The emergence of spring always coincides with the box office bloom of action films. First on the agenda is Marvel’s ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier.’
Audiences were introduced to Chris Evans as Steve Rogers (a.k.a. Captain America) in 2011 with ‘Captain America: The First Avenger,’ which told the origins of Captain America. If you didn’t see the first movie or have forgotten it, the only detail to remember is that Captain America was ‘iced’ for 70 years. He is a man of the 40s, living in the modern world when we are introduced to him again in ‘The Winter Soldier.’
Evans has the perfect look for this role. Carole Mallory, writer for Huffingtonpost, said it perfectly in her review, when she wrote ‘Chris Evans…has an innocence that should be patented….he has a kind of lost look that is rare in film today.’ This ‘lost look’ is reminiscent of old movie stars and works brilliantly with his character’s struggle with modern day ways.
Joining him on screen is Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff (a.k.a. Black Widow). Although Johansson has admitted in interviews that she was never much of a comic book fan, her natural, sultry voice and sideways smile make it seem as though she’s been practicing her Romanoff for years.
The two—Rogers & Romanoff walk the fence between best buddies or something more through the entire film, but the romance is played subtly enough that it never overshadows the action packed plot line.
The duo also work with Anthony Mackie, who plays Sam Wilson (a.k.a. Falcon), a war veteran who sports some serious wings (see right). Wilson is a down-to-earth guy, who just happens to be able to fight and operate these army issued wings.
The three are battling HYDRA, a group of baddies who have created a program to eliminate those who would resist them. This program was made to preemptively kill millions of people.
Speaking of bad guys, this installment of ‘Captain America’ introduces a new villain—“The Winter Soldier,” a villain so bad some don’t even believe he exists. Played by Sebastian Stan, “The Winter Soldier” was once just a man, but has been brain washed and programmed to be a ruthless assassin. “The Winter Soldier” doesn’t say much, instead, he is as his name implies—cold. Wearing a mask that covers the bottom half of his face, Stan had to project all his emotions through his eyes. He does an excellent job of emoting evil.
Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo, ‘Winter Soldier’ is chock full of thrilling (and well choreographed) fight scenes and car chases, allowing the directors to take advantage of some nifty camera angles that add a special detail to the film.
Also starring in the film is Samuel L. Jackson, back as Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. (the agency all the superheroes work for) and Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce, an old friend of Fury’s and a member of the World Council.
In many ways ‘Winter Soldier’ is better than the first movie. However, at 2 ½ hours long, it seems too long, which seems to be a common denominator with many of the Marvel inspired movies. With that said, there are enough twists and turns in ‘Winter Soldier’ to keep you entertained.
Stay after the movie for a sneak peek at the next ‘Captain America’ flick
