Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Release Date: Apr 04, 2014
Runtime: 2 hr. 8 min. 
Director: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo 
Cast: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Robert Redford, Frank Grillo, Cobie Smulders, Emily VanCamp.

We've come a long way since the induction of the Marvel Universe, with back-to-back successions of character story arcs. And with each new arrival inciting the demands of evolution, it's been no easy task of assembling this massive franchise. Yet in spite of these challenges, "Captain America" has stealthily surged above the rest, making "The Winter Soldier" the best Marvel production to date apart from "The Avengers." At the heart of the film is a rapt political thriller, giving prominence to S.H.I.E.L.D. and its fearless leader, Nick Fury. But conjointly, it's also an extended study of Captain America, as he struggles to adapt and accept the new world around him. Over his past two outings, Chris Evans has grown exceptionally into the role of the patriotic hero, and his story is arguably the best developed yet. As his outdated morals and beliefs get tested, we see a fissure start to form in his passive demeanor. Alongside him, Nick Fury and Black Widow gain additional screen time, strengthening their roles beyond just supporting characters. Samuel L. Jackson, who's been the sturdy glue of the franchise, faces adversaries even he can't be protected from. Anthony Mackie joins the cast as codename "The Falcon," an ex-pararescueman turned affable sidekick. His aerial combat scenes are just some of the thrill points in the film, showcasing the directing capabilities of Anthony and Joe Russo. With heftier action sequences, a cohesive plot line, and an equally-matched villain, "Winter Solider" is the rare sequel that's exceedingly better than the first. As the end of Phase II leaves for an uncertain future, the impact will be felt in the upcoming "Age of Ultron." Til then, it's time for a new team of heroes to emerge from the shadows: "The Guardians of the Galaxy" arrive August 1st.

Rating: 4½ stars