The Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand in awesome fashion with this thrilling sequel that packs a punch, combining the intrigue of a political thriller and the sci-fi, action-packed excitement that we’ve now all come to expect from Marvel films.
First of all, let me say I’m so happy to be back! It sure has been awhile since my last review, and I really did honestly miss it! Thank you to all my readers for sticking by me and for your patience! I promise more reviews are on the way! 🙂
Now, to the reason you all are here, my review! 🙂 Now as you all know by now, I have to start by saying that I am not an avid comic book enthusiast, so I’m sure there are some key moments that I missed or didn’t fully comprehend. But the good news is, you can still fully enjoy the movie and understand what is going on, provided you’ve at least seen the first movie of course (I know I did!)!
One of the greatest things about Marvel films is that they are so much more than just pure superhero movies. This movie works as a political thriller as well, debating what is the best way to maintain order in society. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say this movie has plenty of twists and turns that keep you wondering up until the big reveal (though I have to say, once again not knowing anything about the comics, that I accurately predicted one of the big reveals, though that didn’t make that reveal any less exciting!). I literally gasped multiple times throughout the film. But beyond that, this is certainly one of the most intense action films I’ve seen in awhile. The special effects, fight choreography, and (literally) explosive set pieces will keep you on the edge of you seat throughout the film! This is of course amped up by the sheer power of our heroes and villains in the movie.
The acting is great from everyone involved. Chris Evans continues to play the titular role of Captain America with ease, and helps to make him the most intriguing Marvel hero since Iron Man. It’s a complicated role to play, since he is dealing not only with a completely new body but a new time period (which is now populated with unbelievable forces of magic and power), and I think Evans handles all that well and portrays it well on screen. Scarlett Johansson continues to give Black Widow a sexy yet sarcastic vibe that works perfectly for the character. She not only is an incredibly capable fighter, but she is witty and fun as well, a perfect companion for the serious, by-the-books Captain America. The new addition to the team is Anthony Mackie, who plays the awesome Falcon who gets his abilities from the most amazing jet-pack ever conceived. While Johansson certainly is a fun character, I think Mackie is more of the comic relief in the film, and I’m excited to see where this character goes from here, joining forces with Cap. Samuel L. Jackson continues to delight as the tough but lovable Nick Fury, and his character is particularly compelling in this film, as we find out a little more about him and his history. While there are some other villains in the film that I can’t reveal without spoiling the film, the main villain is the titular Winter Soldier, who is just as powerful as Captain America. With the help of his bionic metal arm and his incredible skill with various weapons, he certainly gives Cap and crew a run for their money! Cameos by the incredible Robert Redford (perfect for his role in my opinion), Emily Vancamp (I love her in Revenge, and she has a brief but satisfying part that I hope will be further developed future films), and Cobie Smulders (I would have never guessed that the woman from How I Met Your Mother would actually seem right at home in this movie!) are also great! And of course, it wouldn’t be a Marvel film without a Stan Lee cameo! 🙂
One quick note: I did watch this in IMAX 3D, and while the 3D wasn’t that spectacular, seeing all those action scenes on that enormous screen with that booming audio is definitely exciting, so I would still recommend viewing it in that medium if you can! If not, a regular 2D screening will still be fun and thrilling!
In terms of special extra scenes, make sure you stay for a scene right after the animated credits; it’s a big chunk that (without spoiling too much) definitely hints at what will be happening in the next Avengers movie! As we all know by now, Marvel has some big plans for the future, split up into various “phases” (we’re currently in Phase 2 I believe…). I don’t know about you all, but with every new Marvel film, I get more and more excited to see where they’re going to go next! There is also a very brief scene at the very end of all the credits, but in all honesty, I don’t think it’s as significant as the mid credits scene… but that’s coming from someone who isn’t a huge comic book fan; if that is you, than maybe it will have more relevance for you.
FINAL DIAGNOSIS: 9/10
This is an exciting, captivating, thrilling film on multiple levels, and continues to show the awesome power and potential of superhero (and specifically Marvel) films! It is definitely worth watching and lives up to the hype. Superhero/comic book fan or not, this is certainly a film not-to-be-missed, though I would definitely recommend watching the first film before watching this one!
Dr. A's Diagnoses 