I just called Thor’s second installment one of my personal favorites out of the MCU. Many people will say the same about Cap’s second installment and I’m one of them.
The movie is notable for several major reasons. One is that, prior to Captain Marvel this year, this film was the only one to feature Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury as a major player in the story instead of just a mentor/elder statesman. Jackson makes the most of the opportunity, showing he can carry strong dramatic scenes and isn’t just a guy who says the mf word a lot. Another is that, although some people are understandably peeved that Black Widow’s never gotten her own movie, this the next best thing. She’s by Cap’s side for virtually the entire film, offers him vital moral support, and kicks as many butts as he does. A third is that this serves as Anthony Mackie’s introduction to the MCU, as his character Sam turns into Captain America’s right-hand hero Falcon. A fourth involves the title character. Not Captain America – the other one. The Winter Soldier’s backstory is one of the most captivating in all of comics and finding it out – along with its connection to Steve Rogers/Captain America – is harrowing and heartbreaking.
That’s all I should say about that so as not to spoil anything but regarding the movie overall I’ll say that The Winter Soldier fits into a larger plot involving S.H.I.E.L.D. (the agency that initially recruited The Avengers) and Hydra (which you could call its evil foreign counterpart). It asks the tough questions we’re often forced to ask by warmongering politicians – is the notion of pre-emptive strike worth it for the greater good? Who’s to say what constitutes the greater good? In any case does it count when you personally have to create the need? Robert Redford, in basically his only MCU appearance, shines. He was the Brad Pitt of his day, most popular when utilizing his looks and charisma instead of acting talent, but he shows the talent he does have in this complex role.
Phenomenal film with a 90% recommendation rate and a box office gross ($714 million) more than quadruple its budget.
Game: No former Oscar winners for acting but three nominees (Jackson, Gary Sinise in a cameo, Redford-who has won for directing)
Up next: A handful of new characters!
Bottom line: One of the best comic book movies ever.
%
Recent Comments