Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo
Principal Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford and Samuel L. Jackson
As mentioned in my previous post Marvel looks set to dominate this summer and it's Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe that have taken the chance to set the bar for all the rest. And they have taken the chance to set it quite high. While Avengers Assemble (This is a blog based in the UK, so that's what The Avengers to everyone else) was incredible, the teams solos outings have been more of a mixed bag but The Winter Soldier is probably the stand-out of Phase 2 so far. It benefits greatly from probably the starriest supporting casts of any of the solo outings, whereas Iron Man and Thor left S.H.I.E.L.D for their solos the Cap sticks with the creepy corporation meaning we get more of Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson and Cobie Smulders, all of whom are on fine form. Add Robert Redford in a now rare film world and the ever likable Anthony Mackie (please please let the Falcon be part of the Avengers some point soon) and you are bound to be on to a winner. There were worries when Anthony and Joe Russo were announced as the director pairing that the action would fall sort, but while there's nothing spectacularly intuitive about the action sequences they are all perfectly enjoyable. Its not all perfect, Emily Van Camp hardly gets the chance to make an impression on limited screen time and falls well under Johansson's shadow and like with many of the films in this series you do wonder why Rodgers isn't getting a bit more help from his friends (I understand the problems that would be caused in bringing in Robert Downey Jnr for a little bit but i can't be the only one wondering where the heck Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye was during all this). It's worth noting that there are TWO post credit sequences, one to set up Avengers: Age of Ultron (directed by living legend Joss Whedon) and one to set up the inevitable third outing for Captain America. While falling sort of Avengers scale brilliance Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a great way to bridge the gap between the two Avengers films and with Chris Evans becoming ever more comfortable and confident in the role Steve Rodgers will undoubtedly remain a key member of team, at least until his contract is up.
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