Fortress of Solitude
FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
  • MOVIES
  • TV
  • GAMING
  • TECH
  • COMICS
  • SNEAKERS
Fortress of Solitude
Mindy Kaling's Velma Scooby-Doo Show is definitely Adults-Only
TV

Mindy Kaling’s Velma Scooby-Doo Show is Definitely Adults-Only

May 23, 2022
Stranger Things S4 Review
TV

Stranger Things Season 4 Review – They Grow Up So Fast

May 23, 2022
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro
Tech

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro Review – Can A Mid-Range Smartphone Be Pro?

10 Best Viking Movies Ranked
Movies

10 Best Viking Movies Ranked

May 19, 2022
Tags: AvengersCaptain AmericaChris EvansMarvel NewsMovie Reviews

Captain America: Winter Soldier Review

March 27, 2014
byJarrod Saunders
in Movies

Helmed as Marvel’s masterpiece, thawed-out war hero Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) returns as the titular superhero in the third post-Avengers sequel (the 9th installment in the cinematic universe), Captain America: Winter Soldier.

While he might not be a giant green monster or a god from a distant universe, the red-white-and-blue crusader is tricky source material to transfer to the big screen. In a peroid where comic book movie fans prefer their characters hardboiled, sarcastic and gritty, Caps is a finely etched hero who’s literally wrapped in the American flag and boldly stands for sincerity, decency and justice. Even so, this proves to be key to his appeal. Despite featuring an uneasy, stiff-necked boy scout, Winter Soldier delivers on its promises of reducing CGI (at least in comparison to the other Marvel films) in favour of good old shoot’em up action and an intriguing suspense story.

Captain America: Winter Soldier

The warm retro feel of the first instalment is forgotten in the sequel and makes way for an intricately crafted film which finds its roots in spy thrillers rather than war stories. But not only has the setting and mood shifted but the themes as well. Here Steve Rogers finds himself in modern surroundings questioning the very organisation and freedom he has vowed to serve and protect. There is little subtlety in the message when Captain America makes statements like, “You’re holding a gun to everyone on Earth and calling it protection.” It’s not without irony that a USA poster boy, dressed in a propaganda suit, is challenging war-on-terror America. And that’s exactly what makes Captain America cool. In a modern age where everyone has completely thrown out good old-fashioned virtue and beliefs, Chris Evans presents us with a character who is fresh and appealing. He reminds us of something precious we’ve long lost.

Captain America: Winter Soldier

The set-up is straightforward enough; Captain America, joined by Black Widow, must uncover the hidden threat within S.H.I.E.L.D. in order to stop a plot of world domination. Standing in their way is a mysterious soldier with a metal arm known as The Winter Soldier. Along the way they run of out of friends to turn to, but find a companion in a retired war veteran (Falcon).

The second instalment in the franchise is clearly aimed at a more mature audience. Violence is plenty and brutal (people are stabbed and shot), with only the blood left for the imagination. Although our hero unrealistically tosses around a metal shield, the majority of the action is hand-to-hand combat similar to Jason Bourne or James Bond.

Fast paced and fairly tense, there are plenty of scenes that will genuinely keep you on the edge of your seat, with small doses of humour added in-between for good measure. The first and second act prove to be the strongest in terms of delivering the right measure of action, staying grounded and steadying the pace. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t maintain the highs. The build up is slightly wasted by an extended third act and a climax that feels over the top. You’ll certainly suffer from whiplash as explosions, gunfire and disasters paint the screen red with fire and leave behind all sense of reality and simplicity.

Captain America: Winter Soldier

Chris Evans carries most of the film forward by delivering a sincere performance, with Anthony Mackie continuing the charm (let’s hope he gets his own movie). Robert Redford and Samuel L. Jackson also add tons of value to the film by carrying their characters forward believably. Scarlett Johansson, however, seemed to be dangled around merely as eye candy. Her character, Black Widow, has become incredibly monotone and overly suggestive. Extreme close-ups of her face, particularly her lips, and perfect curves only emphasis this more. It’s such a pity. She was given more appeal in previous outings.

Captain America: Winter Soldier

All in all, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a solid action extravaganza that ticks all the right boxes (amidst a few wrong ones). It’s far superior to it predecessor and a worthy entry into the Marvel universe. Is it the best of the lot? Maybe. It’s up there with Thor: The Dark World for sure. It’s certainly got a lot of heart and soul, something the others sometimes lacked. Ultimately, it plays out as a comic book movie, when it had the potential to be something a little more.

NOTE: Don’t forget to stay to the end of the credits. There are not one but two teasers embedded in the credits.

YouTube video

Now Read

Hayden Christensen Movies: The 5 Best (& 5 Worst) of His Career

The Gray Man Trailer: It’s Ryan Gosling vs Chris Evans

Tony Stark Is Responsible For Creating Most of The MCU’s Villains

ShareTweetSend

Related Posts

Gorr the God Butcher New Thor Love And Thunder Trailer
Movies

New Thor: Love And Thunder Trailer – Gorr the God Butcher Arrives

May 24, 2022
Marvel Has Complicated Iron Man’s Death
Movies

Marvel Has Complicated Iron Man’s Death Even More With Moon Knight

May 23, 2022
  • About Us
  • Privacy & Site Disclaimer
  • Contact Fortress of Solitude

© 2022 Fortress of Solitude, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • HOMEPAGE
  • MOVIES
  • TV
  • GAMING
  • TECH
  • COMICS
  • BOARD GAMES
  • TOYS
  • SNEAKERS
  • INTERNET
  • WIN
  • NEWSLETTER
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT US

© 2022 Fortress of Solitude, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.