Run time: 136mins       Certificate: 12A
Director: Anthony & Joe Russo
Cast: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson.
Release Date: August 18, 2014 (DVD)

Cap gets the cold soldier.

Captain America’s first outing was a unique romp in comparison to the other Avengers to be, its nostalgia laden adventure hitting the right notes for the most part, but his second outing stands out even more so amongst the growing super hero troop. Its a bold change of tone for our star spangled hero, swapping out its light hearted adventure for some old school conspiracy thriller, and it works on almost every level. Its reassuring to see a Marvel film take itself so seriously when needed, because of this its grounded action and intrigue carry more weight than previous antics like aliens descending on New York. After being somewhat underutilised in his last two appearances, Chris Evans’ Cap is finally given a chance to shine thanks to the Russo brothers directing.

Plot wise The Winter Soldier feels far more important than even the Avengers, without spoiling too much the events that take place will dramatically shift the cinematic universe in interesting ways. It helps that the comic book storyline ported here is very relevant, playing on many of the concerns of modern life such as online privacy and global security to bring home the threats posed. Cap’s dismissal of the state of the art surveillance he’s being shown with “You hold a gun to everyone on Earth and call it protection.” is a telling moment that brings recent controversies such as the NSA to mind in a poignant way. Its just the kind of heavy material Cap’s no nonsense attitude is perfect for, and the Russo brothers nail the essence of the character. This is Captain America as he should be.

Whether its handling Cap covertly taking down terrorists or Nick Fury debating with his senior official Alexander Pierce about the grand scheme of things, the film oozes with style but maintains the best realism of a Marvel entry yet. The script hits dramatic beats that feel genuine and the action is so raw the antagonists actually feel like a threat for the first time; the heroes are pushed to their limits and you’re right there with them. Taking a few notes from The Raid’s fights the action here throws some of the best choreography seen from Hollywood at the screen, with the highway attack being a stand out in this years top set pieces. When Cap clashes with the unrelenting Winter Soldier it truly feels like two super soldiers going up against each other, and you won’t miss a punch, kick or stab of the scene thanks to the well focused camera. These scenes top the generic smack downs present in the likes of Thor, the clash of super powers actually being realised in these engrossing bouts as opposed to it being lost in the wanton destruction of their surroundings; feeling like actual fights no matter how fantastical. Unfortunately the film veers towards the formulaic destruction on a large scale for its finale, but you’ll be so invested in the characters and its outcome, not to mention the tense intellectual stand off that’s played out in parallel, that its a small concession in the much grander picture.

Henry Jackman’s soundtrack complements the action well, a suspenseful track breaking into an eerie silence as each grenade is launched to a tension ramping piece escalating the hand to hand combat between the super soldiers. The epilogue set to Marvin Gaye’s ‘Trouble Man’ was a particularly great nod to its classic film inspirations. Though proceedings are more serious viewers needn’t worry, there’s still a light side to the heavy events, with many of the one liners hitting their mark without detracting from the flow of the film. Overall it comes together under the helming of the Russo brothers without a hitch, feeling like wholly new and darker territory though not without the Marvel charm. To think this new direction came from the Russo brothers, who were chosen on the merits of their Community episodes is incredible; they’re certainly ones to watch in the future (fortunately returning for Cap 3).

The core cast benefit from having been established in the previous films, and its clear they’re all comfortable in their parts, but there’s little doubt Winter Soldier gives them all the best material they’ve had yet. Chris Evans’ Rodgers is as determined as ever, and is given plenty of opportunity to flex his muscles, both physically and in some great insightful dialogue. This is definitely the film he and the character deserves, and he excels at serving as the heart and leader of the team, something I hope to see more of when he’s leading the Avengers next. Likewise Samuel L. Jackson is given a lot more to do as Nick Fury, and relishes in the chance to live up to his characters reputation. Scarlett Johansson is perhaps the only dull note, filling the role of Black Widow just fine but doing little to define her as a unique persona considering the large amount of screen time she’s given here.

The new members impress across the board, with Robert Redford’s Alexander Pierce stealing every scene he’s in. He brings every bit of gravitas his acting backlog has earned him to the screen, chewing up the scenery even in casual conversation and more than convincing as a man in a position to give Nick Fury orders. Anthony Mackie brings some levity to proceedings as Falcon, and his chemistry with Chris Evans in particular makes you forget the days when he wasn’t a part of the team. Lastly the Winter Soldier is realised brilliantly (I’ll refrain from spoiling his identity), his efficiency and coldness when in action sending the same shivers down your spine that the Terminator did all those years ago.

Verdict

Captain America: The Winter Soldier takes the usual formula and bravely throws it out the window, taking itself more seriously without ever losing the usual charm. The Russo brothers don’t chase every punchline or explosion they can, instead opting to give the story and characters time to develop in a far more grounded story. The result is more engrossing than the usual popcorn fare, serving as The Empire Strikes Back of Marvel’s current cinematic line-up with its engaging villains who more than push our heroes to their limits.

Hits

+Excellent story that draws from classic thrillers
+Great ensemble cast, especially Robert Redford
+Character development takes centre stage
+The best action Marvel has showcased
+Villains to match Loki and Stane in presence

Misses

–Finale retreads the formulaic showdown

Overall Rating