Written By: Klancy
Any long time moviegoer knows this simple truth. There are movies that you walk away feeling good about and there are movies that you walk away feeling bad about. Then there are those that you just walk away in aw of. Captain America: The Winter Solider is one of those movies. To simply state that it is the best film in Marvel’s Second Phase would be grossing understating it. This is not just a solid superheroes movie, this is one of the strongest the genre has ever created. It may be too soon say whether or not it surpasses the Avengers, but if not it is a close second.
Starting off this is a very different film for Marvel, and is in many ways for most friendly for the audience who normally doesn't enjoy for your typical super hero film. While the elements are still present I would call this a political thriller first, and super hero film second. This opens up a completely new audience for the studio while not alienating the old one. Of course being a political thriller, it’s a hard movie to discuss without spoilers, and I don’t want to be that guy. But rest assured, this may be Marvel’s strongest script to date.
Chris Evans continues to remind everyone why he was perfect for the role of Captain America and Scarlett Johansson is still enjoyable as the Black Widow. Saying that Robert Redford is good in a movie seems rather pointless, as the man is a legend for a reason, and he brings a depth to his character that I was not expecting to see. Samuel L. Jackson once again returns Nick Fury, in easily he’s best appearance to date. This is the first time since the start of the MCU that we have had a chance to delve into his character, and adds layers to his character that have been missing in previous films.
Without a doubt the break out characters of this film are Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka the Falcon and the villainous Winter Solider. In the hands of lesser screen writers, Sam Wilson could have easily been a one note character, meant solely for comic relief, but that is not the case here. Sam comes across a fully fleshed out character, and his relationship with Steve Rogers feel genuine. This is a star making role Mackie, who I expect to see in a lot more projects in the near future. Also I would regret it if I didn’t mention this, but those wings he uses are easily the coolest thing since the original Iron Man suit. The Winter Solider meanwhile comes across as the single most menacing villain since the start of the Marvel universe. I’m super curious to see where they take his character in the future, because by the end you will be begging for more.
Rounding out the cast are Emily VanCamp as Agent 13 and Frank Grillo as Brock Rumlow. Both are given supporting roles, and do will in their roles while also setting up further development in future films.
This film was directed by the Russo Brothers, marking their first big budget action movie. Though to be honest, you will not be able to tell, as they take to it like old pros. This film boast some incredible action scenes that leave your jaw on the floor. Yes, there is some shaky cam, but it it’s also the best use of shaky cam since the original Bourne trilogy. The audience are still able to clearly see what is going, and the effect adds to chaos of the fights. Furthermore, the Russo Brothers are very smart in its use, using it just enough to get the effect without overstaying it’s welcome. If more directors had used this style of filming making as shown here nobody would ever had complain about it to begin with.
Rounding things out this film has an excellent score, possibly the best Marvel has ever had. The film may have a run time of over two hours, but it is so perfectly paced you won’t be able to tell. Is it a flawless film? No, there is no such thing as a perfect movie, but this one comes pretty darn close. Without a doubt Captain America: The Winter Solider is destined to become regarded in the same way Terminator 2 and Aliens are, as sequels which already have an extremely solid base, but took things to a level nobody was expecting. It is my pleasure to give this movie 5 Captain America Shields out of 5.
