Captain America: The Winter Soldier debuted back in April to rave reviews. The action was incredible, the cast was phenomenal, and “Hail Hydra” became the world’s favourite catchphrase for a little while. What made the movie such a success? And is it as good as comic-book fans seem to believe. Scroll down to read some of the key talking points from the Russo Bros’ stellar sequel to
The First Avenger.
A Political Thriller
“Don’t… trust… anyone…” – Nick Fury
This is a political thriller masquerading as a superhero movie - with enough twists, tension and trust issues to make
Homeland jealous. Famous for diversifying their plots above and beyond that of a ‘standard superhero affair’, Marvel delivered their most intelligent script yet with this film. On-going questions throughout the movie about the ethics of SHIELD and the underlying conspiracy only helped to strengthen the tone.
Despite its entertainment value, this film’s weakest section ended up being its big blockbuster finale. A more low-key conclusion may have been closer in-line with the rest of the story’s suspense and intrigue. The film’s highlight was arguably the Winter Soldier’s assassination of Nick Fury – a fantastic scene that could easily have fit in a
Bourne movie. On top of all this, add in Robert Redford and you have all the key elements for a classic thriller.
Steve Rogers
“I know I'm asking a lot. But the price of freedom is high. It always has been. And it's a price I'm willing to pay.” – Steve Rogers
The Winter Soldier’s most interesting character was always going to be its lead. Captain America claimed all of the best lines – from inspirational speeches, to witty one-liners – to his emotional final confrontation with his former best friend. Whether it’s through his kick-ass action scenes or his hilarious interplay with both Black Widow and the Falcon, Cap steals the show here.
Since he first stepped into the role in 2011’s
Captain America: The First Avenger, Chris Evans has achieved wonders. He has revolutionised the public’s perception of Steve Rogers - from an overly patriotic boy scout to many people’s favourite Avenger. Here he puts in his best performance yet. He’s brave, honest and most importantly: “a good man” – all vitality important qualities and characteristics for a likeable lead character.
Hail Hydra
“Hail…. Hydra.” – Alexander Pierce
The big talking point coming away from this film was the fall of SHIELD – and the subsequent rise of their archenemy: Hydra. Revealed to have been ingrained within SHIELD’s system for over seventy years, they grew like a parasite, before finally coming to the fore here with devastating consequences. The twist was unexpected – and has repercussions on a universal scale - something no other Phase 2 movie has achieved.
Hydra’s presence here revolutionised the movie, changing it from ‘good’ to ‘great’. It was also nice to see them represented in a more dangerous manner here than
The First Avenger’s laser-touting cannon fodder. Elsewhere, Arnim Zola’s inclusion was perfectly executed - a creepy and wonderfully inventive adaptation. And while it may have been cheesy, it also spawned a wonderfully addictive internet meme – which only made the concept more appealing.
The Winter Soldier
“Then finish it. 'Cause I'm with you 'til the end of the line.” – Steve Rogers
There were two sides to the Winter Soldier’s story-arc in this movie – one-part assassin, the other part fallen-comrade, Bucky Barnes’ conflicted dual role made him one of the better written villains in the MCU. While I personally believe Sebastian Stan’s performance was lacking a little, his character was undeniably engaging – whether as the brutal and mysterious ‘ghost’ who gives Cap and his allies hell, or as Steve Rogers’ tragic former best friend.
Some may argue that he didn’t have much to do, or that he was relegated to ‘henchman’ status. On second viewing, I felt this limited role suited the Winter Soldier perfectly – giving him greater effect when onscreen, and making you miss and fear him more when he’s not. I’d go so far as to compare his role in this movie as the ‘Darth Vader’ to Alexander Pierce’s ‘Emperor’. He played a key role in some of the movie’s best scenes – but nothing beats his emotional final encounter with Cap.
The Russo Brothers
“Before we get started, does anyone want to get out?” – Steve Rogers
Unfairly criticised by many when they were first handed the role, the Russos stunned everyone with their directorial efforts on this movie. Anyone who’s seen their work on either
Community or
Arrested Development will know they had the quality, but the manner in which they pulled off their first blockbuster movie was truly remarkable. They really got the tone and balance of this movie right – pulling off all of the action, drama and comedy without a hitch.
Indeed, the movie’s greatest achievement may have been its comedic moments. Subtle yet hilarious, the humour was spot-on – proving that comedy is perhaps best handled by
comedic directors. They appear to have been justifiably rewarded for their work – as the first director(s) to have been re-hired by Marvel for another movie since Jon Favreau, way back with
Iron Man. Bring on
Civil War!
The Verdict
The Russo Bros delivered an entertaining yet thoughtful blockbuster sequel, backed by a talented cast and crew. Throw in big performances from Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans, and we’re looking at one of the finest (if not,
the finest) superhero and action movies of the year.
So anyway, thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this – and the movie of course. What did you think of
The Winter Soldier? Let me know in the
comments below, and hit the
thumbs-up if you liked this!
On a side-note, it’s been almost a year since I first started writing on this site, and I’d just like to thank all of
you crazy people who have liked and supported my articles. You guys make all of this worth it!
Also, if you want to read my full review of the movie, check it out on my blog below…