Review: Captain America: the Winter Soldier

Released: 28^th March

Certificate: 12A

Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Cast: Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, Scarlett Johannson, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford

For a movie that starts with a full-scale assault of a military vessel and has (unsurprisingly) a building-crushing, airborne, explosion-laden fistfight in its third act, the second instalment of Steve Rogers’ adventures proves surprisingly thoughtful. Rogers, played by the impossibly wholesome-looking Chris Evans, is still adapting to military life in the 21^st century, which seems somewhat less straightforward than in the forties. His relationship with SHIELD director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is somewhat tense as the Cap instinctively recoils from SHIELD’s increasingly ‘shoot first, ask questions later’ approach, despite Fury’s reassurances.

These themes are tackled dealt with as the larger narrative arc unfolds, and a highly pertinent question is explored: how far should civil liberties be compromised for protection, and when they are, who suffers? But if political philosophy isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of explosions, gadgets and punch-ups. The fight scenes are wonderfully balletic while at the same time retaining a sense of grit, and the action sequences involving machines are also well thought out. Scarlett Johansson makes a welcome return as the Black Widow, and serves as both friend and comedic foil for Rogers as they navigate the twists and turns of a suddenly enemy-infiltrated SHIELD. Further support is provided by Falcon (Anthony Mackie), an ex-serviceman who can sympathise with Rogers’ ambivalence towards current military aims. Mackie does well with a somewhat underwritten role, and it’s refreshing to have a black superhero join the Marvel line up, albeit in a supporting capacity.

Despite the interesting premise, the film struggles slightly to balance the spectacle of an action blockbuster with the political questions and character development, and as a result the pace feels a little uneven and certain plot holes emerge. However, it should be lauded for being as ambitious as it is, and it does manage to nicely tie up some loose ends from the first Captain America film.

Verdict: 3.5/5