10 Spectacular Movies That Helped Redeem 2016

Contrary to popular opinion, 2016 has been a disappointing year for superhero movies. Batman V Superman established an unprecedented standard for awfulness; Suicide Squad was abysmal – proving the importance of editing in movies; Doctor Strange was equal parts innocuous and unmemorable, and X-Men: Apocalypse – despite some positives – was a tonal disaster.

That said, Captain America: Civil War was an exception, achieving a seemingly impossible task: balancing countless independent properties – each with its own heroes and secondary characters – somehow fashioning a compelling story around such a bloated premise. The action is comprehensive and dynamic, as well as completely self-indulgent, and the majority of the characters are given an adequate opportunity to shine.

Logically, this movie shouldn’t have succeeded, yet managed to achieve several impossibilities: reintroducing existing characters, establishing new stakes, acquainting audiences with new heroes and framing the action around an involving narrative.