We are approaching a new and important indifference that will affect most our lives. No, I’m not talking about the presidential election. I’m talking about a Civil War amongst our favorite superheroes. Captain America: Civil War is the Marvel Cinematic Universe adaptation of the comic book arc written by literary superstar, Mark Millar.
In the book, citizens of Marvel Earth were split between the opinions of Captain America and Iron Man. That opinion being their stance on the Superhero Registration Act. The Act was initiated after, what was called the Stamford Incident, in which C-List team — turned Reality Show stars, New Warriors, took on a group of explosive villains, for the sake of ratings. The result cost many lives, leaving citizens not able to trust those with superhuman abilities. The Act stated that, if any superhero wanted to continue on their quest, they must sign up with the United States government, revealing their identity, or pay the consequences. Captain America was for privacy, and Iron Man was for accountability.
However, in the film, the Superhero Registration Act will be replaced by the Sokovia Accords, after the battle of Iron Man and Hulk in Avengers: Age of Ultron. And of course, Hulk opposer, General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (William Hurt) will return to issue it. Furthermore, the plot will lead to holding Winter Soldier, a.k.a Bucky Barnes, responsible for his deeds while under brainwash from Hydra, which was featured in Cap’s last installment, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Staying true, blue, and loyal to his buddy, Captain America will protect his oldest friend at any cost, even if if means betraying his new friends, and furthermore the country he swore his allegiance to.
We at ScreenGeek.net are very passionate about our superheroes and their rights. We can no longer stand on the sidelines, or sit in the comfortable seats of the movie theaters, and simply watch our friends that we’ve grown attachments to throughout their cinematic journey, tear each other apart. Therefore, we have decided to pick sides, even if it means betraying our fellow writer. Join us in this fight to keep fictional America true and just.
#TeamCap
In an era where governments around the world are involved with widespread corruption, one can totally relate to Captain America’s reservations about joining the accountability scheme, especially when governments take no accountability for themselves. With Edward Snowden exposing the government via Wikileaks, the world was shocked at the revelations, however it’s hardly surprising considering our reliance on technology.
We’ve all become accustomed to the fact that our privacy is breached every time we download an app. Our location, our pictures, our identity … it’s all breached and yet we mindlessly accept it. We’re bombarded by the media with false truths. And we mindlessly accept it. We’re told we must work in a dead end job and WE MINDLESSLY ACCEPT IT! (or maybe I’m just having a breakdown, I don’t know anymore) Captain America resembles freedom, truth and justice. He resembles the best in all of us. A man who fights for the little guy. And that’s the man I’d vote for. – Jonathan Edwards
#TeamIronMan
When I first heard that the third Captain America film was going to be an adaption of the 2006 Comic book arc Civil War, I believed it to be a logical choice given how Stark was seemingly portrayed as the villain of the story. I was all ready to don my #TeamCap shirt and support the Star Spangled Man with a plan, but then that first trailer came out and I heard the disappointment in Starks voice as he uttered the words ‘So was I’. It was then that I realized I was on Team Stark, but it wasn’t just for that reason.
Stark’s argument seemed to have the most validity while Steve’s seemed to be more about protecting his brainwashed assassin friend and at the end of the day who else would you trust, the man looking to protect civilians or a Super-Soldier with a violent BFF. Now, where’s my Team Stark T-Shirt…. – James “Banky” Hadden
#TeamCap
If you’re asking me to choose between #TeamCap and #TeamTony (and you clearly are), then my colours are clearly pinned to the flagpole in the camp that’s displaying the Star-Spangled Banner.
There are two reasons for this. Quite simple ones.
The first is nostalgia. The comic imprint of Civil War was my gateway drug into the world of Marvel. And after I read it, I was hooked hard, and had to keep getting faster and harder hits.
The comic storyline is free from the MCU’s ‘Sam and Frodo’ bromance where Steve turns on his friends and family because of his man-love for Bucky. It’s a much bigger and more complicated situation, arising from a deeper issue within the lager superhuman community. And Steve represents everything that’s right about being a hero. You wear a mask. You get the job done, no matter what. Screw you, Tony….
That aside, the second reason is that the MCU version of Tony is a complete and utter douche, that causes all the goddamn problems that affect the Avengers, then makes a big deal out of saving everyone.
Iron Man – because he made weapons everyone wanted, then a suit his business partner wanted
Iron Man 2 – because he made an arc reactor that a mad Russian and a mad arms dealer wanted
Avengers Assemble – because he made a massive arc reactor that gods and aliens wanted
Iron Man 3 – Because he bullied a nerd, and made a suit that everyone wanted
Age Of Ultron – Because he made a shitload of mad robots, that were wanted by a mad AI , which he also made.
Why in the name of Bonaparte’s left nut-sack would you join the team of the alcoholic loon that keeps building all the shit that wants to kill you? I mean, c’mon already… – Simon Andrews
#TeamCap
In a civil war, one can’t be truly neutral. You have to choose a side. Sometimes, this pits brother against brother, friend against friend, perhaps even creation against creator.
Personally, I’m on Captain America’s side in this. The heart of his stance is his loyalty to his lifelong companion, Bucky Barnes. He’s not going to allow his oldest and dearest friend to come to any harm because of his actions while he was under Hydra’s mind control. Barnes is himself again, and Rogers will defend him at all costs.
He’s also defending his ideals – that all Americans are entitled to the freedoms bestowed upon them by the Constitution, that they have a right to privacy of their personal information. He’s seen first hand how corrupt governments can be, even the government of his beloved United States. He’s not going to stand by while anyone, even the good old U.S. of A., takes fundamental rights away from their citizens. – Jennifer Huneycutt
#TeamIronMan
What separates good and evil? Sure, there is action and there is intent, but what truly makes a hero, and not just a person who does good things for good reasons?
Iron Man’s side says that it is this: accountability. The obligation of claiming responsibility for your actions. The ability to think past glory to the long-lasting impact of your choices. That’s the hard part of being a hero and a legend, but that is what is necessary.
Choosing Captain America’s side is an easy pick – it’s freedom, it’s righteousness – the ability to act fearlessly in the face of danger, and not to worry about the ramifications. But, you know who do have to worry about the ramifications of your actions? The small people you aim to protect who do not have the option of a mask when they make their hard choices. Iron Man gets that. Good shouldn’t need to hide.
I realize that it’s more complicated than that for characters like Hulk, who can, with no desire, accidentally tear down an entire town, all people included, yet still want to be able to live a life as a good person. And I feel for these more tragic figures, and, if the law had the correct backing and guidance, it could be written in a way to protect them from themselves and keep the public safe as well. Again, it’s not an easy choice. But, easy choices are for the weak. You want to be a hero? Then, do the hard thing and put your life, your whole life on the line, and stand as a person, and not a god, next to the people you want to protect. – Sylvia Maixner
#TeamUnionJack
While the federal government did overstep its power to abuse the South during the Buchanan presidency, the fact of the matter is that slavery (which let’s face it, despite what some Confederacy apologists will say, is in fact the main reason for leaving the South leaving the Union) is morally wrong and it is for that reason that I cannot side with the Confederacy. – Steven Potgeter
#TeamSpidey
Aw man, who do I choose? My favorite superheroes our joining Iron Man’s side (Vision and Spider-Man). But I believe in everything Captain America is fighting for. I do not like that the government can keep tabs on us, simply by hacking into our phones. The Patriot Act after 9/11 states that they can pretty much do whatever they want, violating our privacy.
However, Iron Man believes that we must be held accountable for actions, like adults. But that also means if we were in another state of mind, like the brainwash of Hydra, or the feral side that affects Dr. David Bruce Banner. Though, that can also extend to those who were under the influence of drugs and alcohol, while committing such terrible acts. We must eventually sober up and accept our punishment. But dammnit, I don’t want to give up my right to live privately without Brother Eye keeping tabs on me (I know, I know, that was a DC reference). I suppose, just like my pal, Spidey, I may have to try and get a feel for both sides before I decide. – Dean Lyons
#TeamHowardTheDuck
Because why the hell not? – Frank Palmer
Captain America: 3
Iron Man: 2
Union Jack: 1
Spider-Man: 1
Howard The Duck: 1
Captain America Wins our Civil War!
Which side are you on? Tell us below!