The trailers for Alex Garland's Civil War seem to indicate a film about a divided, war-torn America in which some states are succeeding and others are abstaining. Unfortunately--if you enjoy movies with a strong plot--such notions are almost immediately discarded in favor of a generic "on the road" story about journalists.
For a very basic overview, Civil War focuses on a quartet of war journalists: the burnt-out Lee (Kirsten Dunst), the action-hound Joel (Wagner Moura), the old veteran Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), and fresh-faced youngster Jessie (Cailee Spaeny). While trying to get to Washington D. C. to interview the President (Nick Offerman) before he is forced out of power, they are treated to a glimpse of war-torn America in which a California/Texas military alliance is wreaking havoc across the land.
At base or face value, Civil War harbors are incredible hook (especially in light of recent-years political events). But instead of expanding on that hook, writer/director Garland uses it as setting only. So, lovers of largely plot-based cinema are going to have a hard time reconciling their thoughts upon seeing the trailer with what is actually presented.
Granted, one could say the same thing about Cloverfield or Independence Day--no "why's" given. But at least in those flicks viewers are treated to a cool monster or Will Smith punching out an alien. Here in Civil War, amidst this wonderful concept, is a relatively unassuming and inspiring tale of war journalism. In short: I never felt much towards the leads and that's a death knell for a film structured like Civil War is.
A few stray highlights: the sound design/effects--such as the bullet blasts--are some of the best I've ever heard in Dolby Atmos. Some of the action scenes are tense and it features some solid production value on the disaster set pieces. That's why I can at least give it a "disappointing but not terrible" 4 stars.
Overall, though, Civil War left me pretty severely wanting due to its disinterest in any context and then lack of creating engrossing characters.
For a very basic overview, Civil War focuses on a quartet of war journalists: the burnt-out Lee (Kirsten Dunst), the action-hound Joel (Wagner Moura), the old veteran Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), and fresh-faced youngster Jessie (Cailee Spaeny). While trying to get to Washington D. C. to interview the President (Nick Offerman) before he is forced out of power, they are treated to a glimpse of war-torn America in which a California/Texas military alliance is wreaking havoc across the land.
At base or face value, Civil War harbors are incredible hook (especially in light of recent-years political events). But instead of expanding on that hook, writer/director Garland uses it as setting only. So, lovers of largely plot-based cinema are going to have a hard time reconciling their thoughts upon seeing the trailer with what is actually presented.
Granted, one could say the same thing about Cloverfield or Independence Day--no "why's" given. But at least in those flicks viewers are treated to a cool monster or Will Smith punching out an alien. Here in Civil War, amidst this wonderful concept, is a relatively unassuming and inspiring tale of war journalism. In short: I never felt much towards the leads and that's a death knell for a film structured like Civil War is.
A few stray highlights: the sound design/effects--such as the bullet blasts--are some of the best I've ever heard in Dolby Atmos. Some of the action scenes are tense and it features some solid production value on the disaster set pieces. That's why I can at least give it a "disappointing but not terrible" 4 stars.
Overall, though, Civil War left me pretty severely wanting due to its disinterest in any context and then lack of creating engrossing characters.