Saturday, May 14, 2016

Movie Review … Captain America: Civil War

There have been so many superhero films recently, it’s been hard telling them apart.  Many have the same template of high-octane thrills and an abundance of CGI-fused action.  It would be very easy to cynically think ‘Captain America: Civil War’ would just be the same.  To a degree it is, although the strong direction and solid characterisation make it more than diverting.  With an emotional and personal involvement in the story, ‘Captain America: Civil War’ ensures its many masked heroes leap through the comic book pages with mighty abandon.

When collateral damage is caused by The Avengers, led by Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) the government steps in.  Creating a system of better accountability which leads to a shocking split.  With Rogers wanting to continue a path of individual freedom, his views are opposed by Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jnr).  Battle-lines are quickly drawn as hero vs. hero with the game of brinkmanship used by sinister forces determined to eradicate the heroes forever.

Having directed the previous Captain America film ‘Winter Soldier’ to great acclaim, the Russo Brothers do the same with ‘Civil War’.  The title is a little mis-leading as this is more an Avengers tale than a genuine solo Captain America outing.  This somewhat de-values the title character’s contribution although overall ‘Civil War’ delivers glossy spectacle.  Injected with intelligent plotting exploring issues of trust and loyalty, the story zooms along at break-neck speed disguising its gargantuan run-time.

For long-time Marvel comic fans, ‘Civil War’ provides a blancmange of super-heroics. Spider-Man and Black Panther make their debuts in the official Marvel cinematic universe, infusing a freshness the script needs.  Their contribution to the action sequences make them watchable even if perhaps watching constantly fighting heroes becomes a little tedious.  The strength of the direction and story make up for it, giving the solid cast plenty to get stuck into in between wearing outrageous outfits.

‘Captain America: Civil War’ is what you’d expect from a Marvel movie.  It has style, pace and excitement wrapped in an easily viewable package.  The cost of a cinema ticket would be well spent for an escapist night-out with the big-screen surely invented for a massive block-buster such as this.




Movie Review Rating out of 10:  7

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.


TRAILER


SOUNDTRACK

Movie Review … Alice Through The Looking Glass

Tim Burton’s 2010 fantasy adventure film ‘Alice in Wonderland’ became a huge success.  Based on the enduring Lewis Carroll tale, it added another fantastical feather to Burton’s directorial cap.  He doesn’t return for the follow-up ‘Alice through the Looking Glass’ but his visual presence is still seen.  With his frequent collaborator Johnny Depp returning as the Mad Hatter, the stage is set for more colourfully weird shenanigans.  That we certainly receive as the sense of enchantment crucial to Carroll’s story-telling flavour is keenly felt.

Returning to the world of Underland via a looking glass, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) seeks out her friends.  Finding the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) in a bad way, she uncovers another plot from the evil Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). Wanting to use a clock creature called Time (Sacha Baron Cohen) to wreak havoc on Underland, the wicked Queen stops at nothing to get what she wants.  Alice and her friends unite to defeat her shameful scheming amidst the splendour of Underland’s rainbow-infused landscape.

Baron Cohen and Depp are often accused of performing in as outrageously over the top way as possible.  ‘Alice through the Looking Glass’ affords them free reign to infuse dynamic energy into their roles.  Their renditions mirror the movie overall as it is full of the verve and colour it needs.  Whilst some padding is seen and although its message of ‘making time for loved ones’ is a little preachy, it’s a generally fun film most should enjoy.

Key to its success is allowing each character to shine.  Unlike its predecessor, ‘Alice through the Looking Glass’ doesn’t turn into the ‘Johnny Depp Show’ and focuses more on Alice’s mission.  This brings a better sense of urgency to the plot and a logically flowing narrative amongst Underland’s illogical characters.  They are beautifully rendered with some great CGI matching the imagination which served Carroll so well decades ago.

‘Alice through the Looking Glass’ is a worthy follow-up filled with the right mix of adventure and humour.  Having a charm many similar works lack, it encompasses what made Carroll’s words captivating and why it still endures in this so-called cynical age.



Movie Review Rating out of 10:  7

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.



TRAILER


SOUNDTRACK