Captain America: The Winter Soldier [2014]
Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo (post-credit scene directed by Joss Whedon)
Written by: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely; concept and story by Ed Brubaker; based on the comic book by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby
Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp, Sebastian Stan, Cobie Smulders
Cap is my favorite Marvel superhero and I’m one of the few who loved his first trip to the cinema (I just found out there was a 1990 version but it looks absolutely awful so I’m going to ignore it), so I was naturally anxious for a sequel.
The studio has had its share of recent misfires (The Avengers) and winners (Iron Man 3), and I wondered where exactly on that scale would Winter Soldier land. I’m so happy that it’s on the positive side of that spectrum.
While it’s not as emotionally stimulating and it loses the period piece appeal the first film had going on, the action in this sequel is the best we’ve seen so far from Marvel and it’s more than enough to satiate this fanboy’s geeky needs.
CA:TWS features a solid cast, where Robert Redford stands out and Chris Evans keeps selling his earnest Steven Rogers without a shred of irony. Bonus points to the Russo brothers for that cool cool cool cameo (if you know what I mean).
Make sure to stay for not one, but two post-credits scenes.
You’re right to avoid that initial film of Cap. It’s horrid. I’m opposite of you, though. I enjoyed The Avengers and felt disappointment with Iron Man 3. But, I’m really, really looking forward to this film. Thanks, Fernando.
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I knew it! Thanks, Mike. And yeah, I know I’m in the minority, but I couldn’t stand Avengers and absolutely loved IM3. Hope you enjoy Winter Soldier!
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More nice words for a flick I have a lot of hope for, given my rather lackluster feelings towards Marvel lately. Sounds exciting!
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Yeah, same here. I was incredibly disappointed with Avengers, believed again with IM3 but was bored by the lackluster Thor:TDW. This one is pretty damn fun!
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That is an awesome poster, Fernando, great find!!
Y’know, after seeing two movies, now Cap is my favorite Marvel superhero too. Chris Evans is even better in this one, I’d be sad when his contract is done. I actually think the period piece appeal of the first film is now replaced w/ the 70s espionage thriller that somehow feels quite timely w/ the whole Big Brother Government theme.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, perhaps my fave of the year so far!
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Thanks. Very pretty, huh? And simple.
Glad you like the Cap as well. Evans was so good; very talented guy, on top of being impossibly good-looking. Ugh, I hate him! haha
I also liked the 70’s thriller vibe, but I prefered the first film’s retro feel, which was I liked about that one the most.
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Ahah yeah, Evans is really good looking in person too. Funny that now I have a crush on him but when I saw him at Comic Con I wasn’t a huge fan yet but he was very friendly and he seemed shy then. I think he gained more confidence in real life (in interviews) and also as an actor.
I do love the retro feel of the first film, that’s part of the charm, but the sequel does have a lot to love as well.
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Yes, he’s been getting better and better and certainly growing as an actor.
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Indeed! I’m curious to see his directorial debut too. If only he had a different lead in it tho, Alice Eve is not a particularly strong actress.
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I hadn’t heard he was making his directorial debut but just looked it up on IMDb. What I’ve been hearing, though, is that he’s retiring from acting.
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I blogged about it a while back, before all the rumors swirling about him retiring from acting. He just said on ABC morning show that it was just a rumor, he’s not given up acting yet, just want to focus more on directing.
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That’s very good to know.
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Can’t wait to see this on Thursday!! Awesome post. Fernando :).
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Thanks, Joe. Hope you enjoy the film. The action is so exciting!
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I didn’t love this as much as you but you’re right about the action, the stuff with the Winter Soldier is great
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Thanks, Mikey! Yep, definitely looked forward to his appearances. The scenes he was in were exhilarating.
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Really glad you liked it mate, I’m hopefully seeing it this week and very much looking forward to it!
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Hope you enjoy it as much as I did (or more!) Fantastic action.
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Fully on board with you. Nice review and that’s a great poster!
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Glad to hear. And yes, awesome fan art right there!
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Interesting. I haven’t seen the first one, but at some point, I do plan on catching up on literally everything from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I believe I have the first two Captain Americas, Iron Man 2, Thor 2, and maybe one or two others to watch.
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Well, I’m a fan of Cap, so I’d urge to check out his films.
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I enjoyed the first Captain America a lot too, so nice to see this matched it in overall quality. Great review!
P.S. I LOVE how you refer to The Avengers as a recent misfire. So cheeky! LOL 😉
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Thanks, Mark! And I’m not trying to be subversive but you know how I did not like that one!
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nyc
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Chris Evans is one of my Ultimate Fantasy Boyfriends (second only to Jake G.) so it pains me to say I was disappointed in the first Captain America film. To me, it was the least interesting of all of the pre-Avengers films, including even Thor (I know, that’s gotta be bad). Which is not to say that Evans can’t pull off a serious role, because I was mesmerised by him in Sunshine and he did a good job in Puncture. Having said that, I will definitely give the Cap sequel a go, because I’m on this Avengers bandwagon and ain’t nothin’ gonna stop me from understanding ALL the references. Interestingly I think Evans did a great job in those Fantastic Four films – which I know are widely regarded as the most inferior of the comic book adaptations. Still, it’s possible to have a very entertaining character in an otherwise silly movie.
“Where are you ears?” *laughs quietly to self*
Thanks for the tip about the credit scenes. I always forget about those. 🙂
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You’re welcome. I hate when I forget and then read about them online, when it’s too late.
I think everybody has different preferences when it comes to Marvel movies. Like I said, Captain America is my second favorite (after Iron Man 3), and I HATED Thor and The Avengers!
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