A 70's political thriller wrapped around an unstoppable superhero action film

Rating: 10/10 (10 April 2014)

I'm writing this review from the place of a fan boy. And this fan boy is shocked at what he's just witnessed on the big screen. As a child I grew up as a DC guy. My favorite superhero is still Superman. But as growing up, getting more into movies and comic books, I've seen that Marvel is more to my appealing.
They get the best writers to create stories with characters that suck me in and the way they treat their stories are more creative. Like back in the day when making films was an art. With The Avengers and their whole Marvel movie universe, they have created a world where comic books come to life.
The Winter Soldier is the definitive Marvel movie. When it comes to speaking about Marvel films, the general public may gravitate to The Avengers, but lovers of film will say The Winter Soldier is what Marvel wants to do with the movie industry. This well directed, action packed, game changer is also a throw back to 70's political thrillers like Three Days of the Condor.
It's a tight story with Captain America doubting himself and his work. He's not sure why he's doing what he does and is it bettering the world. He doesn't know who he can trust. The fish out of water story is a play with him. It plays out well when some familiar faces show up. The film is power packed with stars at the top of their game.
Chris Evans is Captain America without a doubt. I almost want to say move over RDJR because it seems Evans has taken over as the definitive Marvel super hero and character. Scarlett Johansson is fantastic as Black Widow with her character getting much more to do than an any film before. Her chemistry with Evans is great. They play off each other so well. Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson is a delightful addition to this rag tag bunch. He feel like he belongs more than just a newest edition.
Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury is more than meets the eye. (Pun intended) I'll be upset if they don't write more for him in the Avengers sequel. Robert Redford, not really straying far from the political thriller genre is a powerhouse. He steals just about every scene he's in. And to see him toe to toe with Sam Jackson is a film fans' dream. The action, oh the action in this film is top notch. Shot well, you can feel every punch, kick and throw. And its nice to see that they let Cap and Black Widow become more acrobatic with their fighting styles. The one on one battles are some of the best I've seen put to film. The two fights between Captain America and The Winter Soldier are something out of The Raid. They showcase each man's strength.
The film comes with so many twists and turns there's no real predicting where it will go. I can't explain enough on how the Russos have up the ante of any Marvel movie coming after this especially The Avengers: Age of Ultron. With the complex story, the name dropping, the Easter eggs and the way things change, I hope Marvel can keep this high they are on. The Winter Soldier is Marvel at the top of it's game in terms of crafting a full on comic book movie universe. I can't say enough positive things about this film. If one is a fan of comic book movies or films in general this is a must see. And dare I say, after multiple viewings, Captain America: The Winter Soldier might go down as one of the best action films of all time.