Captain Ameria: The Winter Soldier
By Michael Alvarez
I highly recommend this film….
There is no way around this, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a great film. YES I LOVED IT. Considering we do not always have the opportunity to watch a Superhero film with a perfect blend of cinematography, writing and a superb cast. If that is not enough, another point to consider is the fact that CA:TWS truly bridges all fims in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe Phase 2 along with ABC’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”. So if you are a true Marvel fan like I am, you will be happy to know that it pay’s off to watch the show.
I must remind you that making an entertating film based on a comic book is no easy feat, with that said…….
The filmakers effectively use the source material as a story board and with the help of a great cast bring The Comic Book to life. Anthony and Joseph Russo worked off an exellent script written by Christopher Markus and Stephen Mcfeely based Ed Brubaker’s instant classic series “Captain America:The Winter Soldier” published by Marvel Comics. Its a great story filled with plot twists, with an extensive web of deceit, hardcore action, laughs and also with so many surprises even the fan boys won’t know what hit them. I see it as an Espioange film with an occasional Superhero or two.
Anthony & Joseph Russo are at the top of their game making their first Action film. Managing to keep us glued to our seats throughout entire film. It also helps that the Russo brother’s are coming off “The Community” which ad libs most of its dialogue during the shooting its episodes. This is a great thing because it lets the actors be free and creative making for a better performance. Especially with a cast like Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Redford.
Cinematography in the film is something to boast about considering camera work is often over shadowed by glitzy special effects. It is refreshing to know the film makers did not solely depend on special effects to tell the story. In the opening of the film there is a fantastic fight scequence between Captain America, his shield and a wanted terrorist. Not only was the fight sequence nicely choreographed with a combination of kicks and the Shield but so was the camera work shooting the sequnce was also very well choreographed. Its not easy getting the right angle during a perfect kick and many of you are not aware that the cameras on a film set run on high wires and a pull track like that of a Train tracks and controling those devices is an art by it self. Again because of the experience of directing “The Community” and shooting with Hand Held Cameras add a realistic touch to the action sequences. Plus its great to see a montage of scenes backed by a little music, just saying….
The film takes place two years after New York City was invaded by the Chitauri in The Avengers…. Captain America is now living in Washington DC and a full time operative with Nick Fury’s S.H.I.E.L.D taking down bad guys. Steve Rogers aka Captain America is still adjusting to life in the 21st Century. Steve is doing what he can to adjust to his new life from jogging, making new friends and building a music list with the likes of Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man” to the theme of “Rocky II” by Bill Conti. Steve is also avoiding blind date suggestions from his new partner Natsha Romanoff aka The Black Widow. I guess that is what makes Captain America such a great character, he makes saving the world look so easy but has such a though time trying to belong to it. Other highlights of the film are the mysterious Nick Fury as we saa what a BAD-ASS he truly is. We also get an in depth look and history of the infamous organization of S.H.I.E.L.D and how Howard and Tony Stark are connect to the organization.
As I mentioned earlier for those loyal fans of ABC’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”, you are in for a treat. Not only do we learn why Nick Fury has been avoiding Agents Colson phone calls and for “being off the grid” but we also get a glimpse at a direction the show might take, I can only hope….. Lets not forget about Captain America and the course his life must take when confronting tradegies from his past…. Hold on I have a better idea I think you will better enjoy the film if you just go watch climatic film and see what I am all exited about.
Also don’t forget to stay and watch both the Mid and Post credit scenes teasing Avengers 2…….
cinemaic 