Captain America: Civil War review—This is what a big superhero brawl should feel like

When decisions are made, there are very real repercussions, making you feel for the characters as they begin to understand the weight of their actions. Tony, in particular, is in a perpetual somber state, suffering from regret over his actions spanning all the way back to the first Iron Man. It makes for compelling viewing, and never do motivations feel forced or weak. With more nuance than a Shakespeare play, it’s tough supporting just one side. That’s good storytelling.

You’d think with 12 characters in one movie, something would get lost in translation, but Civil War does a terrific job of giving every character a platform. Bucky struggles with his past as the Winter Soldier, while Scarlet Witch feels lost in a world where everyone is terrified of her powers. Vision, meanwhile, goes to great lengths to assimilate to societal norms (using doors, cooking, wearing sweaters), providing unexpected comic relief.

That’s another thing that makes Civil War so enjoyable: It’s funny! Like, really funny. Spider-Man (Tom Holland) provides much of the movie’s best lines, but there are a few other standouts, including one scene involving Captain America, Falcon, and Bucky. There are a lot of small, fun moments like these that add some much-needed levity to the story.

Of course, the real show here is the introduction of Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Spider-Man, both of whom are making their long-awaited debuts in the MCU. Without a doubt, these two characters belong among the Avengers and feel like perfect additions to the cast of superheroes Marvel has accumulated over the past few years. Spider-Man is curious and effervescent, while Black Panther is regal and diplomatic, commanding a respect with his presence. Although they appear out of nowhere, the two feel properly formed and immediately become important not just for the events in Civil War, but for the larger universe.

But as good as Spider-Man and Black Panther are, I’d still give the MVP to Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man, who is as charming as he’s ever been. He’s not in the movie for very long, but he’s involved in the huge brawl at the airport, providing perhaps Civil War’s most crowd-pleasing moment. I won’t spoil it here, but you’ll absolutely love it. Best of all for Marvel, seeing these three characters onscreen leaves you wanting more. Luckily, all three are lined up to star in their own solo movies, beginning with Spider-Man: Homecoming next year.

Other Marvel movies have come close, but never have these characters felt so fully realized on the big screen, and yet Civil War makes it look easy, almost effortless. Marvel has spent 13 long movies building toward this point and while not everything is resolved, the payoff is tremendously satisfying. You care about these characters and the decisions they make, and you come to understand how their actions affect the world they live in. And the decisions don’t just affect the world, but themselves, too. It’s heartbreaking to hear Scarlet Witch talk about being feared when all she wants is to be normal.

I wouldn’t call Captain America: Civil War the best in the MCU—I still think Guardians of the Galaxy and The Winter Soldier are better—but it’s certainly up there. Daniel Brühl’s Helmut Zemo, for example, never feels like much of a threat, and although he provides a compelling reason to be involved, his character’s emotional investment doesn’t quite pay off like the rest of the film. Still, Civil War is a miracle of a movie and provides an intriguing start to Marvel’s Phase 3.

These super people aren’t just war machines who mindlessly topple cities, they’re vulnerable, caring, complex humans who desperately want to do what’s right. (Well, technically Vision is an android, but even he begins to struggle with human emotion.) That’s what makes Civil War such a delight. Sure the action is great, and the addition of Spider-Man and Black Panther more than makes up for the absence of Hulk and Thor. But there’s a satisfying emotional weight that makes you care about these characters more than ever. Something, I think, a movie like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice seriously lacked.