The first wave of reviews for The Falcon and The Winter Soldier have landed online, and it certainly looks like Marvel Studios has yet another critical hit on their hands.
Now, it's important to point out that only one episode has been provided to critics, so these opinions are only really indicative of the premiere as opposed to the series as a whole.
The Playlist, never a huge fan of superhero movies and TV shows it seems, give the premiere a B+. "Episode one is terrifically promising," it concludes, "a rich and layered entrée into the notions of identity, legacy and the difficult-to-swallow reminder that no African-American is exempt from the challenges of being Black in America. Not even a superhero."
Variety's verdict was also positive, stating: "The episode is shot through with a tone that cannot be called naturalism but that feels unburdened by the everything-for-everyone expectations that have weighed down the Marvel films. That suits a story anchored by two people who are trying to shrug off their superpowered pasts."
IGN notes that, "Perhaps the biggest takeaway from episode one is that, while Steve Rogers may be absent, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier truly feels like an MCU Captain America TV show." Screen Rant makes a similar point with a review that says, "with the combination of action, character development and expansion of the Captain America mythos promised by the series premiere, all signs point to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier being a thrilling and poignant entry in the MCU."
So, it sounds like the series touches on some important, and very timely, ideas. Beyond that, though, it also appears to be a must-watch for fans of the Captain America franchise. That's a pretty solid combination, but Slash Film was a little more cautious with their praise for The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.
"I hope the seeds planted here, the ones that suggest a show about the responsibilities of being a hero in a world that grinds you to pieces on a daily basis, are allowed to fully blossom in the weeks ahead," the 3* review concludes.
The folks at RogerEbert.com weren't quite so keen, and seem relatively concerned about where the series will go from here.
"[Here’s] hoping that the series takes more chances as it goes along, especially as it inevitably piles on explosions and leads to longer fight sequences," it reads, adding: "The series has so much inherent potential to be a breakthrough moment for action storytelling, so long as it leans more into the unique skills of its nimble characters, and not just what makes them flashy in short bursts."
Digital Spy's 4* verdict may reassure you, though, especially as they end by pointing out that, "it feels like Cap's legacy is in safe hands.
By now, we're sure you'll have seen our verdicts. In my review, I said that "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier brings the big screen blockbuster experience to Disney+ in a promising premiere." RorMachine, meanwhile, notes that "If you're a fan of [The Winter Soldier] and Civil War, you'll likely be very happy with how The Falcon and The Winter Soldier kicks off." Finally, KingPatel believes the show is "at its best when it transitions into a genuinely heartfelt and deeply effective character study about two of Marvel’s most underrated heroes."
Are you excited to watch The Falcon and The Winter Soldier tomorrow?