Marvel’s ‘Phase 2’ series of superhero films have a lot to
live up to.
These are no longer simply just origin stories anymore. The
characters have been established, the stakes always need to be raised higher;
and at the same time delicately interweaving the existing Marvel film mythos in
such a way that these films can both be enjoyed as standalone stories as well
as part of the greater canon. More specifically, this is all leading up to the
massive 2015 event that is The Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Eschewing the pulpy serial feel and plucky bombast of the
period-set first outing for Captain America, The Winter Soldier is an entirely
different animal: a superhero movie crossed with a spy thriller – something
that we haven’t really seen before. Although a few story twist and revelations
can be smelt a mile off, there is a pervading sense of mystery, subterfuge and
paranoia throughout – and even one or two genuine surprises along the way.
Cap himself appears much slicker and cooler this time
around. It’s a real joy to see him in action - the opening sequence taking
place on a hijacked ship being a terrific introduction to what the super
soldier is now capable of. He’s still a boy scout and straight as an arrow, but
with some much needed humour injected by way of the humorous back and forth
exchanges with his allies (unlike the recent Thor: The Dark World’s somewhat shoehorned
gags), this feels more like Whedon’s dialogue from The Avengers - certainly not
a bad thing.
Whilst Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Hawkeye are understandably absent,
it's nice to see Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow and Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick
Fury receive significantly beefed up roles – more screen time here than in any
of the previous films they have appeared in. Many other familiar faces turn up
in small parts or cameos and future characters are also teased – making this a
real treat for fans – although having a mid-credit AND a post-credit sting
seems almost obligatory these days.
Also of note are new ally Falcon and the main antagonist:
the Winter Soldier himself. The former is re-imagined via the Hawkeye school of
design (precariously balanced between high-tech cool and being ever so slightly
goofy looking); the latter a terrifyingly efficient killer that adds real
tension and a sense of ominous threat in his earlier appearances. Whilst his
true identity is hardly a surprise to anyone, the build up and reveal of the
character is excellently handled.
Despite the abundance of Hollywood style shaky close-ups and
fast editing, the action remains impressive, with inventive fight choreography
(Cap gets to use his shield a bit more this time and in a variety of ways),
tense set pieces (a fight in a crowded lift) and some great stunt work (Fury’s
car chase). It’s often visceral and brutal, guaranteed to make you wince once
or twice.
Captain America has always been the most straightforward character
out of The Avengers ensemble and is often overshadowed by his more colourful
compatriots, but The Winter Soldier allows him to shine. There are a few issues
here and there (character motivations and allegiances being slave to the
twisting plot developments, one or two overly convenient escapes and the
villain’s rather predictable character arc), but these can easily be overlooked
in what is a slick action thriller. One that just so happens to feature a
couple of superheroes.
27th March 2014
You can also see this review at PillowMagazine.com
27th March 2014
You can also see this review at PillowMagazine.com
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