I saw Captain America: Civil War last week (like most of America), and I was duly impressed. It’s far from perfect, but it’s a really fascinating showcase of what a full cinematic universe can do. The plot was very engaging, even the slower moments felt important. I could list the number of underdeveloped characters on one hand, which considering the amount of cast is impressive. The movie didn’t feel crowded, it felt like an event comic, with just enough cameos and bit parts that weaved together the summation of what Marvel has been doing with their franchise. And the fact that they also introduced so many new characters that are so integral to the Marvel universe (Black Panther, Baron Zemo, effing Spiderman, etc.) and it still wasn’t bloated is frankly incredible.
There is, of course, the criticism that it’s not like the comic. And that’s true. The Sokovia Accords are not exactly the SHRA, the entire storyline that Spider-Man had in the comics is gone, and unlike Deadpool, the studio couldn’t even get one X-Man. Though Negasonic Teenage Warhead would probably be Team Cap.
The marketing around the movie was also interesting, having everyone pick a side. People would post #TeamCap or #TeamTony or what have you signaling which side they were on. I didn’t pick a side because I didn’t care enough to, but also because the issue of registration is a complicated one. One that’s actually been explored in several different forms of comics media. And Civil War (in the comics) was very different in that the Pro-Reg side were the heroes.
There’s a reason it was changed in the movie.
05/03/2018
The Epic, the Serial, and Avengers: Infinity War
valeriemclean1919 Avengers Infinity War, Epic (genre), Epic Film, Film, Genre, MCU, Serial film, The Avengers, The New Yorker About Film, About Other Art, About Writing 4 Comments
SPOILER WARNING: I will do my best to avoid major spoilers, but as with any review, it’s a bit buyer beware. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, don’t get angry with me if you think I’ve spoiled something.
So, I definitely wanted to talk about Infinity War this weekend, and I was wondering what I might talk about outside of a straight review or a breakdown of my reaction to it, but I was given a great assist from The New Yorker, of all places.
Just… the hottest of takes right there Mr. Brody.
And yes, technically he’s right, but reading through the article it’s clear that all of these things that he’s saying that are technically true (none of the characters have proper introductions, it feels like the season finale of a TV show, the ending compels the viewer to put on the next part) are, I think, supposed to be interpreted as negative. But these criticisms are rather dismissive to all the people, films, and characters that allowed this movie to be made, like Homer, The Ten Commandments, and Buck Rodgers.
Those things do fit together in this context, of course.
More →