D: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo.
W: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely.
S: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo.
The Marvel superhero Captain America returns to the big screen in the sequel to the 2011 blockbuster. This time around the Captain must not only battle the mysterious and brutal Winter Soldier, but he may also have to fight and change his ideals in order to stop this ongoing threat that goes far deeper than he thinks.
When it comes to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe they've always been able to deliver an at least entertaining thrill ride, and the first Captain America did exactly that. It was a fun period piece that did a great job introducing the character and the ‘universe’ he comes from. By the way, I do want to see a movie made about the Howling Commandos, which would be amazing. When I saw the trailer for The Winter Soldier I wasn’t exactly sure what to think of it. Upon watching it I can now say that this maybe one of my favorites of these Marvel films, right up there with The Avengers and Iron Man 3.
The biggest strength of this film is that this film actually takes advantage of the fact that the main character is in a completely different time period. Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans again) is no longer in the era of, “Each bond you buy is a bullet in the barrel of your best guy’s gun!” This is day in age of “don’t trust anyone.” Rogers starts to question his organization he worked for. He isn’t sure if he can even thrust his co-Avengers, Nick Fury and Black Widow (played again respectfully by Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johansson). The trust issues even go as far as the American Government, which is represented by the Senior Leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford).
Another strength of the film is that, along with Iron Man 3, the hero begins to suffer guilt and PTSD in a way. He wishes he could’ve been there for his men and feels guilty for putting his former sweetheart Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) through so much emotional sadness. Rogers draws a comfort and connection through a fellow veteran named Sam Wilson who is also suffering from PTSD and survivor’s guilt played by Anthony Mackie, who becomes a great help to Rogers in more ways than one. There’s a lot more to this, but if I was to reveal more it would ruin and spoil some parts of the film. In the film they reference the Marvin Gaye song “Trouble Man” early on in the film between a conversation between Rogers and Wilson. This represents the guilt theme and serves as a common ground in social way for Rogers and Wilson to start their friendship.
But this film isn't all serious, this film also has so many great action sequences. This is a big reason why I enjoy the Marvel films. They do try to create these stories and give serious thought to them, but they also know these films are supposed to be fun and exciting, and this film delivers more than its fair share of awesome action scenes. Of course there are little references and set ups for upcoming Marvel films. The only negative things I can say is that the plot can get a little to convoluting.
So as if you couldn't tell I can’t recommend this film enough. If you haven’t seen this film rush as soon as you can.
This review was also published in Wright State University's Newspaper The Guardian
http://www.theguardianonline.com/paper-pdf/ (page 7).
