Captain America is, like Superman, a patriotic symbol equipped with a well-defined sense of morality. Unlike the creative team behind the summer blockbuster “Man of Steel,” a movie that caused a schism in its fanbase between those who loved it and those who hated it, the writers of the recently released “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” directed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, embraced their title character’s moral integrity.
It is impressive how the team behind “The Winter Soldier” created an engaging movie while staying true to the canon characteristics of their title character; now-a-days it is increasingly hard to avoid the temptation to make characters edgy, but “The Winter Soldier” has been so well-received by fans because those involved in production did not give into temptation.
The movie involves Captain America, played by Chris Evans, and Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson,working with Director Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson, when S.H.I.E.L.D. (which stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division), the government defense organization by which they are employed, comes under attack. Uncertain of whom to trust, they must sleuth out the source of a hidden threat before it leads to the deaths of millions.
The nature of this plot causes it to rely heavily on suspense, keeping audience members on the edge of their seats until the movie’s conclusion. At first, Black Widow and Captain America feel as though they are unable to trust anyone, and this feeling is invoked in the viewer as well. Slowly, it begins to become clearer just who is plotting against them. Trust, more specifically the concern over who deserves it and who does not, is a recurring motif throughout the movie.
Captain America’s story arch revolves around his endeavor to stay true to his moral code throughout the events of the movie and Chris Evans does a fantastic job of portraying his ambivalence. Black Widow aids Captain America, and Scarlett Johansson does a fantastic job of playing the concerned friend as Black Widow tries to draw Captain America out of himself, though she is in the midst of her own identity crisis.
In Avengers, though he made all the right decisions, Fury was portrayed as a cold and aloof Machiavellian leader. In Captain America, however, Samuel L. Jackson presents more of Fury’s motives and personality, successfully endearing him to the audience. Starring for the first time in the Marvel cinematic universe as character Sam Wilson, actor Anthony Mackie has fast become a fan favorite. Throughout his press-junket he has expressed the excitement and enthusiasm he has for the role. He brings his sense of earnestness to his character as well making Sam impossible not to like.
Another new recruit to the Marvel cinematic universe is actor Sebastian Stan. He plays the Winter Soldier, the character referenced in the movie’s title.The Winter Solider is a ruthless assassin, but he is just as much a victim as the people he kills. Fans of sympathetic villains will be drawn to the character and Stan brings forth the depth needed for the role, portraying well his character’s lack of autonomy and confusion about his place in the world.
“The Winter Soldier” is not only action packed, but smartly written. Far from being devoid of substance, it subtly addresses current hot-button political issues. For example, in one scene, Captain America criticizes S.H.I.E.L.D.’s inclination towards preemptive defense strategies, mirroring modern-day concerns with present day U.S. defense strategies.
Perhaps one of the best qualities about “The Winter Soldier” is that it keeps audience members guessing, since it is jam-packed with a series of twists and turns that culminate in a bold ending likely to cause big changes in the Marvel cinematic universe. It is a pleasure to watch and moves along remarkably fast for a movie that is just over two hours long. It is a must watch for those who plan to watch any future Marvel movies.