As the
summer blockbuster season draws nearer and nearer, we have those spring
releases that try to get the big cash in, right before the big ones start to
take in the cake as soon as May comes around. And in that run, Marvel has
decided to take in on the task of raking in some dough, by releasing their
newest film, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” But before we get to that,
let’s talk about the first film.
In the
times of World War II, Steve Rogers wants to join up to serve and protect his
country. The only problem is, he’s a complete weakling with asthma, so he’s
turned down time and time again. After finally being recruited by a doctor for
testing, he’s given a super serum that gives him super human strength, under
the name, Captain America. At first, it’s just a promotional act for others to
join the army, but when Steve puts his skills to the test, he manages to lead
the people to victor against HYDRA, the Nazi science division, lead by the Red
Skull. Why? Because he’s from ‘MURICA, bitches!
“Captain
America: The First Avenger” was the first film of “The Avengers” series
that I loved since “Iron Man,” and is still my favorite of “Avengers: Phase 1,”
because it had qualities that clicked in best with me. While it wasn’t as
spectacular as it could have been, it was still a very exciting film, showing
Chris Evans can play a stern leading man, after playing the Human Torch in “Fantastic
Four.” It was so good, I actually bought on Blu-ray, being one of the first
films I bought on that format.
Now
that brings us to “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” After the events of “The
Avengers,” Steve Rogers has been doing his best to catch up on many things, all
while taking on mission assignments from S.H.I.E.L.D. After one mission
involves saving hostages and recovering data info, Rogers believes there may be
something he hasn’t been informed about, as S.H.I.E.L.D. becomes compromised
after the encounter of the Winter Soldier. Now it’s up Rogers to clear his
name, and find out who’s behind this and the mystery behind the Winter Soldier.
Now here’s
the big question you’re probably ask-oh screw it, I FRIGGIN’ LOVED THIS MOVIE!
No suspense here, this was a very enjoyable film! Just about
everything in this film was so damn exciting to watch, from start to finish.
It has good humor, it has kick-ass action, it has a great story, and it keeps
your attention at full force, without a moment of it getting too boring or disinteresting.
The fact that this film came out on my birthday was an even bigger treat, as if
Marvel decided to give me, and others who were born on that day, a surprise
treat.
Chris
Evans returns as Steve Rogers, and he still does a magnificent job. His
performance in this film is a great step up from his previous appearances in
the first film and “The Avengers.” We see more of his interactions with the
modern world, and just how he’s been able to get used to it within the time he’s
been here. Evans has really stepped up his game, and has become one of my
favorite actors after his previous performances. He IS Captain America! It’s
going to be kind of sad, when he retires from the acting job, but it does give
me interest on how well his directing will turn out. We also see the return of
Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, and
Samuel L. “Bad Mother Fucker” Jackson as Nick Fury, who also contribute well to
the film, more so than when Jackson and Johansson were in “Iron Man 2.” They
play major parts in the story, and they manage to help push it much further,
showcasing many twists and turns in all places.
One of
the newest additions here is Sam Wilson, aka the Falcon, played by Anthony
Mackie. Mackie really managed to make this character very likable, by
showcasing his sense of humor and how to get a job done when the time is right.
It’s definitely a step up from how they did Falcon in the “Avengers Assemble”
cartoon, which was just a stupid toy commercial (which by the way…Disney,
please bring back “Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”). Robert Redford also
joins the cast, playing Alexander Pierce, a senior leader within S.H.I.E.L.D,
and he does a magnificent job. His character manages to pay tribute to some of
his work in the 1970’s, like “Three Days to Condor.” And why wouldn’t he give a
good performance here? It’s Robert Redford, one of the greatest actors working
today and of all time!
Then
there’s the Winter Soldier himself, who is an incredible force of nature. He’s ruthless,
he’s powerful, he’s mysterious, he’s taking names, and he’s kicking ass. While
people complained there wasn’t enough of him to call this film, “The Winter
Soldier,” I was okay with it. I mean, people said the same thing about Tim
Burton’s “Batman,” but it was still awesome regardless. Maybe this film should
have been called “Captain America: Fuck Yeah!” but what can you do.
Screenwriters,
Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, return from the first film and “Thor: The
Dark World” to write this film, but this time around have a new director
controlling here. Anthony and Joe Russo, who are best known for directing
episodes of “Arrested Development” and “Community,” take helm with this film,
as the action scenes are greatly done, with some kick-ass features to look at.
Only gripe I do have is some of the shaky cam, but it didn’t bother me as much
as it could have. It does make up for it, by showing us that Captain America’s
shield is one of the coolest weapon of the Marvel Universe. Iron Man’s suit, Thor’s
hammer, Hawkeye’s bow and arrow, they pale in comparison to Cap’s shield, as
seen in this film. Nothing left to say, except “I want that friggin’ shield!”
Overall,
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is so far my favorite of the “Avengers”
series, my favorite film of the year,
and I can’t wait for it to come out on Blu-ray. It proves once again, that “Iron
Man” is still the only one to have weak sequels. And it looks like it’ll be in fierce
competition with “Amazing Spiderman 2,” “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Guardians
of the Galaxy,” and “Big Hero 6,” for which one will be my favorite Marvel film
of the year.
Rating: 10/10
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