To read a spoiler filled review, click right here
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is directed by brothers
Anthony and Joe Russo. Starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L.
Jackson, Anthony Mackie, Robert Redford, Cobie Smulders, and The Winter Soldier
(spoiler free, remember?), we are brought back into the universe of Marvel
superheroes.
Captain America: The
Winter Soldier is a ride unlike the rest of the Marvel movies to date. Many
have compared The Winter Soldier to a
political thriller; however, I like to refer to it as a “political thriller on
Super Soldier Serum”. The action in this movie is incredible and engaging. From
hand-to-hand combat, to gun fights, to fighting in the sky, The Winter Soldier contains the most
realistic action that has (and probably can be) depicted in a Marvel movie. Although
there is certainly the dreaded shaky-cam during the fist-fights, it isn’t too
overwhelming so as to take you out of the film and wonder what you’re watching.
The Winter Soldier opens
with a scene that reminds one of the good-natured heart of Steve Rogers, and
throughout the film it does not let go of that. Amidst the action and drama,
the characters never lose touch of who they are and what they stand for. That’s
where this movie really excels: keeping true to the characters. Not once is
there a moment where I asked myself “why in the world would they do that?!”
The story does lend itself a bit of confusion, with some
aspects of it straying away from the tone of the rest of the movie. A certain
exposition scene in the middle of the film had me thinking “uh, what is this?”
However, the story does well getting right back on course, keeping the audience
invested and engaged, understanding the threat and what can happen if our hero
fails.
Our actors are all giving 100%, delivering believable,
realistic performances. Keep in mind there are no aliens or other dimension
characters here. Everyone is human, and the performances are kept human. Newcomers
Anthony Mackie (Falcon) and Robert Redford deliver solid performances, although
I think Redford outshined Mackie throughout the film (it IS Robert Redford,
though.)
The character of the Winter Soldier is exciting, menacing,
threating, and just a bad-ass! When he comes on screen, the film goes up a notch
in excitement, leaving one to want more Winter Soldier. As cool as he is,
though, he is not in the movie enough. My impression of the Winter Soldier
throughout the movie is that he is more of a weapon than a character/person.
You learn about his past, but with very minimal dialogue, the Winter Soldier
lacks substance.
Filled with exciting action, intriguing villains, well
written dialogue, likable characters, and top-notch effects, The Winter Soldier delivers on every
note.
I give Captain
America: The Winter Soldier 8.7/10 Señor thumbs up
This has been SeñorMovie, I'll see you at the theater!
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