Surprisingly and satisfyingly good sequel

Rating: Null/10 (30 March 2014)

In the cinematic world of the heroes of Marvel Comics, we had the Second World War origins of Captain America in the 2011 movie, starring the engaging but not exactly charismatic Chris Evans, before seeing him back in action the following year in the team effort that was "The Avengers" in the US and "Avengers Assemble" in the UK plus a cameo role in "Thor: The Dark World".
Now we return to an outing with him front and centre in modern-day Washington DC. The flamed-haired, leather-clad Black Widow (an excellent Scarlett Johansson) - whom we saw in "The Avengers" - is back as his side-kick (and I do mean kick) and later they are joined by the flying Falcon (Andrew Mackie). Their foes prove to be more ubiquitous and nefarious than we could imagine with the titular Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) - flowing hair and metal left arm - especially formidable and (for Captain America himself) unlikely. S.H.E.I.L.D. has never looked more formidable with Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) joined by Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) and some amazing weaponry.
Those not immersed in the Marvel Comics world may sometimes wonder what is going on but, as an action movie, "The Winter Soldier" certainly delivers with a cracking opening sequence and regular vehicle chases, shoot ups and fist fights before the whole thing concludes with an aerial battle reminiscent of "Star Wars". The special effects work well. But the film also taps into the current Zeitgeist of widespread fear that the agents of law enforcement, who are supposed to be protecting us, are hoovering up digital data, subverting any notion of privacy, and eliminating threatening assets - some 20 million, it seems - before those concerned even know that they are supposedly a threat. In the massive list of credits, space should have been made for the addition of whistle-blower Edward Snowden.
A trade-mark of all recent superhero movies is the inclusion of a clip at the end of the credits. In the case of "The Winter Soldier", there is not one but two such bonuses, so stick around to the end and be sure that "Captain America" will be back and with the same successful directors (Anthony & Joe Russo).