An outstanding film that's miles ahead of its predecessor.

Rating: 10/10 (4 April 2014)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier continues with the story of Steve Rogers/Captain America(Chris Evans) & his continuing struggle to adapt to the modern world. Set one year after The Avengers, Rogers is now working for S.H.I.E.L.D with the help of handy sidekick, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow(Scarlett Johansson). After a controversy emerges at S.H.I.E.L.D, it is up to Captain America to stop the threat. However, he's going to need all the help he can get from the likes of, Black Widow, Nick Fury(Samuel L. Jackson), Maria Hill(Cobie Smulders) & Sam Wilson/Falcon(Anthony Mackie). Along the way, the Captain faces the Winter Soldier(Sebastian Stan), a Soviet Agent who is someone significant from his past.
This film, doubles up as a political suspense thriller apart from being a superhero film. You just can't differentiate the good guys from the bad. Of the three Marvel Phase 2 movies released so far, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is on par with or, dare I say, even surpasses, Thor: The Dark World(another brilliant film in Phase 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) & is a million times better than Iron Man 3(the weakest movie in Phase 2). Anthony Mackie described Captain America 2 in one of his interviews as, The Avengers 1.5. I could not have given a more apt description. Directors Anthony & Joe Russo have reduced the flaws of Captain America: The First Avenger, to a bare minimum. The stakes are really high in the film & The Winter Soldier is almost as flawless as The Avengers. Another reason it's so similar to the most successful superhero film of all time is due to, the presence of S.H.I.E.L.D & all the familiar S.H.I.E.L.D characters, who were conspicuous by their absence in all the other Phase 2 movies. I liked the fact that all of Cap's deleted scenes from The Avengers, made its way to this movie, especially the scene involving Peggy Carter(Hayley Atwell). The movie was filled with brilliantly executed action sequences that looked realistic & eye- popping in 3D. However, the film has a generous sprinkling of humor, as well(as is common with all Marvel Studios' movies). Unlike in Thor 2 where Tom Hiddleston's Loki stole the show, every character in this movie is memorable in their own right. Chris Evans is outstanding as Steve Rogers/Captain America. Evans improves with each portrayal of the most humble, kind & honest superhero who ever lived. Samuel L. Jackson is sensational as Nick Fury. Jackson flawlessly portrays various shades of the mysterious Director Fury, with ease & panache. Scarlett Johansson is unforgettable as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. Johansson is not just eye candy as the sexy Widow but, packs a punch & shares great chemistry & bonhomie with Evans. Romanoff's wisecracks about Steve Rogers' age are hilarious. Robert Redford is great as Alexander Pierce. Sebastian Stan is mind blowing as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier. Anthony Mackie is hysterical as Sam Wilson/Falcon. Mackie's winged superhero, is a nice addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe & I look forward to seeing more of him, in the future. Cobie Smulders is impressive as Maria Hill. Frank Grillo is great as Brock Rumlow. Emily VanCamp, Hayley Atwell & Toby Jones are excellent in their cameos as Agent 13, Peggy Carter & Dr. Arnim Zola. The supporting characters are effective, as well. Stick around till the end of the credits for two unforgettable post-credit scenes. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a must watch. The best movie of the year, so far!