Marvel knocks it out of the park, and rivals The Avengers

Rating: 10/10 (11 May 2014)

There's no way that any solo Marvel film could top The Avengers right? Wrong. Captain America: The Winter Soldier has effect of immediately moved past the superhero team-up blockbuster as the best entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as well as one of the top superhero movies of all-time.
So what makes The Winter Soldier (TWS) so incredible? Well, there are quite a few good reasons I assure you. I'll begin with what was the icing on the cake for me: Captain America himself along with the sensational action sequences surrounding the film. Cap has simply never been portrayed the way he is here and the result is breathtaking. Cap is finally given the power he truly holds, including his unmatched superhuman strength, agility, speed, smarts, and the brilliantly expanded use of his famous shield, which gets more action in this movie than in Cap's first two films combined. The sheer power of his kick and the momentum he carries while running is displayed perfectly, something Cap needed. Captain America is truly a super soldier in this film, and compared to his first two appearances, he's like an aluminum bat versus a wooden one and the new Cap is exceptional.
Marvel has played it pretty safe with their stories so far, but TWS changes the game for the better. Taking a form of a political thriller, the plot is full of excellent twists and presents a new way to approach storytelling in the MCU. The movie's plot is extremely engaging and there isn't a dull moment to be found in the story thanks to stellar pacing, wonderfully displayed themes and an overall sense of a thriller that the other Marvel films just don't have. Without a doubt the best story that has been told in the MCU thus far, and gives Phase 2 of the MCU a fresh shot in the arm in terms of diversity in its storytelling.
Now there is the action. If I had to describe the action in TWS in one word, I would say exhilarating. The combat is fast paced, intense and diverse. Captain America isn't the only hero in battle of course, as Black Widow and Cap's trusty sidekick The Falcon also join the fight and their added skills and action scenes help further my point of tremendous action. To expand, Black Widow just keeps getting more and more awesome in every film, and her smarts and lethal attack are at the top of her game once again. Furthermore, the addition of The Falcon is an excellent one. Sidekicks don't really fly in superhero movies these days, but by giving The Falcon a unique skill set and equipment, along with a lovable personality, he is a welcomed addition to the MCU. The hand-to-hand combat is a sight to behold, with some of the best choreography I've seen in a movie in a long time. Combat is simply a blast to watch, it keeps you hooked all the way through. Some of these action scenes couldn't be complete without our main villain, who also happens to have his name in the title. The Winter Soldier, one of Cap's most deadly and complicated foes, posses a huge threat to Cap and the people around him. The action scenes between The Winter Solider and Cap are addicting to watch. High energy fights pave the way for a thrill of a ride, so fasten your seat belts.
Marvel has yet to cast a dud, and a good majority of the solidified cast of characters from the first Captain America film and the rest of the MCU are here. The aforementioned Black Widow, played by the lovely Scarlett Johansson and staple Nick Fury, played of course by Samuel L. Jackson, return for the sequel and both give grade A performances. Chris Evans reprises his role as the Star Spangled Avenger, and gives his best performance yet, with better controlled and displayed emotions to go along with his ability to play the serious leader, while providing a perfect blend of humor. Sebastian Stan returns to now play the villain role, and channels his inner Bane as the Winter Soldier, with a terrific performance as a brainwashed terrorist who can evoke fear with just his eyes. Throw in rising star Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/The Falcon, who also provides great comedic relief, and star Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce, and you have one of the best, most well balanced casts seen so far in the MCU.
The Avengers was a superhero epic, putting together the big team of heroes on the big screen for the first time made movie history and the spectacle was phenomenal. But with Captain America: The Winter Solider, you have a whole new ball game. A new and enhanced version of The First Avenger is the foundation of a political thriller with adrenaline- charged action sequences, superb acting from the cast, with memorable characters, exciting storytelling and a perfect blend of humor and pacing. Marvel keeps setting the bar higher and higher for itself, and now with this supremely brilliant Phase 2 entry, Marvel now must deliver an even more memorable Avengers sequel on May 1, 2015 to beat out the Captain.
10/10