Captain America: The Winter Soldier

MY RATING: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The next instalment to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally here and I can safely say that this is one of the best films that Marvel Studios has to offer. The film basically offers everything viewers want in a great action-packed movie - political drama, intense gun fights and hand-to-hand combat, spectacular car chases, great character development and impressive CGI. 

I thought that Marvel Studio has ruined their big surprise when they revealed the true identity of The Winter Soldier through their promotional campaigns. However, after watching the film I realised that, the identity of The Winter Soldier is merely the tip of the iceberg and that there are more revelations and plot lines that would bring about greater repercussions in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo, did an amazing job directing the film and scaling down the amount of CGI used in the film. Many of the action scenes are done with actual set pieces and props which make the action look more realistic and intense. I also like the character development in this film, and how Captain America comes to terms with modern contemporary society and the blurred lines between good and bad. The interactions between the characters are also very interesting as Captain America, Black Widow and Nick Fury each have their own way of thinking and outlook on the world and they do not necessarily see eye to eye in every situation. 

Speaking of characters, the introduction of the Falcon played by Anthony Mackie, is an excellent touch the the film as the character brings charisma as well as great aerial dogfight scenes to the film. The Winter Soldier is also a great character and I consider it as one of the most 'badass' villains I have seen in the MCU, well apart from Loki. 

With a strong storyline, amazing action and great characters, Captain America The Winter Soldier is a true representation of what a great superhero movie can be. It is a must-watch for those who are fans of the superhero and it definitely worth the time and money for those seeking a good time at the cinema. I cannot wait for the next few instalments, Guardians Of The Galaxy and The Avengers: Age Of Ultron to hit the theatres! 

SPOILER ALERT FOR THE CONTENTS BELOW

What a game changer Captain America: The Winter Soldier was!! For all those who have watched the film, you would know that the film marked the collapse of SHIELD. This would certainly lead to huge repercussions throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe since it is  the organisation that is involved in almost every of Marvel Studio's films, not to mention the ABC Television Series Agents of SHIELD which revolved entirely around it. I am excited to see what this huge change in course would do to future MCU films and in what way would Nick Fury return in future films (Samuel L. Jackson still has a few films left in his 9 film contract). As a fan of Agents of SHIELD, I am also excited to see what effect the events of the film have on the television show. The show recently re-branded its story arc as "Agents of SHIELD: Uprising" to tie in the events of The Winter Soldier and I am really exited to see what is in store.

Let's move on to the juicier bit of the film which is the mid-credits scene. We see Baron Von Strucker played by Thomas Kretschmann discussing HYDRA plans with his subordinates. The camera pans around the room to give us a good look of Loki's scepter which solves the question of "What happened to Loki's Scepter after The Avengers?" We also get a good look at two new Marvel Characters, Quicksilver, who has superhuman speed, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Scarlett Witch, who appears to have telekinetic powers, played by Elizabeth Olsen. I honestly did not expect to see them in the mid-credits scene and see their powers in action as well, but nonetheless I am still stoked as the "Age of Miracles" has begun, bringing us closer to Phase Three of the MCU.