Captain
America: The Winter Soldier
A
review
April
4, 2014
Viewed
April 3, 2014
There
is a moment late in the fantastic fun that is this sweeping and epic sequel a continuation
of the story of Steve Rogers, aka Captain America when he is forced into a
choice. The choice defines him in the
moment as have the choices he has made over the course of the film, and the
franchise that Marvel has created since they began their perch on top of the
comic book world. In a lesser film the
choice would have challenged audiences to take sides over his decision, but as
characterized by actor and script, we already know his choice before he takes
it, and we cheer him.
This
sequel follows nearly two years after The
Avengers, and picks up Steve Rogers as serving his country as a SHEILD agent
and one of its greatest assets, but a dark secret is going to come to light as
he fights for his survival and is confronted with his past.
The
directors, brothers Anthony and Joe Russo have provided audiences with a nearly
breathtaking spectacle that is full of exciting moments, while maintaining a
unique vision, a spy story interwoven within a universe of the fantastic. It was a wise choice to focus this sequel
on characters, and the film soars most when it slows down and lets the characters
talk as people, and less as heroes.
It would have been easy to simply depend on CGI, and let the fantastic
take over, but what sets this franchise apart is that Steve is flesh and blood
and his character can show pain. This
is especially noticeable in how the screenwriters, Christopher Markus and
Stephen McFeely have the characters address one another, by first name, and not
by super moniker.
Returning
to his role as Captain America, Chris Evans once again provides a character
worth investing in with a sharp turn.
His fellow Avenger, Scarlett
Johansson as Natasha, continues to explore the shadings of this character. Samuel L. Jackson has some great moments
this time as Nick Fury. As the Winter
Soldier, Sebastian Stan is underwritten and needed more scenes, the movie’s
only discernable flaw is the back story element that drives the story
further. Robert Redford’s role turned
out to be more than the cameo that it seemed to be and he looks to be having a
blast. Anthony Mackie who plays Sam/The
Falcon is one of the most welcome additions to the Marvel universe in some
time, and Mr. Mackie was the perfect choice for this role.
The
film begins and ends with Steve and Sam together, one scene that is deeply
comical in its intent, and one scene darkly foreboding. The two men born decades apart have formed
a bond, and they are moving forward in this harsh and dangerous world they must
call home, bound by a code of honor they do not forsake.
Tommy
Key
Rated PG-13(Intense sequences of violence,
gunplay and action throughout)
