Captain America: Civil War Review - 13 Non-Spoiler Reasons It's The Best Marvel Movie Ever

Robert Downey, Jr. has already treated Marvel fans to a handful of great performances as Tony Stark, but he is at his absolute best in Captain America: Civil War. The sarcasm and quick wit are still there to provide the laughs, but what separates this turn as Stark for Downey is the depth of the character's emotional journey in this film.

As one might imagine, Tony does not feel great about himself after accidentally unleashing Ultron on the world. He knows it's time for a change even though he once laughed off Senate hearings about his Iron Man armor. Fueled by guilt and the continuing evolution of his own sense of responsibility, Tony cannot help but feel like the Sokovia Accords are the next necessary step for The Avengers.

Tony does not make this decision lightly and he absolutely hates that it puts him and some of his teammates, especially Cap, on opposite sides. Downey is outstanding throughout, painting Tony's pain on his face and keeping Tony's sense of urgency in his voice. Tony does not want a fight, but he's ready to have one if that's what it takes.

Downey does an incredible balancing act in this performance, preserving Tony's charm while also taking the character to deeper and at times darker places than we've ever seen.