My new layout featuring Poldark's beautiful heroine, Demelza in Season 1 and the leads of BBC's mini-series War & Peace that stars Paul Dano as Pierre, Lily James as Natasha and James Norton as Prince Andrei. This was a beautiful mini-series and my mom and I just fell in love with it!
If anybody can understand loss than it is most definitely Wanda Maximoff. While still a newcomer to the Avengers, Wanda has definitely made her mark as a strong female character that knows how to fight, but may not necessarily have control over her own abilities. Up until Age of Ultron Black Widow reigned supreme as the sole female superhero in the Avenger's and Marvel franchise (a fact that Scarlet Johansson frequently points out) and so to find another female character to be an equal to Natasha's skill and popularity would not be easy. However, they nailed it when they brought in the young Sokvian orphan Wanda Maximoff or Scarlet Witch who started out as the Avenger's adversary and eventually became their ally; even at the cost of losing her brother.
What I loved about Wanda is her true drive and passion to do her job. She is not going to sit around and let other people take care of the world. Losing her parents to the Stark bomb planted a rebellious and passionate nature inside of her. She sided with HYDRA because she truly believed that she was working on the side of good. There is no actual malicious or evil intent behind Wanda's actions. She was a child, an orphan who had nothing but these strange abilities that she could have used for her own advantage, but instead she chose to use them to bring justice to her family and her country.
In Civil War Wanda has matured, but she is still grieving her brother and is trying to find her place among the Avengers who are all seasoned fighters. Wanda wants to be accepted and loved like the other Avengers, but her abilities become too powerful and she ends up leaving devastation in her wake. For Wanda, failure is the absolute low. There is no going back and little to do to redeem yourself, but being locked up in your room is hardly the answer. Wanda needs to fight, she needs to know that she is doing good in the world. These ideals run through her heart just as her powers run through her body.
Loss, pain, anger, fear, loneliness and grief are enough to bring down anyone, but for Wanda Maximoff, these are what push her forward. There is absolute strength, dignity, honor, loyalty, courage, compassion and drive that completely cancel out the negative elements that oftentimes seem to haunt her. While Wanda may be pushed around by the the big people from time to time, in the end, it she who decides where her loyalties lie, she who commands what her powers will be used for, and she alone that can cast away the fear and doubt that plague her mind, but will never steal her soul.
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 Waractually 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.
- That's hard! Probably the Captain America: The First Avenger because of how they created such a classic and vintage looking film. Also, I loved Steve's story arch as well.
2.) When did you decide you loved Captain America?
- InCaptain America: The Winter Solider after Steve and Natasha have escaped the bomb and are hiding out at Sam's. Natasha is telling him how she feels her life in S.H.I.E.L.D. has been a waste and Steve in his very generous and calming way reassures her that is hasn't been. I thought that was such a wonderful simple moment because for the first time in years, Steve has finally been able to relate to someone.
3.) Do you tend to agree with Steve's thinking/logic?
- Generally yes. He is very calm and clear minded and doesn't act on impulse ("We need a plan of attack!") and that is good quality in a leader. Also, while Steve usually wants peace, he is not above putting up a fight, but he doesn't fight just because he can.
4.) What is one thing about Steve that drives you insane?
- His inability to relax at times! In the first two Captain America films and in The Avengers, Steve tended to be too uptight as if he was always on the watch. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, you definitely see a much more relaxed Steve who is finally getting comfortable with the 21st century.
6.) What is something about Steve that you really admire?
- How he always tries to see the best in people, no matter their circumstances. Steve tries to give people the benefit of the doubt and doesn't cast too much judgement until he has a better understanding of who they are.
7.) Do you think you would like Steve in real life?
- Yes, I think I would. I gear toward people like Steve. Quiet, but can also have a fun side. We agree on a lot of the same issues and I also appreciate that Steve is not the type a person who just waits around for things to change.
8.) What do you think of Steve's motorcycle, and would you want a ride on it?
- I would ride on it, but only if Steve was driving!
9.) What was an iconic "STEVE FREAKIN' ROGERS" moment for you?
- In Avengers: Age of Ultron after Ultron hits Stark Towers; everyone is angry and scared, but Steve immediately assumes the mantle of leadership in his typical manner. Although, he was also afraid, life experience taught him that fear, doubt and blaming others gets you no where and after spending some time in the 21st century, Steve has a better grasp on how people think and reason.
10.) If Steve asked you on a date, would you accept?
I am most definitely and assuredly Team Cap! Actually, for the longest time Tony Stark was my favorite avenger, but after seeing Captain America: The Winter Solider, my mind was made up and Steve Rogers//Captain America became my favorite. So, why the decision from Tony to Steve? I'm not really sure to be honest, but it would probably have to boil down to Steve's general belief that humanity can win and that good will overcome evil. Also, I loved Steve's story about how the ordinary little guy became an extraordinary hero. That he was Captain America long before he took the super-syrum.
Everything that Steve Rogers is as a regular 27-28 year old man is made manifest as the immortal Captain America. Steve Rogers didn't became a hero when he became Captain America, he became Captain America because he was already a hero. That little guy in the movie theater that stood up to the bully and took a rough beating was just as much of a hero than the man in uniform that took down Red Skull. There's no difference. They're exactly the same because the heart of the man remained the same.
Chris Evans of Steve Rogers//Captain America in The Avengers (2012)
Another factor is that Steve was heavily influenced by his parents who must have been great people. He never knew his dad, but grew up with stories about him and how he was a casualty in WWI. His mother was a nurse who sacrificed her health and her life working in the TB (tuberculosis) ward. Loss at that young could have made Steve angry and rebellious, but he continued to carry on his parents legacy of dignity and honor. Without those legacies, Steve would really have no reason to sign up for war. He would have given in to people's beliefs about him and stayed home.
Steve's role as a leader also defines him in many ways. He doesn't push people, but he does demand that they do their absolute best with what they have. Steve spent most of his life being judged by people and that has caused him to carry a very non-judgmental attitude in how he lives and works. As a captain during one of the bloodiest wars in American history, Steve has seen the destruction that man is able to make, but he has also witnessed the great power of humanity and how it is able to stop the most destructive of forces.
People say he's too perfect, but Captain America or not, Steve is just as flawed as everyone else. He has a beastly temper, has a difficult time taking no for an answer and tends to think that he's the only one that can break the rules. I would find it hard to live with the man at first. However, Steve's good and humane nature is no different from other peoples; he just has the capabilities to do something with the good he believes in at a more advanced level.
He's the ultimate American hero since WWII (preceded by Superman almost 20 years before) and Captain America has proven to be more than a super soldier with shield. The real Captain America was the scrawny kid that never ran away from a fight, the young agent who dreams of a ordinary life with a wife and kids, the friend that believes that he can save his once fallen comrade. Captain America's story is as universal as Cinderella; a man who believed in something and would go through hell and back to protect it.
