Captain America: Civil War

     Last night, my sister and I finally saw Civil War! I was beyond amazed when the film finished! It was an extraordinary end to the Captain America franchise and a beautiful final story arch to Steve Roger's ever growing character. While I consider myself 100% Team Cap, I found myself agreeing with both sides of the confrontation in many ways. Both sides were right and both sides were wrong. However, both sides were fighting for an ultimate good, therefore there would be no way that one would prevail over another (same scenario with Batman v. Superman). 

Top L-R:  - Capt. Steve Rogers//Captain America, Bucky Barnes// Winter Solider,
Sam Wilson//Falcon

Bottom L-R: Wanda Maximoff//Scarlet Witch, Clint Barton//Hawkeye,
Scott Lang//Ant Man

     After the destruction in Sokovia that killed millions, the Avengers are now being called into questioning for their actions. While they have conquered evil in the past 4 years, the casualty numbers have begun to rack up and people and the government believe that the Avengers extreme end tactics are causing more damage than good. So, to try and appease both sides of the equation, Secretary of State has drawn up the Sokovia Accords which will limit the Avenger's actions, their missions and how far they are allowed to go.

     Steve Rogers is not pleased with the government infringing on the rights of the Avengers and controlling their free will and use of their own abilities. This is especially hard for Wanda Maximoff who is trying to adjust to her new life, but her abilities are stronger than she can handle and during a mission, she accidentally killed thousands of which she feels guilty. Meanwhile, Steve and Sam continue to search for Bucky Barnes who is slowly coming out of his brainwashing and coming back to his old self again.

     While Steve disagrees strongly with the Accords, Tony (surprisingly) wants them to be signed as he believes that the Avengers need to kept under control and their have grown irresponsible  and reckless. During of the signing of the Accords at the United Nations, there is a surprise bombing which kills many including King T'Chaka of Wakanda who was the originator of the Accords. When video surveillance shows Bucky Barnes planting the bomb, Tony and Natasha are convinced that the Winter Soldier is responsible. 

Top L-R: Tony Stark// Iron Man, James Rhodey//War Machine, 

Natasha Romonov//Black Widow

Bottom L-R: Vision (formerly JARVIS), Peter Parker//Spiderman, 

Prince T'Challa//Black Panther

      However, Steve and Sam beat Tony to finding Buck and find out that Bucky has recovered from his brainwashing and trying live a normal life. This doesn't deter Tony from tracking down Steve and soon the Avengers take sides against one another and battle it out. Steve's side is joined by the fun loving Scott Lang or Ant Man. While Tony recruits brainy Peter Parker (Spiderman) and Prince T'Challa (Black Panther), the son of King T'Chaka, who seeks revenge for his father's death. 

      Secrets and lies can destroy a person faster than a bomb and soon the past catches up with several Avengers, causing them to reevaluate their lives and what they're really fighting for. After the death of an old friend. Steve knows what he believes and will not be moved, but Tony's own past life continues to haunt him. Soon, the most powerful and damaging secret is brought to the light and everything that Tony and Steve had as friends and allies is put on the battle lines between right and wrong, good and evil, and finally life and death.  

     Throughout the film, several characters are brought in and reveal the people that they lost in the battle of Sokovia and blame the Avengers for their losses. Yet, what were the Avengers suppose to do? Every war has casualties and while it's harsh to say, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. They couldn't just stand by and let evil prevail. People needed to stop blaming the Avengers for their losses and instead thank them for trying to make the world a better place. 

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

    What I enjoyed about Civil War is that there was no wrong or bad side. Both sides had their good reasons and both wanted what was best for the world and humanity. I enjoyed the new blood that was brought in as well. I haven't seen Ant Man, but after seeing Scott Lang in action, I now know I definitely need to see it! He's hysterical! I've seen so many Spidermans, that I really wasn't hyped to see another one. While this Peter Parker is the right age and attitude, I just found him annoying and was glad when he left. However...I LOVED Prince T'Challa! He was a beautifully written and acted character that had a brilliant story arch which is obviously going to lead into a solo film. A wonderful addition the the Avengers and a much needed ally for both sides. 

     To be honest, I'm sad that the Captain America franchise is over. It's one of the best trilogies I've ever seen (after the Godfather and original Star Wars). Civil War actually didn't tie all the story up and by the end you are still left more questions than answers. Although I'm going to miss Steve Rogers and have enjoyed watching his story from the beginning to now, he's brought to this generation a hero to believe in and the idea that anyone can make a difference if they are willing to stand and fight.