After a deep slumber of nearly seventy years, encased in Arctic ice, S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), found himself awakened by his colleagues, the Avengers and thrust into an alien invasion of Earth (Captain America: The First Avenger, 2011). Now in ‘Captain America:The Winter Soldier’ (2014) we meet Rogers once again trying to find his way in a strange, new 21st Century world, this time questioning everything he is fighting for. Luckily he has Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and new comer Falcon, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as his guides. Not happy with changes at S.H.I.E.L.D. he spends his days and nights on work and training. And then mayhem breaks loose with the systematic assassinations of key members of Congress by an unknown evil force, The Winter Soldier. Setting aside any question of loyalties and doubts, Captain America returns to save this world he doesn’t fully understand, Wielding his mighty shield against the implacable Winter Soldier and a shadowy group of mercenaries within the government Captain America develops into an even more magnificent and enduring superhero than any previous Marvel hero before him.

Opening with a tense hostage situation, on through a ridiculously violent car chase, to the thrilling, climactic final battle, The Winter Soldier never stops racking up the action and topping itself with each new scene. The titular Winter Soldier plays more like Heath Ledger’s Joker, more force of nature than a character, from the moment of his amazing intro to the shocking moment of the reveal of his true identity (or not so shocking, if you read the comics). ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ has an impressive ensemble cast who provide powerful performances, including: Robert Redford (Alexander Pierce), Samuel L. Jackson (Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Anthony Mackie (Falcon), Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier), Cobie Smulders (S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill) and of course Chris Evans (Captain America). The jaw dropping action, an enjoyably twisty-turny plot and enough Marvel superhero references to please the long-time fan, encourages the viewer to overlook the occasional plot hole and enjoy the ride. Yes, the Russo Brothers have done a fantastic job directing one of the most anticipated superhero movies of the year, both resuscitating ‘The Captain America and Avengers’ franchise and keeping the Marvel Universe intact.

It will be interesting to see how this new action packed, political spy thriller from Marvel impacts the future of the Marvel empire. The ending leaves an impressive array of potential future plots, opening far more doors than it closes. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely are the screenwriters for Captain America: The Winter Soldier, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Roll on Guardians and Age of Ultron.

Donal O’Connor

Check out our other Marvel reviews below:

Thor The Dark World

Superman vs Batman vs Antman

Iron Man 3 Iron Man: The Man, The Myth, The Legacy

Brave New Universe