The patriotic Marvel has returned.
Once again played by Chris Evans, Captain America returns in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Whereas the previous one was a Big Budget Movie Serial directed by Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer), this is a modern day spy-thriller directed by the Russo Brothers ... best known for episodes of Community.
And yet it works.
Captain America, the product of World War II, has been adjusting OK to life in modern times. Except for the fact that spy-agency SHIELD has three new Helicarriers (flying Aircraft Carriers) set to launch. What worries Cap' is that the Helicarriers are there to shoot any "threat" from the sky. SHIELD thinks it'll save freedom that way; Cap' disagrees.
SHIELD director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is soon eliminated by a Spook called The Winter Soldier. A data-drive with sensitive Intel was the motive. Another SHIELD official, Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford), wants Cap' to hand it over. That doesn't happen, so Cap' and Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson) go on the run. What they find on the drive is a conspiracy dating back to the founding of SHIELD itself.
Naturally, knowledge of the prior Marvel movies is required. But fortunately, the plot brings the uninitiated up-to-speed. It even brings back past plot points, like Garry Shandling's annoying Senator character from Iron Man 2, and shows there's more to them than we thought. Even the Winter Soldier's true identity is a past plot point.
Those expecting super-heroics won't be disappointed. There's plenty of incredible action scenes in the story. Among the highlights include the opening rescue mission, the first attempt on Fury's life and the final battle. Cap' and Black Widow's successful evasion of SHIELD Agents in a shopping mall was both tense and funny.
Returning screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely give the characters much to do. You won't have any problem either liking them or hating them. Cap', Black Widow, and Fury make for a great screen trio. New character Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is a fun guy even before he gets a superhero ID, The Falcon. And Redford seems reasonable before we see how low he goes.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is among the best solo Marvel movies with Iron Man and Iron Man 3. It's a pre-Summer blockbuster with much to think about. Whether you see it in Flatscreen or 3D, you'll still get the same amazing adventure either way.
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