Marvel Studios do not disappoint in their treatment of Captain America: Civil War, one of the most controversial storylines in the Marvel universe.

The third Captain America movie rivals the Avengers series in its ensemble cast, including big names from the comics who make their debut appearance in this film. One of the most highly anticipated being, of course, Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), whose five seconds in the trailer left the internet in a frenzy. Another new arrival is T'Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) who is involved in the conflict for his own personal reasons, unlike Spidey who was recruited by Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr).

The conflict between Stark and Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) forms the centrepiece of the film. Due to incidents from the last two Avengers films, where the Avengers' missions in New York City and Sokovia have led to civilian casualties, a proposal is drawn to require the Avengers to operate under the authority and supervision of the United Nations or be forced to retire. From this, battle lines are drawn and sides taken.

Iron Man and Captain America choose opposite sides (ironically, with rebellious Stark for UN supervision and rule-loving Cap against it) and the conflict comes to a head when Cap's friend, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), is wanted for attacking the UN. Captain America refuses to stand by and watch him be taken, which is when events spiral out of control. If you guessed Hydra is behind all this, you’d be only half right. There is, in fact, a far more human motive behind it all.

Even more than the epic scale of this cinematic spectacle, the conflict between friends, duty, revenge, freedom and love are the most appealling and relatable aspects of this film. Unlike Age of Ultron, this doesn’t feel rushed. Characters are given enough screentime for the audience to see and understand their motives and reasoning, and directors Joe and Anthony Russo include enough humour to relieve the tension of an otherwise heavy plot.

In keeping with Marvel standards, special effects are stunning and the choreography of scenes gorgeous. Overall, from a great plot to amazing characters, this film sets a new bar for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Captain America: Civil War is well-scripted and full of impeccable acting from the cast. The final confrontation and its build-up is as good as one can expect. And the turmoil and break between Iron Man and Captain America are most evident in the succint dialogue that anchors the film:

"Sorry, Tony. You know I wouldn't do this if I had any other choice. But Bucky’s my friend."

“So was I.”

Contains violence and occasional strong language