“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” – 4.5 out of 5 stars – Decked out in my normal black Marvel shirt and Marvel Vans, I enthusiastically went to see the next installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” I was at San Diego Comic Con in 2012 when this film was announced to be the sequel to “Captain America: The First Avenger.” I remember the crowd erupting in cheers and high-fiving the random guy I met in line for Hall H (the place where the Marvel Studios panel was being held). While never being a huge fan of Captain America, I did read this important storyline in the comics soon after it was released. This was a storyline that helped Cap become an A-List character again thanks to the amazing writing of Ed Brubaker, so it’s only logical that I was excited about it being adapted for the big screen especially with Marvel’s great cinematic track record. I am happy to state that this film is everything that one would hope it to be and more. This is not only a great comic book adaptation, but also a great film and another win for Marvel Studios. Like its fellow two films in Marvel’s Phase 2, “Iron Man 3” and “Thor: The Dark World,” this film ups the ante from its prequel and creates a sense of danger that almost rivals what happened in “The Avengers.” These facts kept me glued to the screen and had me completely engrossed in what was going on, my infamous “ass factor” (i.e. when a film or TV series doesn’t grab you and your ass starts to hurt) never really taking effect. This is partly thanks to the Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe, who are at the top of their game directing a political, action thriller that I would never have seen two comedy directors doing (known for such TV series as “Arrested Development,” “Community,” and the film “You, Me and Dupree”). Yes, this is a political, action thriller with a comic book backdrop, like I said before this is a great film which really gives the audience a lot to look at and love. The action in “The Winter Soldier” is top notch, taking hints from some of the best action films of the last decade or two. The acting is what audiences have come to expect from Marvel films, not necessarily Oscar award caliber but very good nonetheless and some of the best from this cinematic universe. More things I liked include the tying up of a loose end or two (no spoilers here, sorry) and the great blending of new and previously established characters. One begins to wonder after hearing rumblings of these kinds of things if they can be pulled off properly, but this film brilliantly executes the blending and adding of new characters. Oh and keep your ears and eyes open for ALL THE MARVEL REFERENCES! The one thing that I hated that I have to bring up even though it has nothing to do with the film itself is the crappy advertising. Seriously Marvel?! Giving away the identity of the Winter Soldier in the trailers is mind-blowingly stupid especially when the film treats it as a huge surprise! Yes, the comics have been around since 2005, but for God’s sake don’t spoil it for the non-comic readers seeing the film. Anyway, I am more than happy to say that this is on my list of the Top 3 Marvel Cinematic Universe films (the first two being “The Avengers” and “Iron Man,” respectively). As with every Marvel Studios film DO NOT leave before the credits have ended, there are two post-film scenes (one of them directed by Joss Whedon, so that should be hint enough at what it will entail). As if my review doesn’t say it loudly enough, let me bluntly state that you need to definitely fit “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” into your schedule this weekend or as soon as possible. #CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier #CaptainAmerica #Marvel #MarvelStudios #MarvelCinematicUniverse #MarvelComics #JoeRusso #AnthonyRusso #ChrisEvans #FilmReview #FilmsReviews #RobsReviews
Posted on: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 06:52:09 +0000
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