Guest Blogger: Amanda Bulat

One of these days the good people at Marvel Studios will make a bad movie. Today is not that day.

With the third installment of the Captain America standalone saga, “Captain America: Civil War” isn’t merely an Avengers 2.5, instead it’s an organic exploration of the characters we’ve met previously and the addition of two newcomers (Black Panther, Spider-Man) to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Russo brothers returned to helm what will surely be another summer tent pole, while most of the cast from last summer’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” returned to a world where consequences are real and heroes are held accountable.

“Captain America: Civil War” bears little resemblance to its comic book event namesake and thankfully so. Offering brutal and raw action sequences, the film, at its core, is still a true “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” sequel and presents a genuine denouement for the saga of Steve Rogers and James “Bucky” Barnes. Closure seems to be the be the recurring theme du jour for CA:CW as we see many characters searching for it in some form or another: the death of a parent, the death of a significant other, the Sokovia aftermath, a mission gone awry, etc. And as it so often happens with closure, not all methods are healthy. The main conflict in Civil War stems from an unwilling Steve Rogers, Captain America, to accept UN oversight for the Avengers, which then leads to Rogers’ eventual harboring of a fugitive (Barnes).

The schism in CA:CW is believable since we see clear character development from heroes on both sides. Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark is motivated by extreme guilt that has been percolating since the first Iron Man film while we see Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers choosing personal feelings over the greater good. Actions have consequences and there’s no statute of limitations on emotional trauma in this film.

A few things to note:

–Chadwick Boseman’s turn as the iconic superhero, Black Panther was one of the best parts of an already outstanding genre film. Filled with gravitas and oozing deadly intent, Black Panther makes a stunning debut and I cannot wait to see him in his own standalone.

–Tom Holland is an adorable Peter Parker. While his addition felt slightly shoehorned into the film, there is no doubt an ebullient sense of wonder when he makes his appearance as a part of the team.

Whether you’re #TeamIronMan or #TeamCap, be sure to pick your side when Captain America: Civil War opens in US theatres on May 6.

“Captain America: Civil War” is presented by Marvel Studios and directed by Anthony & Joe Russo. Rated PG-13, it stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Marisa Tomei, Tom Holland, Frank Grillo, Martin Freeman with William Hurt and Daniel Brühl. The film was produced by Kevin Feige, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore, and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.

“Captain America: Civil War” releases in U.S. theaters on May 6, 2016.

DISCLAIMER: I viewed “Captain America: Civil War” at a media screening before its official release. This did not affect my review; my opinions are my own.