Just came back from Civil War. Although it is on par with Winter Soldier quality-wise, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much, ironically, due to my investment in the characters and the universe. Here are my thoughts:
1) Story was good for the most part but the first half was slow and had way too many jump cuts to different geographical locations, which got grating after a while. I know that it was probably necessary to setup the conflict and the overarching plot, so it was a necessary evil.
2) Characters were handled respectfully and A-list actors like RDJ really had a chance to demonstrate their acting chops. Dialogue was superb and some of the scenes wouldn't feel out of place in a drama film.
3) Action was a great blend of practical stunts and very photo-realistic CGI. I heard that they brought the John Wick action directors on board for some of the scenes and it really shows. Each superhero got to use his/her abilities creatively and although some of the scenes (like the airport scene) featured so much action, non of it felt overstuffed or was hard to follow. Only complaint was the shaky cam in the opening fight scene. Really got to commend the Russo brothers for nailing the actions once again.
4) There was so much mood whiplash within the film. It goes from the standard light and funny Marvel fare (mostly Spider-man, Ant-man, and Vision) to grim and serious before you can say "go web". Things, unlike in Age of Ultron, actually felt at stake here, and the jokes and quips were used appropriately and NECESSARY to add levity to an otherwise dark story.
5) Last act of the story was an emotional rollercoaster for me. Even though the villain motive was extremely stupid (in my humble opinion) the acting by RDJ, Chris Evans, and Daniel Bruhl really sold it on an emotional level. I was more tense during the last act than I was during the extremely difficult database exam I took this morning. As pathetic as it sounds, some parts even made me tear up.
6) As with Winter Soldier, the story was far deeper than the standard Marvel movie fare. The key theme investigated in the movie was that of collateral damage and whether superheroes should be held responsible. They kinda touched on the same themes in Marvel Netflix and to a lesser extent, Age of Ultron, but they really drove it home in this one by putting human faces on it.
7) Spider-man and Black Panther were easily the best characters in the film. Really looking forward to the Black Panther film since Chadwick Boseman really has the gravitas and acting chops to play the part of the regal Wakandan king. Ryan Coogler will be directing the Black Panther movie and I loved both Creed and Fruitvale Station. The ending scene of the latter made me tear up.
8) I thought that this version of Zemo was actually a very effective villain. Didn't know what other reviewers were complaining about. He was nothing like the comic version but was in no way a lame and ineffectual one. His brief backstory added a lot of depth to him as a character.
9) This is not a movie you want to watch if you just want to relax (like from a test or something). It will be emotionally exhausting for you if you happen to love Marvel movies or characters. If you just watch the movie for the actions and quips (which there is an abundance of) then you'll probably have a good time.
I am probably gonna hold off re-watching the movie in theater because quite frankly I'm a bit shaken right now. Kudos to the Russo brothers for making me feel this way, I suppose.