Review of Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) by Haotian X — 12 Oct 2015

For the first time in Marvels now extensive catalog of super hero films, 'The Winter Soldier' takes itself seriously, ventures into dark subject matter and is grounded in realism (to a point). The film plays on political paranoia, people get hurt and there are consequences for poor decisions. Overall the film takes brave steps into adult territory and feels all the better for it, even at the risk of alienating some of its younger audience.

Fresh off the events of 'The Avengers' we meet Steve Rodgers still attempting to adjust to the world when a new threat rears its head. The plot steams ahead at a fast pace, the action is exhilarating and never appears stagnant. Redford and Jackson are particularly good at dominating scenes as the idealistic Washington bureaucrat and the ever increasingly bad-ass Nick Fury respectively. Jackson particularly given some of his best material to get his teeth stuck into out of all the Marvel films.

If you didn't like the previous Marvel formula, arguably sometimes lacking substance, this might change your mind. If like myself you bought your ticket a long time ago, this one is exceptional and you're in for a treat. Possibly one of the best films Marvel has churned out to date.