Living in England has its distinct advantages i.e., people, history, pubs, fish & chips, beer, etc. to name a few. Another is occasionally getting to see early international releases of highly anticipated films. This weekend I had the opportunity to lay my senses on Captain America: Civil War (henceforth shortened to Civil War). Other than a distinct fart smell lingering in the theater, all of my senses were very well pleased!

Even as I sit here a few days after seeing the film I am geeking-out like a madman. I feel like a have an internal permanent 1989 Joker smile going on. I am still wrapping my head around how what I have just seen is even possible. Growing up reading comics I never thought I would see the day when something like Civil War with its massive character list could ever be put to film, let alone in such a faithful way. I’m sure by now you’ve heard the hyperbole. That this is “Marvel’s best film yet.” I am here to say that that statement is absolutely true, but also a bit out of context. The fact of the matter is that this truly IS the best Marvel film to date, but it’s partly because of what has come before. At the risk of sounding like a fanboy I have to point out that Marvel has done an amazing job re-building its characters and its universe in the film/television world. For the past 8 years since the release of the first Iron Man film Marvel Studios has had a long game plan that is now paying in dividends both financially and narratively. They, with very few exceptions, have hit the nail on the head with each character adaptation. Spoilers may follow, who can be sure anymore since I am in geek-out mode?

I have heard some criticism that this film is basically Avengers 3, but I disagree. At its core it’s very much a Captain America movie. Yes, there are many, many more characters involved, but they support a story that is primarily focused on Captain Rogers and the choices he has to make. Everyone involved in the film had the challenge of telling a story that wasn’t clumsily contrived or overstuffed. I’m still not sure how directors Anthony and Joe Russo and writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (whose high school years had to be rough) pulled it off. They not only pulled it off, but tigerupcutted the film outta the park/stadium/planet.

Of course most of the old guard are here and in fine form (Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, etc. etc.), but allow me a second to dote on the newcomers. First off Black Panther rules so much face! From his costume to his claws he is such a great addition to the Marvel cinematic universe and I am super excited to see his future solo film. Chadwick Boseman plays Prince T’Challa with such dignity, and respectability you can’t help but admire the guy. He makes you believe he truly is royalty!

Another newcomer is Spider-Man. I love Tom Holland as Peter Parker. Even with the limited screen time we get with our new Spider-Man I can undoubtedly say it’s the best cinematic take on the character to date! If there were any doubts before about all Marvel characters returning to the more-than capable hands of Marvel/Disney then Spider-Man in this film dispels it completely.

This film has dark undertones, but is balanced with many lighthearted and funny moments throughout. Overall it creates a fun but moving experience for the film-goer that many other studios have missed the mark on. To sum it all up, this movie makes me happy. From top to bottom it strikes all the right chords leaving very little for even the most cynical cynic to complain about (though I’m sure they’ll find something). I cannot wait to see this one again and again until my face melts with joy.