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Friday, April 19, 2024
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HOLLYWOOD CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
EDITOR'S PICK
`Captain
America: The Winter Soldier` distinct, but only for fans (IANS Movie Review)
Rating:
***
With its taut editing and well-choreographed, synchronised action sequences, `Captain
America: The Winter Soldier` is a sleekly made spy thriller with a super-soldier
twist.
It is a cult film with its own set of admirers. Those in tune with Marvel Comics
will relish its representation in the cinematic universe, but for others this
film could just be one of the ordinary. Nevertheless, the film definitely can`t
be ignored.
For the uninitiated, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is Captain America, the
superhero. He is the loyal and brave soldier who during the World War II
followed orders without questioning and survived helping those around him.
The film begins in present day, with Steve working under Nick Fury (Samuel L.
Jackson) for S.H.I.E.L.D, a top-secret government organisation that protects the
world from threats both internal and external.
One morning while befriending Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) during a jog, he is
swished away by Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) also known as Black Widow,
for a mission in the Indian Ocean, to save a S.H.I.E.L.D. vessel, which has been
hijacked by some pirates headed by Georges Batroc (Georges St-Pierre).
During the mission, he realises that there is a glitch between the objective of
the task given to him and Natasha. So after successfully completing the mission,
he returns to Washington to confront his senior, Fury, who instructs him, `Don`t
trust anyone!`
Later, Fury introduces Steve to Operation: Insight - a massive undercover heli-base
that is linked by spy satellites designed to pre-empt threats. Seeing this,
Steve reacts saying, `This is not freedom. It`s fear.`
Soon, there is an attempt on Fury`s life by police officials and trust issues
surface, making Steve`s tasks more difficult and challenging.
With world security at stake and an enemy within, Steve is soon termed a
fugitive. He has to combat a deadly assassin named the Winter Soldier (Sebastian
Stan). Also, during investigation, Steve discovers that another threat, HYDRA,
has infiltrated the ranks within S.H.I.E.L.D. and would use Operation: Insight
to eliminate potential threats that will not be loyal to HYDRA`s cause.
Buoyant and constantly on the move, Captain America fights with the help of his
star-studded shield, which he flings like a Frisbee. It makes an interesting
piece of self-defence weapon.
In his endeavour, Black Widow and Sam Wilson, also known as “Falcon”, assist
him.
With no signs of aging, Chris Evans as Captain America is charming and truly
lends life to his character. It is interesting yet incredibly fascinating to
watch him catch up seventy years` worth of history, as well as he finds a way to
fit into society after his long hiatus.
There is no chemistry between Evans and Scarlet Johansson, but nonetheless, they
make a good pair.
With a metallic arm, Sebastian Stan makes an excellent villain, but he barely
registers amid the densely plotted tale, as he is not the only antagonist in the
film.
It`s also nice seeing Robert Redford as Agent Alexander Pierce, Nick Fury`s
Superior and Frank Grillo as Broc Rumlow the guy who hunts Captain, carve out
small but effective performances.
There is drama with mild humour. But what makes Captain America: The Winter
Soldier exceptional is its action driven plot that keeps its viewers glued.
The visuals, with high-tech weaponry, crunching action set pieces in the
obligatory mega settings are wonderful and eye ogling, almost every action
sequence here resonates with feats seen before, mostly in Marvel films.
Though the film has a few thoughtless plot holes that could excavate logical
flaws, the director brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo have taken great pains to
make this film distinct and far superior to the 2011 released, `Captain America:
The First Avenger` or any other Marvel Franchises.
Overall, Captain America: The Winter Soldier would appeal only to Marvel Fans.
