Sunday, July 6, 2014

Captain America: The Winter Soldier


TAKE 1: One Mans Opinion
…because film is largely subjective

by Frederick William Springer III
 
Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 3D
Release Date:  4 April 2014                                                          Runtime:  136 Minutes              
Review Date:  6 July 2014                                                            Rating:  4 (of 6)

      Captain America: The Winter Soldier is better than its predecessor, though that doesn't necessarily say much as I found the original to be the worst entry in the Marvel Studios' superhero films.  Here the story is improved as is the pacing.

     Other strengths are that the new character of Falcon (played by Anthony Mackie) is enjoyable, Robert Redford's performance in his role as Alexander Pierce is top notch and Samuel Jackson's acting in this installment seems a little more believable than it had in his latest Marvel appearances.  In contrast, I still don't buy Cobie Smulders (of How I Met Your Mother) as an agent.  Standing there, yes, okay.  But once she speaks, it's all over.  However, other TV actors jumping on board, Revenge's Emily VanCamp, Lost's Alan Dale and Community's Danny Pudi, were all welcomed additions (the latter's cameo probably a nod from the directing brothers--Anthony and Joe Russo--both being Producers on that show, one having also directed).

     Surprisingly, this installment was written by the same guys that wrote The First Avenger and, for better or worse, they're on board for the next one, too.  As are the Russo brothers to direct again, hopefully to help continue steering the ship in the right direction away from the wreck of the original.

     Neither here nor there, while not too distracting, it is very apparent that Chevrolet it a sponsor of the film.  The 3D isn't distracting either but, that said, it does very little to enhance the experience and warrant that particular format.

     The chosen title is a little misleading because the movie in no way revolves around the Winter Soldier.  To be sure, he is present but in very small quantities.  I could easily pick a half-dozen better suited subtitles, some of which would give more of the plot away than I wish to do, others more subtle but still more appropriate.

     Take from that what you will.

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