Disclosure- I was invited by Disney to attend this all expense paid press trip but all opinions are 100% my own.

Captain America: Civil War is finally here in theaters! When I was in LA last month for the Captain America Event I had the opportunity to screen the film and I LOVED every minute of it. So much so that I went again last night to the first possible showing in my local theater. It was THAT good but I’ll get to that in a minute. Make sure to check out my interview posts with Chris Evans, Emily VanCamp, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen and Directors Anthony & Joe Russo to learn a little more behind the scenes exclusive details.

Keep your butt in your seat until the lights come on!!!!!

Before I even get into my review I wanted to make sure you see my important tip. This is a Marvel movie and as such, there are BONUS SCENES in the middle AND the end of the credits. These are usually sneak peek scenes that give you some insight into where the story will go in the next movie and more. I was shocked that last night when I saw the movie so many people got up as soon as the credits started. And then most of the ones that stayed for the first bonus scene got up and left before the second one. People, butt in your seat until the lights come on!!!!! 😉

Heroes or Vigilantes?

We know from many of the other Marvel movies that while the Avengers do a great deal of protecting people, there have often been lots of destruction and civilian injuries and deaths. The story of Captain America: Civil War centers around the world wanting the Avengers to sign the Sokovia Accords which would basically reign them in and force them to answer to a special UN panel.

THE TEAMS:

On one hand you have #TeamCap supported by Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), Ant-Man/Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), Hawkeye/Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), and Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). They believe that they should be able to make their own choices when it comes to using their powers, defeating evil, and protecting the world.

“The safest hands are still our own.” ~Captain America

And on the other side #TeamIronMan lead by Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Panther/T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), Vision (Paul Bettany), Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), and War Machine/James Rhodey (Don Cheadle) who think that the Avengers should be supervised to protect innocent lives.

“Staying together is more important than how we stay together.” ~Black Widow

I stand off firmly on #TeamIronMan but I feel for #TeamCap and understand where they are coming from, too. There isn’t a clear Right vs. Wrong here. You’ll probably relate to both sides and that’s exactly what the directors wanted to happen.

“The intent with the film was to hopefully when you’re done watching the movie you leave the theater and you argue with your family and friends about  it. We didn’t want to make a declarative statement one way or the other. We just want to represent both as accurately and emotionally as we could.”

ACTION:

There are incredible action scenes in the movie. Ones where you will be on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, and forgetting where you are. I HIGHLY suggest seeing it in 3D because it brings you even more into the action. I saw it both ways and while it’s AMAZING no matter what form you see it in, 3D is on another level.

Here’s a little peek at another action scene in the movie:

SPIDER-MAN

There is an EPIC airport scene with all 12 of the Super Heroes including newcomer Tom Holland as Spider-Man. He was everything you would want Spider-Man to be- boyish, quirky, strong, and funny. He provided great comic relief during especially intense scenes. I look forward to seeing Spider-Man again as he really was one of my favorite parts of this movie.

STRONG WOMEN- Great Movie For Fan Girls, too!

I have to say that my favorite scenes involve the ladies (Scarlett Johansson (“Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow”), Emily VanCamp (“Sharon Carter / Agent 13”), and Elizabeth Olsen (“Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch”) who really kick some butt in this movie. I love that this isn’t a guys only movie. It is totally a movie for FanGirls, too, and the strong female characters kick butt and empower women and young girls. And they look pretty amazing doing it. Don’t tell my husband but I think I have a little girl crush on Black Widow. 😉

FRIENDSHIP AND ROMANCE

No matter what side they are on, ultimately there are underlying friendships and deep love and respect for each other. They are a family but even families disagree and fight at times. Not only does this movie explore the characters on a deeper level but some of the characters’ relationships start forming on a deeper level, too. I don’t want to give any spoilers but there’s a kiss between two characters as well as the start of a definite emotional connection between two others. See, this movie has it all!

CHRIS EVANS aka CAPTAIN AMERICA (and his biceps) 

Do I even need to say more? Chris Evans told us he actually hurt his arm a little shooting this scene. I’m sure I’m not the only woman who would kiss his boo boo and make it better, right ladies?

ROBERT DOWNEY JR. aka IRON MAN

Seriously SWOONING over here for me. I’ve been a fan of Robert Downery Jr. since back in the 80’s. Yes, I’m that old. And there is a scene that will bring you right back to his younger days. But like a fine wine, I think Robert has gotten even more handsome with age. I saw him close up at the Captain America: Civil War red carpet premiere when he walked right by us.

So which side are you on?

“I’m trying to keep the Avengers from falling apart.” ~Tony Stark
“You did that when you signed.” ~Steve Rogers

Love the characters as much as I do, or any Disney or Marvel characters? Make sure to check out the Personalization Shop on the Disney Store website. They have a huge selection of items that you can personalize with your favorite character including your name or your child’s name. Disney generously gave us each a gift card to try out the Personalization Shop. I’ve needed a mousepad for a while so I decided to get myself a #TeamIronMan themed mousepad with our event hashtag on it. I also bought myself an Avengers towel but decided not to personalize it because I’d be sharing it with everyone in my family. They had everything from cups to watches to shirts to home decor, and lots more! It was so easy to create my mousepad and personalize it how I wanted with different fonts, colors, and so many other choices. I also grabbed a Captain America shirt and Captain America Tsum Tsum for my girls. As you can see I’m outnumbered as the rest of my house is #TeamCap but I am standing firm on #TeamIronMan

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Visit the official CAPTAIN AMERICA website here: http://marvel.com/captainamerica

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR is now playing in theatres everywhere!