Often, what you see on a screen when it comes to Hollywood blockbusters is not at all what the initial footage looked like. Whether it’s CGI, practical effects, models, costumes, make-up or any of the other numerous tactics employed to create movie magic, the finished product is almost always enhanced in some manner, especially when it comes to big budget films.
Thankfully, nearly every major blockbuster has its production recorded and documented by photographers and over the years, some truly incredible, exciting and often hilarious behind the scenes photos have made their way online. And so, on that note, join us today as we settle into another edition of our weekly column, where we’ll be exploring Captain America: Civil War, one of Marvel’s finest efforts to date and an absolute triumph in every sense of the word.
Thirteen films in and the studio pulled off the impossible with this eminently re-watchable landmark. The threequel – which marks the return of Captain America: The Winter Soldier directors Joe and Anthony Russo – delivers an energetic, thoughtful adaptation of the titular Mark Millar/Steve McNiven comic book.
Pitting Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) against each other and dividing the Avengers, the film left audiences the world over debating which superhero was in the right (“Team Cap!” “Team Iron Man!”). Moreover, it managed to usher both Black Panther and Spider-Man into the MCU in one fell swoop through memorable performances by Chadwick Boseman and Tom Holland, respectively.
That epic airport smackdown has already been christened as a classic, but what truly makes Captain America: Civil War so memorable (and one of the best MCU movies of all-time) is the way in which it subverts the character dynamics and tantalizes us with the possibility of what the future may hold. With that in mind, fans can rest easy knowing that the Russos are on directing duties for both Avengers: Infinity War and its currently untitled sequel, both of which we imagine will be just as memorable as Cap’s impressive threequel.