As someone who has collected, lived, and breathed comic books since he learned how to read, Civil War remains one of the most memorable yet consequential comic book events I have witnessed and which Marvel has ever released in its publishing history. Written by Mark Millar and illustrated by Steve McNiven, this 2006 miniseries saw a Super Human Registration Act put into effect that required heroes to register themselves to the government, be trained, and reveal their identities to the public for purposes of accountability and safety. This act immediately divided heroes and allies alike, with Iron Man championing the cause of pro-registration while Captain America campaigned against the act for taking away their civil liberties. As a result, it was friend against friend and former teammates fighting against one another – dividing the superhuman community and forever changing the entire landscape of the Marvel Universe as we know it.
With an epic premise like that containing a lot of exposition and characters, it’s hard to imagine how Marvel Studios and Disney actually decided on adapting the concept and turning it into “Captain America: Civil War” - the 13th entry in the growing Marvel Cinematic Universe that pretty much sums up all the consequences and activities that the heroes have to deal with since the Avengers were formed. Tasking Joe and Anthony Russo with the responsibility of telling the tale, the directors of 2014’s highly successful “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” were more than well equipped to handle things… And I dare say after seeing the movie that they have created what is likely the best damn “Superhero Ensemble Cast Movie” that takes everything you love about Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and injecting it into a story that still retains the political thriller atmosphere that made The Winter Soldier great while revolving around the personal lives and relationships shared by friends and allies - particularly Captain America and Iron Man - now divided and turned enemies because of circumstance and necessity.
This review is certainly not for those who have yet to watch, and I can only warn you now with a considerate SPOILER WARNING tag here and now. Whether you're for Team Cap or Team Iron Man, the stakes are intense and high in what introduces "Phase Three" of the MCU into the Hollywood blockbuster scene.
Opening today in theaters in the Philippines and in the US on May 6, allow me to share my thoughts on “Captain America: Civil War”. Big thanks once again goes to Marvel Philippines and Walt Disney Studios Philippines for inviting me to the special advanced screening last April 25th at SM Megamall!
