Marvel has completed two extremely strong successful phases of their cinematic universe. Now they are on their third and most ambitious phase so far, including films like Doctor Strange, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Captain Marvel and Avengers: Infinity War. In order to insure audience confidence in the filmmaker’s ability to live up to that ambition, they needed to start off with something big.

Phase one (Iron Man through Avengers) introduced the world and the characters inhabiting it. Phase two (Iron Man 3 through Ant-Man) expanded on that world and brought new threats into the heroes lives. Phase three will be the culmination of 10 years of build-up and features the Avengers facing off against their biggest threat yet, Thanos.

Captain America: Civil War is not only an incredibly strong start to the third phase of Marvel films, but it is possibly one of the strongest products the studio has ever produced.

Political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to collateral damage. The new status quo deeply divides members of the team. Captain America (Chris Evans) believes superheroes should remain free to defend humanity without government interference. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) sharply disagrees and supports oversight. As the debate escalates into an all-out feud, many heroes old and new must pick a side in this civil war.

This film is based off the largely popular comic book storyline of the same name. However while it does take many liberties with the source material, they are almost all for the better as the comic would absolutely not work for a quality film as a direct adaptation. The better elements of that story are used effectively here, and the changes necessary to keep a flowing narrative are welcome.

Civil War not only works terrifically as a sequel to The Winter Soldier, but it also builds on all of the supporting characters’ arcs that began in earlier films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Chris Evans absolutely nails the role of Captain America once again, and his relationship with Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark is exactly what one would want in a film like this. The two still clearly have respect for each other and want so badly to continue being allies, but it’s through their conflicting ideologies that cause them to battle against each other.

The new characters introduced are extremely welcome additions to this universe. Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther is an awesome new hero whose sense of authority and honor is as strong as the vibranium suit he’s wearing. Daniel Brühl as Zemo is one of the  greatest villains in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe with his backstory and motivation being one of the most unique in a comic book movie.

The newest interpretation of Spider-Man played by Tom Holland is the best representation of the character on the big screen by far. His sense of wonder and enjoyment when being surrounded by these heroes he adores is infectious, and his fighting capabilities really make for some cool moments in his action scene.

Some of these characters may not be in the film for too long, but it is exciting to see where they will be heading next in future appearances.

Many of the themes explored in this film take the characters to a darker place than they’ve ever been before and really make the audience feel the struggle of what the heroes are going through. However unlike Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, these dark moments and conflicts never feel unwarranted and forced.

Overall Captain America: Civil War is an amazing achievement from Marvel Studios, the Russo Brothers and everyone else involved, as they have made something truly special that is not only a great comic book film but an action classic for years to come.