I’ve always enjoyed Captain America movies because he is one of the most relatable and human superheroes in the Avengers. Sure, he’s 95 but looks 28 and moves like an Olympic ninja that defies gravity but he really is ordinary in the best ways. His character and morals have not changed since 1945. On the inside, he is still the brave and determined 5’4” 95 pound man that wanted nothing more than to do everything he could to help those in need, and that is one of the reasons why I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
Starring Chris Evans as the Captain, Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow/ Natasha, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, this Marvel film holds one surprise after another and makes you believe in the red, white and blue.
We find Steve Rogers, having immensely improved his fighting skills and physical prowess, struggling to keep up with the world in more ways than one. Not only does he have to catch up on history but he also has to decide if he can maintain his old-time morals in today’s complex and often sinister world.
As Rogers is trying to find his niche in these fast times, tragedy strikes when Director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is killed by an enigmatic assassin known as the Winter Soldier. But before he passes away, Fury tells Rogers to not trust anyone because SHIELD has been compromised. When he acts on this advice, Rogers is labeled as a traitor to SHIELD and becomes a fugitive. The only people he can trust are the Black Widow (Johansson) and his new friend, The Falcon (Anthony Mackie).
The chemistry between Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson was at a level I haven’t seen in a long time. They had constant eye contact, they reacted naturally to each other, and seemed to have conversations without saying anything at all. Anthony Mackie makes a wonderful Falcon, a U.S. veteran that spends a lot of his time helping other veterans through their PTSD problems. The Falcon mirrors a lot of Captain America’s qualities and that’s why he makes such a good ally with some really awesome mechanical wings that help him fly. Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury plays a much bigger role in this film compared to previous Marvel installments. He is also at the center of one of the coolest car chases I have ever seen.
Some of the best moments of this film are found in the small details. When godlike fights break out the movie reminds us that ordinary people exist and are affected by this chaos. People get hurt, people get in the way, and even superheroes can’t save everyone. Several scenes were filled with emotional moments you really wouldn’t expect from an action-packed superhero movie and I loved that the directors (Anthony and Joe Russo) could bring the icon to a human level.
Yes, a ton of stuff blows up. Yes, Stan Lee has a cameo (and it’s hilarious). And to all the female fans, no, you don’t see Chris Evans shirtless (dang it!).
Whether or not you are a fan of Captain America, you will enjoy this movie.
I give this film an 8 out of 10.
Tip: Stay for all the credits. There’s a short scene in the middle and one at the very end.
Awesome Artwork Courtesy of Jesse Maley.