Captain America... Admittedly one of my least
favorite super heroes. Pretty anti-patriotic isn't it? The villains in the
series are lacking and there are no real intriguing characters. I had
previously watched the first movie and found it alright but nothing special. I
am very picky when it comes to movies and I always bring out the critic side in
me. In this iteration of Captain America the directors were the Russo brothers
who were really only known for directing episodes of the show Community. Many
including myself thought this was a bold move but for the most part it was an
amazing move. Captain America: The Winter Soldier not only makes the first
movie look like a direct to dvd movie but also establishes it as one of the
best movies in the Marvel cinematic universe.
Directing
As a student who has a great knowledge of film
and how to direct, the Russo brothers were on top of their game. It is amazing
to see a pair of people who barely have experience in movies come together to
film something so great. The style shot was bold and the pacing made it all the
better. So much was crammed into the movie but it takes a certain kind of
director to tell their story and keep the pacing up. The camera work was not
shaky at all and the action scenes were filmed brilliantly.
Story
Although the movie followed very closely to the
source material it was a well written screenplay with the predicted action that
is usually guaranteed by Marvel that comes along with the witty side comments
that have made Marvel famous. What made the script so impressive is that it was
able to start Marvel’s official phase 2 by introducing Hydra- a secret
organization that has been in Shield the whole time.
VFX
As with every Marvel movie the special effects
are top notch. During the fight with Captain America and the Winter Soldier on board
the carrier the special effects were arguably the best they have ever been. The
fighting was well rehearsed and the sequence where the Winter Soldier uses his
knife is stunning.
Acting
Everyone is on top of their game in this sequel.
Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johannson are their usual amazing selves.
No one doubted that these established actors wouldn't give anything less than
their best. Anthony Mackie is a a new comer and he settles into the rotation
quite well. Unfortunately, he falls short in comparison to everyone else.
Sebastain Stan enters the playing field as the feared Winter Soldier. Similar
to Tom Hardy who played Bane in The Dark Knight Rises Sebastain compels so much
anger and emotion with just his eyes. The performance is compelling and
convincing.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier receives a 4 out of 5 stars.
★★★★☆
