The film operates on multiple levels. This is a sharp script that hearkens back to the ‘70s-era political thrillers. The filmmakers understand the tropes enough to both revel in and toy with them, delivering moments that feel at once classic yet fresh. Things do get a bit plot-heavy in moments and the villains’ motivations read as somewhat amorphous. It’s not quite, “we like evil because it’s so EVIL,” but, it’s in that arena. Having said that, the film doesn’t shy away from some of those pulpy elements; in fact, it plays with and utilizes them to infuse the proceedings with a sense of play.
One of the most surprising aspects of The Winter Soldier is how bold Marvel is willing to be with it. Not only does the film potentially shake-up the structure of their entire cinematic universe (we won’t say why or how here, but stay tuned to IGN for more on that once the film has been released), but the creators understand the political thriller enough to get that if they’re going to do one, and do it well, then they’re going to have to introduce a strong point-of-view about something that is relevant to our contemporary world – and that they do.The Winter Soldier offers a strong perspective about a current geopolitical hot button issue - the cost and meaning of freedom. The execution is graceful, though, in the sense that it does so without ever veering into proselytization or becoming too convoluted. There are ideas to chew on if you’re so inclined, but at its core, The Winter Soldier remains a pulsing and fast paced piece of entertainment.
Character isn’t sacrificed for the sake of plot, though. The Winter Soldier is a well-balanced film that serves up comedy, drama, and action. The big and small moments are equally thick with tension and there is some powerful development in this film. In fact, Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers / Captain America in some ways becomes the most relatable of the Marvel heroes in this film, which is, of course, a bit odd, given his origin.
There was a promise of an arc for him that began in The Avengers and really pays off here. The Winter Soldier explores the cost of being Cap: a man out of time, who in many ways belongs to no one and nothing, in a wrenching manner. There is a sequence early on in the film that is particularly shattering to watch as a fan of these characters. We’re truly exposed to his vulnerability in this film, but he's also ten times the a**-kicker and name taker. That shield has never been utilized so dynamically or been rendered as fiercely.In general, the characters are given rich ground to play in, with the exception of a few who’ve been introduced in this film. Emily VanCamp’s Sharon Carter is only afforded cursory treatment, and while Anthony Mackie gives a strong showing as Falcon, and fans will likely enjoy his presence, his purpose is primarily to serve as Cap’s sidekick. Rogers’ true partner in the film is Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow.
Building on what Whedon established for her in The Avengers, The Winter Soldier continues what is evolving into a fascinating character trajectory. She and Cap have a great repartee which feels akin to some of the truly witty early cinema rom-coms (though, theirs is not necessarily a romantic engagement). She is a powerhouse unto herself as well, though. Widow, who's already been endowed with fantastic comedic moments and a fascinating and full backstory as a character, is given a tremendous moral conflict here and left at a very interesting crossroads by the film's end.
Nick Fury is also granted scenes ripe with genuine emotion in the film. Humor, heart, and sincere fear are all in play and he too is brought to a surprising and exciting place by the story’s conclusion. In some ways, we see more from Fury here than in all of his previous appearances combined.
One very notable new addition is Robert Redford’s Alexander Pierce. This is more than just a cameo, and Redford, not surprisingly, turns in a gorgeous performance that illustrates that he is well aware of exactly what movie he’s in. The actor brings a gravitas that helps to sell the film as the ‘70s spy-thriller that it is. He brings the weight of his entire cinematic legacy with him, which also helps us to immediately buy into his character’s power and authority. We don't want to give too much away, but will say that seeing him in this capacity will likely be a thrill for cinephiles and comic book fans alike.
Finally, as to The Winter Soldier himself. It is no exaggeration to say that Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier is – other than Loki – Marvel’s most successful, and by far most terrifying, villain to date. Again, we’ll leave the details off the page, as we want audiences to enjoy the experience fully. However, we will say that Stan is both heartbreaking and legitimately chilling. He is relentless, feels unstoppable, is fundamentally the Terminator of the superhero world and is absolutely one of the most exciting new characters we’ve seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
