Captain America: Civil War

   After the devastating events in the Age of Ultron, the world has begun to lose faith it the heroes of the Avengers. As a result, the United Nations issues a set of accords that would place Earth's Mightiest Heroes under their command. Tony Stark is all for the venture while Captain America feels that this loss of autonomy will eventually mean that the Avengers would become puppets of the UN. 

   As representatives from across the globe gather to sign the proclamation into law, a terrorist blows up the proceedings, killing the king of Wakanda. The suspect is reported to be the Winter Soldier and global law enforcement is instructed to kill on sight. Steve Rogers believes that his old buddy Bucky is being framed and risks everything to save the Winter Soldier and clear his name. But it won't be easy as the Black Panther of Wakanda is on Bucky's trail and swears vengeance for the death of his father.

   Captain America: Civil War starts off like Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. There's a great action scene at the beginning and then some talk of diplomacy- a lot of talk about diplomacy. I was getting a bit disappointed as Civil War wasn't starting out as good as Captain America: the First Avenger or Winter Soldier did. I actually was feeling a little ho-hum about the picture until thankfully, someone came to save the day.

   Enter: Spider-Man and welcome to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Web-slinger. Young Peter Parker and his guardian Aunt May actually saved the movie. Both characters, played by Tom Holland and Marisa Tomei, had heart, soul, and humor, something lacking from the first 45-minutes of Civil War- I can't wait to see more of their quirky chemistry in the upcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming feature. 

Paul Rudd's Ant-Man also helps to salvage the film, adding an extra dose of humor, but really the film's savior is Spidey! Billy Elliot's Tom Holland brings something to Spider-Man that's never been done in live-action before- he brings youth. All of the previous actors to play Spidey in live action, including the Electric Company, were well into their 20s. Holland was 18 when filming began and his age brings a level naivete to the character that has been missing from the characters. Plus, Holland's star-struck quality of being on Iron Man's team organized to incarcerate the Winter Soldier and Capt, was perfect. Spider-Man is known for being a wiseacre when he fights villains and this Spidey is just like in the comics and it was about time.

   About just over 2.5 hours, this is a lengthy film. But once Iron Man and Captain America's ranks start filling out, Civil War becomes much more fast paced. Some of this is due to the lightening quick wit of the superheroes (Marvel exceeds at banter!) But, the tempo is also due to much more dynamic action scenes that take place in the last half of the film. 

    Though not my favorite Captain America picture, I did like this film somewhat more than Avengers: Age of Ultron. I honestly have no idea where Marvel is going to take these characters next after everything transpires, but the two bonus scenes during the credits give a good hint at some the fun that awaits. I just hope that the writers lay-off the swears. There were much more in this Marvel film than just about any movie prior and it's just a tad unsettling to this old-school Marvelite to have his beloved heroes talking like sailors on leave.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Well, I guess I might as well talk about my movie night. As you can probably guess, I went to see Captain America: The Winer Soldier. The film is based partially on the story of the same name writed by the great Ed Brubaker. In that book, Captain America learns that his former partner Bucky didn’t die in World War II, but was discovered by the Soviets and turned into a one-man killing machine Over the course of 60 years, Bucky is brought out of suspended animation to do the Soviets dirty work, such as killing high ranking officials. Can you say the Kennedy Assassination?

The movie also harkens back to an early 1970s Captain America story in which he and his partner, Falcon discover that the American government has been infiltrated by a secret cabal that seeks to rule the world through fear and intimidation by overthrowing the American government. It was implied that Nixon was the leader of this terrorist group and result in Capt. temporarily abandoning the shield and becoming Nomad: the man without a country.

So, in this movie, you’ve got the Winter Soldier, a secret government cabal seeking to overthrow the government of not just America, but the world, you’ve got the introduction of Falcon, and you’ve got Captain America on the run accused of being a traitor to SHIELD. I don’t want to give away too muhc more about the film because there are some great twists and turns in the film.

The ending ofWinter Soldier will greatly affect the plots of the forthcoming slew of Marvel movies that will be invading theatres this Summer and next. Not only does what happen in this film look in impact the future of the the X-Men and Avengers alike, but some of the shadier actions of politicans and other high ranking officials in past Marvel films make more sense after you see Captain America.

But perhaps the project most impacted by the Winter Soldier is the ABC series Agents of SHIELD. In fact, I am extremely glad that I decided to catch up on my watching of the show, but I am also glad that I waited to watch the last 3 weeks worth of episodes until after I watched Winter Soldier.  You could watch the last few episodes of the show, but I suggest you press pause on your DVR , put on your shoes, and head to theatres and watch Winter Soldier first. You’ll be glad you did- heck, you might even thank me. Again, without giving away spoilers, much of what happens in this movie has been directly influenced by the ABC series and the film will mean for some serious upheavels for Agent Coulson and his team.

In terms of the film- it was awesome. Lots of great Easter eggs. Full of fantastic action and adventure. There was one point where I was afraid the film was going to turn into some puff piece examining a love story between Steve Rogers and Black Widow. But it only served to lull me into a false sense of security before all hell breaks loose. I consider this one of my all-time favorite super hero films. Sadly, it can’t unseat the Dark Knight, but I don’t think anything is going to outshine Heath Ledger’s Joker anytime soon. However, when the film was over- I was left wanting to get back in line and see it again. That’s a good movie.

Finally, as you know Marvel movies have a secret scene towards the end of the credits. Well, stay until the end of the movie- there are 2 scenes, not just one. I tell you this not to spoil anything, but to give you the full movie going experience. I saw at least half of the audience leave the movie not knowing of this second hidden scene. So, not you are full warned to sit through the entire thing.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Took a Day off from Blogging...

Went to the movies- Be Back Tomorrow!

Captain America Vol. 1: Winter Soldier, Book One

WORTH CONSUMING!

An excellent story, in which I felt great sadness. Reading this book reminds me of the fading glory of Marvel Comics; all thanks to Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada. Joe Q seems like a man possessed to destroy all and any of the legacies Stan Lee and Jack Kirby spent many a long year to perfect. Like watching the early MASH episodes and knowing soon Col. Henry Blake will be dead, you fell like the end of an era is growing near with every issue you complete.

 Bucky was always considered a character fated never to return to life, along with Ben Parker and Gwen Stacy. This storyline is perfect- well, as semi-plausible as a return to life story can be. Capt. is still a true hero, passionate for his country and sickened by government corruption. Sadly, this may we be his last hurrah as the current Civil War maylay threatens to destroy everything near and dear to Marvel tradition.

Fans should consume this and relish this and the Red Menace sequel, because it’s probably the last quality stories about Captain America to be published for years to come.

Captain America Vol. 1: Winter Soldier, Book One

Capt. keeps getting better and better. I don’t know why I like to read Captain America. I’m not a huge America fan. I would prefer a Colonel Canada or a Brigadier England better it seems. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that Capt. America is a member of S.H.E.I.L.D. now. I am quite fond Nick Fury’s spy stuff. Maybe that’s why.

This series is so good I am anxiously awaiting Volume 2. Now, here’s my question in regards to the book Captain America: Avengers Disassembled, where does this book take place. Cause I have read Disassembled. So for true Capt. America fans be sure to find out the order of these books in relation to the Comic Series. Especially since I am starting to think there is a volume 2 (like I spoke about) and then comes Avengers: Disassembled.

If anyone knows, please let me know!