“Captain America: Civil War” begins the next wave of Marvel movies with an action-packed superhero blockbuster. The film boasts a decidedly non-cartoonish plot and courage for exploring thought-provoking themes like mind control and deaths of innocent citizens.

This film shows that the Avengers’ must face the consequences of their actions, even if it includes saving the world. Past Marvel films lead up to the events that unfold and separate the Avengers, in the films from the New York attack in “The Avengers” (2012), to the heli-carriers falling on Washington in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014), to the Sokovia tragedy in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015).

No matter how many lives The Avengers saved in those events, they haven’t faced the collateral damage they’ve done to the families and innocent people who were in the crosshairs of the battle.

Now the government gives the team a system of accountability by creating the Sokovia Accords and have the heroes work for the government.

This is what splits the team into two teams, one led by Captain America with his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference. The others follow Iron Man’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

The Russo Brothers, the film’s directors, executed a well-done, more mature Marvel film with some humor, but enough to balance the distinct atmosphere the story settles on. The Russos are what Marvel needed to portray this dark comic story arc on the big screen and still have independence portraying alternatives to the story arc.

“Captain America: Civil War” will leave you in suspense as you delve deeper into Captain America’s struggle to keep his friend, Bucky Barnes safe and protect the Avengers from the government’s interfering. Of course, before the movie, everyone has already chosen their sides, Iron Man or Captain America, but you can’t help wanting to switch sides when you see both sides’ perspectives and why they made that decision.

By the end of this film, you see the value of friendship and what it means to stand by your own philosophy. “Civil War” has a great screenplay, executed by a stunning cast from Robert Downey Jr. to Chris Evans and Scarlett Johannson, filled with lots of action and even some emotional moments that will show you why The Russos were the perfect directors for this film.

If you live and breathe Marvel, this is one of MCU’s (Marvel Cinematic Universe) stronger offerings. If you overall love superhero blockbusters, then this is a definite recommendation and The Oarsman gives “Captain America: Civil War” a solid 9 out of 10.