“Civil War” (2024) Movie Review – A24’s Empty And Boring Blockbuster.

You know ’em. I know ’em. We all know ’em. At this point in time, A24 needs no further introduction in this modern industry. They, as a company, have fully paved their own innovative path to becoming one of the more renowned production/distribution companies out there. As A24 grows, their ambition becomes broader and more wide spread among different genres with this being no different. “Civil War” is their newest addition to the catalogue and is firmly the most expensive clocking in at around a $50 million budget. A24’s first blockbuster is here being led by director Alex Garland and starring the wonderful Kirsten Dunst. Does the fat check and star power translate to an exciting blockbuster? Not all the time apparently.

An Empty, Stop n’ Go Story

There is no denying that Alex Garland can be an authoritative auteur based on his work on “Ex Machina” which helped push the A24 bill early on. Here, he is a shell of himself as he is on the verge of saying something important, but it never gets to that point. “Civil War” possesses gruesome and horrific imagery that certainly can shock, but why is it showing it? I’m not even sure the filmmakers can properly answer that as they take you on a tram ride, road trip in this story. The subject matter is empty and dull as you are forced along with a group of unlikeable characters to root for. Perhaps you aren’t supposed to root for them as war is a muddled subject, but I mean you REALLY don’t like them. Kirsten Dunst is your protagonist in this war torn United States, but she never feels like it. She is driven yet dull as you come to never relate nor root for her. This goes for the rest of the cast (for the exception of the magnetic Stephen McKinley Henderson) as we truck along. War is tough subject matter as it is, but providing characters that aren’t likable makes it an absolute drag.

There are a few fantastic set pieces that will give you the action you yearn for though. Director Alex Garland really does flex his talent to induce anxiety and stress with his nuanced style at times. Especially the great Jesse Plemons scene. The ending is especially entertaining as it reminds me of Modern Warfare 2 (I’m being serious) in all its glory.

Hope You Learned Your Lesson, A24.

All in all, this was a disappointing entry for A24 and Alex Garland. It’s a dull feeling that the studio that specializes in innovative and creative freedom is dropping $50 million on a tram ride of ideas. There is nothing of substance coming from this loud film other than few brief bursts of excitement.

There is not very much else I can say other than I hope a lesson was learned here. Blockbusters can be great when you care about what they are supposed to be. This is not what they are supposed to be.

We need to fully realize the expensive, nothing that this movie is and move on. I was bored.

For more movie content, head over to Apollo HOU.

Watch Movies.