Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L Jackson, Sebastian Stan, Hayley Atwell, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders and Robert Redford.
Director: Anthony Russo / Joe Russo
Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
I remember watching Captain America: The First Avenger back in 2011 and I was quite pleased with the way that Chris Evans interpreted the character and couldn't wait to see the sequel. In the meantime we were treated to Steve Rogers appearance in Avengers Assemble (2012) when righteous Captain America took charge of the situation in New York to thwart the alien invasion led by Thor's wicked brother Loki. But believe me; the wait for the return of Captain America is well worth it. The battle of New York is referenced in Thor: The Dark World (2013) as it is in TV's Marvel: Agents of SHIELD (where agent Phil Coulson is Alive & Kicking) and continues to be a talking point in The Winter Soldier.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier opens with a bang and continues to deliver pretty much throughout the movie. There has been a breach of security in SHIELD and Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) needs the help of Captain America / Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) along with Black Widow / Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and newcomer The Falcon / Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). There is also an added danger in the guise of a new foe, an assassin known as The Winter Soldier and Captain America is on his hit list.
That’s really all I’m prepared to say about the plot without giving too much away. But I can tell you that the film is all action. The set pieces are expertly put together with precision and the fight sequences are seamless. However, these scenes are well balanced with some great humour with witty one liners and wise cracks which is becoming a regular trade mark with the Marvel movies. It’s also good to see Nick Fury kick some ass for a change particularly in an automobile ambush scene.
Disney / Marvel have also played a trump card here by persuading Hollywood legend Robert Redford to step us as the top dog at SHIELD headquarters. This is probably one of the most commercial movies that he has been involved with for a long time and he certainly brings some gravitas to the role.
Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff AKA Black Widow has more chemistry with Steve Rogers in this film and there is plenty of flirting going on but can she melt that goody-two shoes ex-GI who still carries his moral values from the 1940’s? The introduction of The Falcon is a nice touch, a Superhero without any super powers but has secret skills as per Hawkeye in Avengers Assemble. Good to see Cobie Smulders (apparently she does) back in black as Agent Maria Hill but alas no Agent Coulson.
This is without doubt one of the best films I have seen in a very long time. This might make me appear a bit shallow particularly with some of the class act films that recent won Bafta’s and Oscar’s. But I have to say that in my opinion this is what movies are all about. Entertainment with a capital E!
Brilliant! Five out of Five stars.
In cinemas 26th March 2014
Certificate 12A
Running time: 136 minutes
A date to put in your diary: 1st May 2015 for Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, James Spader, Cobie Smulders, Robert Downey Jr, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L Jackson, Anthony Mackie (rumoured), Don Cheadle and Paul Bettany.
Director: Joss Whedon
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