Monday, April 14, 2014

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)


Sure, this film had a couple of story issues, but what film doesn't? It is the most solid, most thrilling, and most overall well-made film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Anthony and Joe Russo took the Marvel formula, and flipped it to create a spy thriller with great action sequences (including my new favorite car chase), and a stellar script that is a little transparent, but ultimately tense and funny. They were given a great leading cast, which they used to full advantage; not wasting a single talent on screen like a few others in the franchise have managed to do.

Chris Evans is utterly charming as Steve Rodgers (Captain America), he displays a idealistic innocence, even after surviving WWII and the "Battle of New York" from "The Avengers", that makes you instantly like him, and want to root for him at every turn. Samuel L. Jackson took his Nick Fury to a whole new level of badass, and Scarlett Johansson keeps making Black Widow one of the most well-rounded and intriguing characters in this universe. The addition of Anthony Mackie as the Falcon was very welcome. He has been the only interesting comic relief in the three Phase II films (the kid in "Iron Man 3" and Kat Dennings in "Thor 2" were unbearable).  The Russo Brothers even snagged a great performance out of Robert Redford, who is playing Nick Fury's mentor, and head of the World Security Council, Alexander Pierce. And any time I see Cobie Smulders on screen, I instantly melt... so, there is that. Did I mention this is my new favorite Marvel film?

Grade: A
3D: Meh. Not worth it.
Easter Egg: Two seems to be the new norm for Marvel Studios


Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie
Director: Anthony and Joe Russo
Writer(s): Christopher Markus & Stephan McFeely - Story - Ed Brubaker
RT: 136 min
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, gunplay and action throughout

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