Review of Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) by Gerard V — 22 Jul 2018

An entry in the Marvel movie world that finally is actually about something; it's not the most in-depth look at the price of freedom, and a twist halfway through rather voids the whole issue, but it ties in well enough with the plot and characters to be welcome nonetheless.

What we see also seems weightier in-world for both our hero and the cinematic universe he is part of, there's an emotional heft that is missing from even the best of The Avengers mega-franchise and there's consequences that mean this isn't just another two hours of treading water until the next team-up arrives.

The series' struggles with how to end movies remains however, and here focuses on uninspired, MacGuffin-led action and the resulting destruction porn at the expense of the relationships and issues it had set-up so well.

Still the strengths of this nine-film investment in a shared universe really start to pay off with previously minor or under-used characters given a chance to shine; Jackson's Nick Fury is a particular joy, but all of the cast give strong performances.

And yet this still feels like a movie about its title character and it is Chris Evans as the shining example of hero feeling out of place in murky times that elevates this to the ranks of great superhero movies.