Now we get to watch the third Captain America movie. Or the third Iron Man movie. Or the one and only Captain America vs. Iron Man movie. Or the third Avengers movie, except without Thor and Hulk.
Whatever you wanna call this film you will be calling it incredible! 91% of the Tomatometer critics and $1.2 billion (more than quadruple the budget!) worth of fans agree.
Although it’s a complex plot and that adds to the drama, it’s also simple enough that you can easily appreciate and enjoy the action.
As far as what drives the drama and action, a bombing (coming on the heels of the destruction caused during The Avengers’ previous battles) leads to the State department mandating the heroes sign the “Sokovia Accords” stating that they only act under the jurisprudence of the government going forward. Iron Man, feeling rattled by the collateral damage they’ve already caused, want to sign while Captain America, knowing the abuse of power that could result from letting the government act as their moral compass, balks.
This leads to the part everyone remembers, the epic battle of the heroes fighting amongst themselves, featuring (in no particular order) Cap, Iron Man, War Machine, Falcon, Winter Soldier, Black Panther, Black Widow, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Ant-Man, Hawkeye and Spider-Man. Seeing all those powers/abilities fighting each other thrillingly – with plenty of humor along the way – makes for one of the best individual scenes in cinema history.
That’s what I remembered too after my first time watching the movie but upon second viewing I found so much more to love. The arguments between the characters who want to play by the rules and those who feel their being handcuffed by said rules can cause harm are very compelling. Whatever conflicts the heroes have amongst each other, they are somewhat united against Secretary of State Ross (making his return from The Incredible Hulk) and their conflict with him is also very compelling. There’s a powerful subplot involving Vision’s (over)protectiveness of Scarlet Witch and her subsequent feelings towards him. Although I’ve made clear I don’t like when a film puts the story on halt for a half hour, the part where Tony goes to the Bronx to recruit Peter Parker works as a lovely short film. Several characters’ loyalties to each other are tested In different captivating scenes. Cap’s romance with Peggy Carter’s niece Sharon is so charming. Ultimately, when the identity of the bomber and his intentions become clear the movie goes to another level cinematically!
Marvel Cinematic Universe movies tend to be long (it’s rare to find one less than two full hours) but this one has something to love literally every single one of its 147 minutes.
Game: Two Oscar winners (William Hurt, Marisa Tomei), four nominees (Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Alfre Woodard)
Up next: From otherworldly quality to an otherworldly story
Bottom line: Not only the best MCU movie but the best comic book ever.
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