Civil War (2024)
Civil War is a movie that has a premise that calls for it to have something to say. Unfortunately, the problem with Civil War is that it has nothing interesting to say. The movie is not subtle, it’s evocative and thought provoking, but by the time the credits roll, it is nothing but empty. This is a problem created by Alex Garland's script that plays things safe and wants to upset no one.
Civil War has a lot of people talking at people and giving exposition. What it doesn't have are well developed characters that I cared for.
The one thing that it does to well is that it does not glorify violence, rather portrays it as senseless, horrific and unheroic.
The craftsmanship in this film is superb. The imagery is captivating, gruesome and grim.
Kudos to the sound department that got the sound of the gattling gun on the Apache correct.
Jesse Plemons, as he is in all his films, is the best part of Civil War as a seriously broken human who derives his pleasure from the suffering of others. Plemons screentime is impactful and very memorable -- and I am sure his scene in trailers sold more tickets than anything else. His portion of this movie is the standout part of the film.
What was the point of the character Joel (Aagner Moira) except to be at the end of the film doing one thing? For the whole rest of the film, he is supposed to be a journalist, but he just seems like a dude who’s along for the ride. He runs around looking and watching, but never takes any notes. He talks with people and again doesn't take notes. Joel please stop failing up.
Civil War is vapid depression porn.
Rated 4 out of 10.