It’s very rare that a sequel is better than the original, but Winter Soldier is a terrific improvement on the first Captain America movie, with the action ramped up, the yawnsome back story only briefly referred to, and the welcome addition of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Johansson) to detract from the fact that Steve Rogers/Captain America (Evans) is Marvel’s dullest hero. (Sorry, Steve)
It’s the present day, and Steve – who, if you remember, was pumped full of a serum during World War II that made him beefy, only for him to be frozen for a few decades and thawed just about now – is still not fitting in with 21st century life, but at least he has become a bit more kick-ass, probably from hanging out with tough gal Natasha. They have to team up when a new bad guy comes to town (the Winter Soldier of the title) and their investigations lead them to believe something fishy may be going on at S.H.I.E.L.D – some of the good guys may have gone bad.
With a welcome return from Jackson as agent Nick Fury and the addition of Redford as S.H.I.E.L.D’s Alexander Pierce (who could have used more screen time to really give his character some kick), this packs an impressive punch on the casting front, and doesn’t disappoint with the action and special effects, either. The Falcon wings/bodysuit scenes are pretty cool, as are the various fight scenes and a cool mass punch up in a glass elevator. And while this may not be quite as fun as Iron Man 3 or Avengers Assemble, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a terrific addition to the Marvel family.
Is Captain America: The Winter Soldier suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
This movie is a 12A certificate, so is aimed at aduits and older children. There are some violent scenes (gun fights, fist fights etc) that show blood, but no truly scary ones, and most children over the age of 9 will be fine viewing it.
If you like this, why not try: Captain America: The First Avenger, Iron Man 3, Avengers Assemble, Thor, Iron Man,