Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a very “standard” super hero film that is disguised as a sort of 70s espionage thriller. I wasn’t disappointed in it, but will say that I knew just about the whole of the plot and outcome from having watched the trailers before the film’s theatrical release. Some spoilers ahead for the rest of the paragraph, but if you payed attention to the trailers, they won’t really be spoilers. It was obvious to me that Robert Redford was the villain. The trailers strongly hinted at some sort of conspiracy, somebody on the inside, and something devastating happening to S.H.I.E.L.D. All of the information was available that Bucky Barnes who died in the first Captain America film returns as The Winter Soldier in this film. That means somebody else is the main villain. Why else is an actor of Robert Redford’s caliber involved?
Despite the lack of surprises Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a good movie that stands on its own as well as helping to shape the overall Marvel cinematic universe (including the television series). There are implications that were made evident in “Marvels Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.” so if you have been watching that series you know what I’m alluding to.
What I didn’t like about the film was the number of people that should have appeared or at least warranted a mention. Iron Man? Hulk? Hawkeye? Not even a mention as to where they are during these events. Why didn’t Nick Fury call in Banner when it was obvious his special services could have been used?
If you have any interest in the genre and what has been going on with the various Marvel heroes then Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a must-see.
Maybe I should talk about the strong performances all around, how veterans to the Marvel cinematic universe appear very comfortable in their roles. I should probably also discuss how Anthony Mackie fits right in as Sam “Falcon” Wilson. I did like how Robert Redford brought his understated gravitas to the role rather than trying to match the action and go big. I was a little disappointed when Patton Oswald’s character from “Marvels Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.” didn’t appear (MILD SPOILER) when the gang entered the secret “off the grid” base.
Special features are actually disappointing starting off with just a handful of deleted/extended scenes and a gag reel. A couple of featurettes are alright, but could have easily been folded into one and the total running time would have been under 15 minutes. Shameful. The audio commentary is good, featuring co-directors Anthony and Joe Russo along with screenwriters Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely going into the things you would expect from such a commentary track. I would have been interested in hearing one from Chris Evans, Scarlet Johansson and Anthony Mackie as well as a separate one from Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo and Chris Hemsworth.
Overall Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a good film but the Blu-ray release feels like fans are being short changed. The special features are scant and there’s not the traditional Marvel One Shot short we are accustomed to. Is another release coming? Are we going to get a double-dip? I toss my hands in the air and give a noncommittal grunt of unknowing. And that, in a nutshell, is my recommendation.
I was given a copy of the film on a 2D Blu-ray screener for review. Not even the retail packaging. The film is also available on DVD and in a 3D Blu-ray combo pack.