Captain America: The Winter Soldier Review

Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo

Starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson

9/10

Featuring everything from Algerian pirates to traitorous spies, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is another excellent instalment to the Marvel Cinematic series, and one with an ending that will have lasting consequences throughout the franchise.

Captain Steve Rogers is back, played impressively for a third time by Chris Evans, and is joined by the usual S.H.I.E.L.D parade of Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).  It is a different world for the super-human World War II veteran, and the film begins with Rogers questioning the morality behind S.H.I.E.L.D.  The one-eyed Fury attempts to reassure Rogers, although deep down he is also having doubts.  When an attempt on Fury’s life sends Rogers on the run, he is pursued by both S.H.I.E.L.D agents and the dangerous Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan).

The film runs at a new pace, both for the Captain America series and the Marvel films as a whole. At times it feels like a Tom Clancy-esque techno thriller, and the inclusion of veteran actor Robert Redford to the cast certainly adds to the thriller feel.  But this new pace is by no means sluggish, and culminates in breathtaking chase sequences and beautifully choreographed fist-fights.

The character of the Winter Soldier adds a new element of challenge to the Captain’s plight, and proves to be one of the most successful Marvel villains yet. Is he as successful as Loki from Thor and The Avengers? Perhaps not. However the film is very much geared for a sequel (currently due for release in 2016) and it is more than possible that he will continue to oppose the Captain in future instalments.

The final result is a face paced, intriguing adventure that will have fans on the edges of their seats right up until the final second. Captain America: The Winter Soldier sets a new standard for not only future Marvel films, but for the whole superhero genre.

Paul van Rens

Check out the trailer for Captain America: The Winter Soldier