Captain America: Civil War (2016)
2hr 27min
Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Emily VanCamp, Jeremy Renner, Sebastian Stan, Daniel Brühl, Don Cheadle, Paul Bettany, Anthony Mackie, Chadwick Boseman, Frank Grillo, William Hurt, Liz Olsen, Tom Holland, Paul Rudd.
Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo
Writers: Chris Markus, Stephen McFeely
Music: Henry Jackman
If there is one thing I hate in the world right now (more than terrorists), has to be peacocking fanboys who will do anything (including attempted murder) if you dare to besmirch their film, as evident last month with Batshit v Slooperman. Hey, I wanted that film to be great but it wasn't to be and clearly sucked many dicks to become a critical failure. Now, if any of you want to take a potshot at me, then remember the lyrics of my favourite Guns n Roses tune, Get In The Ring. Listen carefully before dropping me that e-mail or making the call. Pussies!
The other day I was having a chat with a best friend (yes, I have those too) about why Marvel always gets it right with their casting and why they are the dominating force in the comic book landscape. I like some DC characters but they're so effed-up: Bruce Wayne cross-dresses as a Bat because his parents were gunned down; Tony Stark is a billionaire-blue collar genius who happens to be Stan Lee's very own 007. Peter Parker is a skinny kid who lives with his hot aunt in Queens and depending which iteration you love, is either a tank-top wearing, bespectacled geek, or a pretty hip fashion-conscious teenager with a taste for fixing PCs and a nice side of wisecracks to go with that pizza. I sit between Stark and Parker, to me they are very relatable (except for having lots of money). When I look at Superman I'm staring at a god who can end this world if he wanted to (boring!) And that's why I love Marvel Comics and the live-action fare they've given us, going as far back to 1977 with The Incredible Hulk and Bill Bixby delivering the most memorable of quotes. DC tried to replicate what Chris Nolan had built upon with his Dark Knight and failed, even to the point of very bad casting and equally dreary colour pallets. Funny, they started in 1934 and Marvel didn't arrive until 1939. My point? Don't think I have one but greatness always takes time. With Suicide Squad in August and its last-minute reshoots of wait for it...additional humour, I fear that film will be meh, or could prove me wrong and be a five-star winner; but unless you're a fan of DC, you'll be waiting in vain like a virgin at the prom; and if you don't care (like me), you'll probably be cruising the net for the latest hot photos of Alison Brie (all things considered, that sounds more appealing). In an ever-increasing world that presents real fear on a daily basis, Marvel films and television offer a colourful, breezy and optimistic counter-balance with larger-than-life heroes and serious wake-up calls. And as BvS proved, DC/Warner Bros. have taken way too long to establish their universe and are struggling. Unfortunately they need to revisit the boardroom again and hopefully the right firings take place.
Civil War is something I never saw coming: From the opening act it just kicks ass with an amazing set-piece involving Grillo's Rumlo (now Crossbones) who's trying to acquire a biological weapon in Lagos, Nigeria. The good Captain is out to stop him and isn't by himself. During the mission, one of the Avengers slips up and causes the death of a few aid workers. In response, General Thunderbolt Ross (Hurt) proposes the "Sokovia Accords" at a meeting held in Avengers HQ; a governing body that monitors superhero activity, thus safeguarding the loss of innocent lives, even though the world owes an unpayable debt to Team Cap for the atrocities of NYC and Washington. Tony Stark is for the idea (Ultron caused more personal damage than he thought) and is trying to redeem himself; Steve Rogers is skeptical for good reason - "Hail Hydra!"
Wakanda does exist in the MCU which is a relief and Boseman as His Royal Highness T'Challa/Black Panther is mesmerising (fact, Ryan Coogler from Creed was asked to redraft some of his dialogue and works a treat). His vibranium suit is an equal match for Cap's shield and imbues the elegance and grace of his creature's namesake. Out of costume, Boseman is quite intimidating and channeling Nelson Mandela (which comes in very handy for a life-making decision much later in the story). Compare this to Suicide Squad's token black-actor-former- innocent-bystander-rapper, Will Smith as Deadshot who wants to "save the world". Again. Can you see where I'm coming from? Finally, Marvel release their latest badass and can't wait to see if his solo film will actually hint at how/why he became BP.
A huge smile came across my face when we turn to a different part of town (New York to be precise) and our first look at Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spidey. I gotta tell you, he is a lot of fun! He looks and dresses like a typical teenager (still the best time of anyone's life; adulthood just stinks). Don't even get me started on Aunt May (one of my all-time favourite actresses) who happens to be incredibly hot (great casting choice Sony! Let's forget dowdy Sally Field who by rights, hated being in the Garfield-emo vehicles). This is one of the movie's most endearing and iconic highlights and perfectly illustrates that Marvel knows how to deliver drama. Holland is already a star in the making and loved him in The Impossible. I hope Sony hits a homerun with Homecoming in 2017 and thank God the Russos knew who they wanted because CW wouldn't be the same without his presence, fact. And boy, Spider-man is used to amazing effect (pun very much intended). It's whetted my appetite and if Holland is given a decent script/story and incorporates Easter eggs from the 70s/80s, I'll be one happy Jazzy! Still, Tony Stark will pop in and I for one cannot wait.
When Joss Whedon directed The Avengers he proved he could handle all the voices, but wasn't adept with delivering out-of-this-world action (partly his fault as co-writer). Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the film as it was fan service for Marvel's elite but compare it to Winter Soldier and Civil War, two things separate the men from the boy (those damn Russos again). Pacing is on point, character beats are pitch-perfect and everyone gets to do something! If you felt letdown by Olsen's Wanda in Ultron (Whedon claims to champion strong women but they were sorely lacking) she makes up for it here, as does the heavenly VanCamp reprising Agent 13/Sharon Carter; kickass females with beauty and the ability to bring you down. I've said in the past how I thought Emily Blunt was the better choice for Black Widow (and has since gone onto award-winning fare with Huntsman 2) but Johansson has nailed that part of Romanoff. She's hot, funny and more importantly, a deadly assassin who could betray you in a heartbeat. Mwah!
The awesome Renner gets to do some more this time round as Clint Barton/Hawkeye and even does a great Steve McQueen impression, even if he didn't mean to! Bettany is a hoot and a holler as Vision, trying to merge his virtual self into a real world with surprisingly funny and touching results (thank Whedon for turning Jarvis around as Bettany was told his career in Hollywood was over). If you think Vision is just a Zen Master or Marvel's version of Mr. Spock, think again! While there are shades of Will Smith in Mackie, he's great as Sam Wilson/Falcon and clearly not the Luke Skywalker of the group. Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man almost steals the show and has assumed Agent Coulson duties in the man-crushing department with typically funny moments.
A lot has been said regarding Brühl's casting as Zemo ("didn't need to be in it") and fine, it's okay to express that opinion. However, the Russo brothers want to remind the audience they're not just watching a superhero film, but also a thriller and Brühl is another strand in a movie with many elements. You're not going to have him appear for a few minutes and bugger off; he's a tremendous talent and hoping we might see Baron Zemo in a future Cap movie.
Two towering performances from acting stalwarts, Downey Jr. and Evans - I could watch these guys all day and wouldn't be surprise they're not close friends already. Their dialogue in previous films has been solid and here it's notched-up to a ten. Not since Redford and Newman have I seen such flawless chemistry which rarely gets mentioned. Yes, wearing a superhero costume and spouting meaningful text may seem redundant to those who despise these movies, but let's hark back to Shakespeare (still pausing for thought dear? Okay). Evans IS Captain America and has made that role his own (sorry Jensen Ackles). Not only is Evans a fine physical specimen to behold but he's also a damn great actor who brings command and presence for a character whose popularity was in doubt. But watching The First Avenger again and its superior sequel, it's hard not to love the big guy and rooting for him all the way. But thank the Russos and writers for elevating Steve Rogers status and blending him with politics/corruption, the perfect vehicle. Tony Stark does have his moments to be funny, but also gets to be an entirely different beast (had this been a Zack Snyder project Iron Man would be on a killer rampage by Act 3). DC can sort out their hasty business decisions and fallout, but Marvel know their shit and why casting has been paramount in the success of the MCU. I guarantee by the end of it all, you'll be sucker-punched through the heart with Civil War. RDJ isn't just a great actor, he's a force and I love him for that and never phones in a performance; if anything he owes his second chance in life to Iron Man and Marvel and that is evident (hell, he even owns the Avengers logo which sits in his office!)
The action of Civil War puts Man of Steel and BvS to shame (with no rated-R versions to follow on blu-ray I may add) but instead takes its cues from Far East Asian action flicks and Michael Mann, a storyline with twists you just won't see coming and another inspired score from Henry Jackman (glad he's worked on the last Uncharted game for Naughty Dog). I went in as a serious adult and came out a goofy (teeth included) child who wants his superhero lunchbox; even more so after The Avengers. There is so much to take in that one viewing is simply not enough and will use my Cineworld Unlimited Card with maximum effort (ohh, Deadpool royalties!)
A Make Mine Marvel Rating: 10/10.
2hr 27min
Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Emily VanCamp, Jeremy Renner, Sebastian Stan, Daniel Brühl, Don Cheadle, Paul Bettany, Anthony Mackie, Chadwick Boseman, Frank Grillo, William Hurt, Liz Olsen, Tom Holland, Paul Rudd.
Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo
Writers: Chris Markus, Stephen McFeely
Music: Henry Jackman
If there is one thing I hate in the world right now (more than terrorists), has to be peacocking fanboys who will do anything (including attempted murder) if you dare to besmirch their film, as evident last month with Batshit v Slooperman. Hey, I wanted that film to be great but it wasn't to be and clearly sucked many dicks to become a critical failure. Now, if any of you want to take a potshot at me, then remember the lyrics of my favourite Guns n Roses tune, Get In The Ring. Listen carefully before dropping me that e-mail or making the call. Pussies!
The other day I was having a chat with a best friend (yes, I have those too) about why Marvel always gets it right with their casting and why they are the dominating force in the comic book landscape. I like some DC characters but they're so effed-up: Bruce Wayne cross-dresses as a Bat because his parents were gunned down; Tony Stark is a billionaire-blue collar genius who happens to be Stan Lee's very own 007. Peter Parker is a skinny kid who lives with his hot aunt in Queens and depending which iteration you love, is either a tank-top wearing, bespectacled geek, or a pretty hip fashion-conscious teenager with a taste for fixing PCs and a nice side of wisecracks to go with that pizza. I sit between Stark and Parker, to me they are very relatable (except for having lots of money). When I look at Superman I'm staring at a god who can end this world if he wanted to (boring!) And that's why I love Marvel Comics and the live-action fare they've given us, going as far back to 1977 with The Incredible Hulk and Bill Bixby delivering the most memorable of quotes. DC tried to replicate what Chris Nolan had built upon with his Dark Knight and failed, even to the point of very bad casting and equally dreary colour pallets. Funny, they started in 1934 and Marvel didn't arrive until 1939. My point? Don't think I have one but greatness always takes time. With Suicide Squad in August and its last-minute reshoots of wait for it...additional humour, I fear that film will be meh, or could prove me wrong and be a five-star winner; but unless you're a fan of DC, you'll be waiting in vain like a virgin at the prom; and if you don't care (like me), you'll probably be cruising the net for the latest hot photos of Alison Brie (all things considered, that sounds more appealing). In an ever-increasing world that presents real fear on a daily basis, Marvel films and television offer a colourful, breezy and optimistic counter-balance with larger-than-life heroes and serious wake-up calls. And as BvS proved, DC/Warner Bros. have taken way too long to establish their universe and are struggling. Unfortunately they need to revisit the boardroom again and hopefully the right firings take place.
Civil War is something I never saw coming: From the opening act it just kicks ass with an amazing set-piece involving Grillo's Rumlo (now Crossbones) who's trying to acquire a biological weapon in Lagos, Nigeria. The good Captain is out to stop him and isn't by himself. During the mission, one of the Avengers slips up and causes the death of a few aid workers. In response, General Thunderbolt Ross (Hurt) proposes the "Sokovia Accords" at a meeting held in Avengers HQ; a governing body that monitors superhero activity, thus safeguarding the loss of innocent lives, even though the world owes an unpayable debt to Team Cap for the atrocities of NYC and Washington. Tony Stark is for the idea (Ultron caused more personal damage than he thought) and is trying to redeem himself; Steve Rogers is skeptical for good reason - "Hail Hydra!"
Wakanda does exist in the MCU which is a relief and Boseman as His Royal Highness T'Challa/Black Panther is mesmerising (fact, Ryan Coogler from Creed was asked to redraft some of his dialogue and works a treat). His vibranium suit is an equal match for Cap's shield and imbues the elegance and grace of his creature's namesake. Out of costume, Boseman is quite intimidating and channeling Nelson Mandela (which comes in very handy for a life-making decision much later in the story). Compare this to Suicide Squad's token black-actor-former- innocent-bystander-rapper, Will Smith as Deadshot who wants to "save the world". Again. Can you see where I'm coming from? Finally, Marvel release their latest badass and can't wait to see if his solo film will actually hint at how/why he became BP.
A huge smile came across my face when we turn to a different part of town (New York to be precise) and our first look at Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spidey. I gotta tell you, he is a lot of fun! He looks and dresses like a typical teenager (still the best time of anyone's life; adulthood just stinks). Don't even get me started on Aunt May (one of my all-time favourite actresses) who happens to be incredibly hot (great casting choice Sony! Let's forget dowdy Sally Field who by rights, hated being in the Garfield-emo vehicles). This is one of the movie's most endearing and iconic highlights and perfectly illustrates that Marvel knows how to deliver drama. Holland is already a star in the making and loved him in The Impossible. I hope Sony hits a homerun with Homecoming in 2017 and thank God the Russos knew who they wanted because CW wouldn't be the same without his presence, fact. And boy, Spider-man is used to amazing effect (pun very much intended). It's whetted my appetite and if Holland is given a decent script/story and incorporates Easter eggs from the 70s/80s, I'll be one happy Jazzy! Still, Tony Stark will pop in and I for one cannot wait.
When Joss Whedon directed The Avengers he proved he could handle all the voices, but wasn't adept with delivering out-of-this-world action (partly his fault as co-writer). Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the film as it was fan service for Marvel's elite but compare it to Winter Soldier and Civil War, two things separate the men from the boy (those damn Russos again). Pacing is on point, character beats are pitch-perfect and everyone gets to do something! If you felt letdown by Olsen's Wanda in Ultron (Whedon claims to champion strong women but they were sorely lacking) she makes up for it here, as does the heavenly VanCamp reprising Agent 13/Sharon Carter; kickass females with beauty and the ability to bring you down. I've said in the past how I thought Emily Blunt was the better choice for Black Widow (and has since gone onto award-winning fare with Huntsman 2) but Johansson has nailed that part of Romanoff. She's hot, funny and more importantly, a deadly assassin who could betray you in a heartbeat. Mwah!
The awesome Renner gets to do some more this time round as Clint Barton/Hawkeye and even does a great Steve McQueen impression, even if he didn't mean to! Bettany is a hoot and a holler as Vision, trying to merge his virtual self into a real world with surprisingly funny and touching results (thank Whedon for turning Jarvis around as Bettany was told his career in Hollywood was over). If you think Vision is just a Zen Master or Marvel's version of Mr. Spock, think again! While there are shades of Will Smith in Mackie, he's great as Sam Wilson/Falcon and clearly not the Luke Skywalker of the group. Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man almost steals the show and has assumed Agent Coulson duties in the man-crushing department with typically funny moments.
A lot has been said regarding Brühl's casting as Zemo ("didn't need to be in it") and fine, it's okay to express that opinion. However, the Russo brothers want to remind the audience they're not just watching a superhero film, but also a thriller and Brühl is another strand in a movie with many elements. You're not going to have him appear for a few minutes and bugger off; he's a tremendous talent and hoping we might see Baron Zemo in a future Cap movie.
Two towering performances from acting stalwarts, Downey Jr. and Evans - I could watch these guys all day and wouldn't be surprise they're not close friends already. Their dialogue in previous films has been solid and here it's notched-up to a ten. Not since Redford and Newman have I seen such flawless chemistry which rarely gets mentioned. Yes, wearing a superhero costume and spouting meaningful text may seem redundant to those who despise these movies, but let's hark back to Shakespeare (still pausing for thought dear? Okay). Evans IS Captain America and has made that role his own (sorry Jensen Ackles). Not only is Evans a fine physical specimen to behold but he's also a damn great actor who brings command and presence for a character whose popularity was in doubt. But watching The First Avenger again and its superior sequel, it's hard not to love the big guy and rooting for him all the way. But thank the Russos and writers for elevating Steve Rogers status and blending him with politics/corruption, the perfect vehicle. Tony Stark does have his moments to be funny, but also gets to be an entirely different beast (had this been a Zack Snyder project Iron Man would be on a killer rampage by Act 3). DC can sort out their hasty business decisions and fallout, but Marvel know their shit and why casting has been paramount in the success of the MCU. I guarantee by the end of it all, you'll be sucker-punched through the heart with Civil War. RDJ isn't just a great actor, he's a force and I love him for that and never phones in a performance; if anything he owes his second chance in life to Iron Man and Marvel and that is evident (hell, he even owns the Avengers logo which sits in his office!)
The action of Civil War puts Man of Steel and BvS to shame (with no rated-R versions to follow on blu-ray I may add) but instead takes its cues from Far East Asian action flicks and Michael Mann, a storyline with twists you just won't see coming and another inspired score from Henry Jackman (glad he's worked on the last Uncharted game for Naughty Dog). I went in as a serious adult and came out a goofy (teeth included) child who wants his superhero lunchbox; even more so after The Avengers. There is so much to take in that one viewing is simply not enough and will use my Cineworld Unlimited Card with maximum effort (ohh, Deadpool royalties!)
A Make Mine Marvel Rating: 10/10.