissistic, malfunctioning personality by the end of it (and again, splosion fest).

So there's some more context for you, in terms of what I enjoy and what I hope for from my comic book movies.

Did you need a recent rewatch of all the MCU movies or does the movie stand alone?

It actually feels like more of a direct sequel to The Winter Soldier than anything else. It does a great job of standing on it's own.

 

[Sesuadra]

worst part, quipping is best.

. I loved the quipping

 

[Houndi101]

is quip the sound Spidermans webshooters make?

Spoiler

I know it's twhip

 

[scarlet]

In 30 minutes!

 

[SolidChamp]

Also the best thing about this movie? It serves as a direct response to Snyder's MoS/BvS bullshit. Lol

The questions it's raising about the affect The Avengers have had on innocent lives is so well handled. So A+ for that.

 

[Replicant]

I don't require emotional attachment to enjoy a superhero film and make it top of the line for me. But for me, Winter Soldier (especially the third act) and Guardians of the Galaxy resonated with me emotionally.

One thing you need to realise though, these emotional resonances are different fro person to person. I don't feel it in TFA but I felt it in WS because it's theme of losing friendship resonated a lot with me. GOTG again resonated with me due to its theme of friendship and its literal manifestation into power.

 

[thetrin]

It's all Thanos and "end of everything unless the Avengers save us" from here. Which is a shame.

I fail to see the problem. Hickman proved with Incursions that you can weave universe ending apocalypse and personal struggle together into and incredible narrative.

 

[Discotheque]

GOTG again resonated with me due to its theme of friendship and its literal manifestation into power.

there's also a cartoon with some cute fuzzy bears if you're into that stuff.

 

[thetrin]

there's also a cartoon with some cute fuzzy bears if you're into that stuff.

Don't hate on Care Bears.

 

[Magwik]

I don't require emotional attachment to enjoy a superhero film and make it top of the line for me. But for me, Winter Soldier (especially the third act) and Guardians of the Galaxy resonated with me emotionally.

One thing you need to realise though, these emotional resonances are different fro person to person. I don't feel it in TFA but I felt it in WS because it's theme of losing friendship resonated a lot with me. GOTG again resonated with me due to its theme of friendship and its literal manifestation into power.

That was easily the worst part of Guardians tho

 

[guek]

I don't require emotional attachment to enjoy a superhero film and make it top of the line for me. But for me, Winter Soldier (especially the third act) and Guardians of the Galaxy resonated with me emotionally.

One thing you need to realise though, these emotional resonances are different fro person to person. I don't feel it in TFA but I felt it in WS because it's theme of losing friendship resonated a lot with me. GOTG again resonated with me due to its theme of friendship and its literal manifestation into power.

WS was pretty heavy on the gut punches. Whenever I think of Bucky and Steve as friends, I think of the flashback scene after Steve's mom's funeral. It's stuff like that that makes me believe Steve would stand up to the government in order to protect his friend.

That was easily the worst part of Guardians tho

hush, you!

 

[Triggerhappytel]

50 hours to go...

 

[hirokazu]

Oh man, that was a great movie. I'd like to see it again. I was kinda getting over the MCU with the last few movies that this has gotten me on board and excited about it again.

Also, oh yeah I'm totally on-board with Spider-man Homecoming now, awful logo and all.

Did you need a recent rewatch of all the MCU movies or does the movie stand alone?

A rewatch isn't necessary I don't think but the most important film leading into this is Winter Soldier. I'd say Ultron is also required for people who've never saw that, since this film follows immediately after.

 

[Cpt.Underpants]

Some panel, I'm trying not to dig too deep for fear of spoilers.

The chemistry is amazing between these people. Probably the biggest component of why the MCU has been such a huge success. 2nd being talent.....

Anyone got a video source?

 

[Replicant]

That was easily the worst part of Guardians tho

To you.

I realize that to people with different life experience the scene can come off cheesy. But mine was such that I actually find the scene touching. I'm cynical but I have had times when friends came through for me when I needed them the most without me having to ask them.

there's also a cartoon with some cute fuzzy bears if you're into that stuff.

I think it's easy to act all cool and cynical when you're young. I was like that too once. But eh, at some point things change. POV changes.

 

[Pachimari]

I can't stop thinking about this film. It was just so good. And at times I really felt for Team Captain America and at other times Team Iron Man.

Scarlet Witch and Black Widow were big performers in this movie. And the funniest were definitely Ant-Man and Spider-Man.

But man, aunt May were hot. Didn't expect that.

 

[Blade30]

Anyone got a video source?

Beware there are spoilers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqfAL9oCCyc

 

[Cpt.Underpants]

Beware there are spoilers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqfAL9oCCyc

Thanks man

Diving in

 

[DeviantBoi]

15 hours until Civil War!

Work is gonna be torture today!

But then I have some Iron Banner and Smite to keep me entertained until it's movie time!

 

[Krev]

3/5

 

[Froli]

Just got back. It's pretty awesome and it's kinda first time I have that feeling "can we have more from this film?" time wise

Btw, the ones who didn't watch any trailers will probably have a greater blast than I have.

 

[Pai Pai Master]

That was easily the worst part of Guardians tho

Or its the best fucking part of the movie.

A multi million dollar blockbuster sci fi action movie ends with a fucking dance off and a "power of friendship" moment. Is that not amazing???

 

[hirokazu]

I can't stop thinking about this film. It was just so good. And at times I really felt for Team Captain America and at other times Team Iron Man.

Scarlet Witch and Black Widow were big performers in this movie. And the funniest were definitely Ant-Man and Spider-Man.

But man, aunt May were hot. Didn't expect that.

I was all for Team Cap but the film definitely made you feel for both sides and understood their motivations and justifications. Can't say the same about a certain other film where collateral damage is a catalyst and major theme. >_>

I also liked the character pairings throughout the film and they managed to treat everyone as able to hold their own. Falcon, for example, was a lot more capable than I thought he was in past films.

 

[guek]

All y'all seeing this movie already got me like

 

[Triggerhappytel]

To you.

I realize that to people with different life experience the scene can come off cheesy. But mine was such that I actually find the scene touching. I'm cynical but I have had times when friends came through for me when I needed them the most without me having to ask them.

Yeah, I really liked the friendship angle in GotG as well. I realise it was corny, but I felt like the film did a good job of making these cocky characters with quite a bit of depth and bringing them together in a plausible fashion which would make them friends. I think the pairing I liked best was Gamora and Drax.

 

[NinjaTehFish]

About to leave for a midnight showing with my bro and a mate, see you on the other side!

 

[guek]

Yeah, I really liked the friendship angle in GotG as well. I realise it was corny, but I felt like the film did a good job of making these cocky characters with quite a bit of depth and bringing them together in a plausible fashion which would make them friends.

Most people felt the same, the friendship angle was one of the most popular things about the film

 

[Froli]

Falcon, for example, was a lot more capable than I thought he was in past films.

Falcon is so versatile on this film.

 

[Sibersk Esto]

Feels weird to read midnight impressions when it's 9am here. You wacky Europeans.

 

[Cabbagehead]

So much for Captain America being for America.

Yeah I'm salty

;p

 

[Blade30]

So much for Captain America being for America.

Yeah I'm salty

;p

5 hours to go

Nah I'm kidding, it really sucks and I feel you bro. For GotG we in Germany had to wait almost a month before it got released.

 

[Callibretto]

just got back from watching this, that was an awesome movie. the actions are amazing and always give you some new inventive way for the characters fight or use their power, it's also a clear team battle, which make it so dynamic and exciting to watch.

I already want to see the movie again, so many crowd pleaser moments, this movie is going to make so much money imo.

Spider-Man is amazing in here, someone in this thread mention it's like the spectacular spider-man cartoon, and that's pretty spot on. it's so good. I already have my ticket again for this weekend to watch with different group if friends.

 

[TheWorthyEdge]

Were the end-credits good?

 

[guek]

Yeah I'm salty

 

[LucidMomentum]

I see no Atwell or Olsen on this page. Y'all slippin.

 

[beyond_death]

Heading out now for the midnight screening. Hells yea.

 

[guek]

I see no Atwell or Olsen on this page. Y'all slippin.

 

[LucidMomentum]

.

 

[Broken Joystick]

I see no Atwell or Olsen on this page. Y'all slippin.

 

[greatgeek]

 

[TheOnlyOneHeEverFeared]

If nothing else, Gaf has the best gifs.

 

[Triggerhappytel]

Hayley Atwell gifs

I watched The First Avenger again recently and she's really lovely. Suits the 40s look down to a tee as well.