After “The Avengers” came out in 2012 earning massive praise and made $1.5 billion at the box office, Marvel Studios worked Captain America’s second solo movie. This time, Cap, Black Widow & Falcon face off against an assassin while uncovering S.H.I.E.L.D.’s deep dark secrets. The Premise I’m referring to is none other than “Captain America: The Winter.” Released in 2014, (same year Edge of Tomorrow came out) the second solo movie received positive reviews from critics, fans and movie goers alike. Plus, it made enough revenue at the box office.
Marvel Studios is currently developing a fourth Captain America movie with Anthony Mackie reprising his role as Sam Wilson. As you may know, Steve Rogers passes the torch to his ally prior to the mini-series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.” Before “Captain America: New World Order” comes out on May 3, 2024, I wanna share my thoughts on the ninth film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU for short.
This review contains no SPOILERS. Feel free to check out my non-spoiler article.
Hot & Cold Elements
Hot: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Cobie Smulders, Samuel L. Jackson, Toby Jones & Hayley Atwell reprise their roles and they all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Newcomers to the MCU such as Anthony Mackie, Frank Grillo & Robert Redford all did a great job for their respective performances.
The Russo Brothers did a decent job directing Cap’s second solo movie.
Action Sequences showcase Cap using his skills to duke it out with Winter Soldier.
Humor has some legit funny moments.
Henry Jackman (Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero 6, Kingsmen: The Secret Service) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical Effects were heavily involved while C.G.I. was used sparingly.
Story borrows elements from The Winter Soldier story arc from the comics. In addition to comics, story is influenced by ’70s conspiracy thrillers such as “To Live and Die in LA,” “Klute, “All the Presidents’ Men,” “The Parallax View” & “Three Days of the Condor.”
A tombstone references a quote from “Pulp Fiction.”
The late Gary Shandling reprises his role as Senator Stern from “Iron Man 2.”
If you’re a fan of “Community,” Danny Pudi makes a cameo appearance.
The running scene with Steve and Sam became a meme. Cue the line, “On your left!”
An elevator scene reminds me of “Spider-Man 2” & “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”
Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance.
A Pause Worthy moment of Steve’s to-do list on stuff he missed out while he was frozen for 70+ years.
A few twists and turns change the course of the story.
Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man” is played in a montage near the end. “Guardians of the Galaxy” also played another song of Marvin’s,” Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” What a co-inky-dink.
Stephen Strange is mentioned. Two Years Later, Benedict Cumberbatch portrays the character.
Both a Mid-Credits Scene and Post-Credits Scene set up the next movie. The former’s tied to “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”
Cold: Cinematography can be a bit shaky at times.
The Final Verdict: A-
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a near-perfect solo movie. Most of the stuff I’ve mentioned above, indicates why the ninth movie in the MCU still holds up. If you’re new to “The Infinity Saga,” watch all 23 movies.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 