Captain America The Winter Soldier
After the life-changing events he experienced , Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is still struggling to adjust to the modern world. Circumstances force him to team up with Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), known as Black Widow, to face a powerful yet covert enemy in Washington, D.C. Soon after, the two of them seek help from Falcon (Anthony Mackie), as the Winter Soldier, a cold-blooded assassin, is determined to eliminate them.
For me, this is one of the best films in the MCU. A political thriller—one of my favorite genres—blended with superhero action. The Russo brothers did an excellent job with the direction, which is one of the film’s strongest aspects, featuring brilliantly choreographed action scenes.
The chemistry between Captain America and Black Widow is fantastic, and the entire cast fits together harmoniously. The script has substance and is genuinely engaging, without veering off into unnecessary cleverness—something that, in my eyes, makes it more “charming.” Chris Evans seems like the ideal Captain America, with the presence the role requires.
The tight pacing keeps you from ever getting bored, the editing is great, and the film’s overall political tone makes it stand out and feel bold.
Sure, the ending was obviously going to be predictable, but compared to everything that came before it, I didn’t mind at all. You know, after all, that in a universe like this, each film lays the groundwork for the next one.
Truly enjoyable—highly recommended.
Black Widow
Black Widow, aka Natasha Romanoff, is on the run from the authorities following the events of Captain America: Civil War, when an old acquaintance pulls her out of hiding. The catalyst is the sinister activity of a ruthless man who holds some shocking secrets about the superheroine’s family.
The super spy finally gets her own standalone movie, which happens to be released under overall strange circumstances—not only because it’s Marvel’s first production during the pandemic, but also because it premieres after the character has already died in Avengers: Infinity War.
No, it’s not one of Marvel’s strongest films, but it’s an enjoyable watch. You learn a few things about Black Widow, and the movie introduces us to its breakout star—Yelena, wonderfully portrayed by Florence Pugh. The entire cast gives their best, with David Harbour and Rachel Weisz playing the parental roles.
The relationship between the two sisters and their psychological background—at the heart of the story—is, in my opinion, the film’s strongest point. Their chemistry is also one of the movie’s major assets.
The script has its exaggerations, and some action scenes don’t make much sense. Additionally, the humor from the Red Guardian didn’t always land for me. Some of the effects fall short of the expectations and standards of a Marvel film.
I really liked the opening scene, as well as the bridge scene with Taskmaster, a character I feel ends up being underutilized as the movie progresses. The pacing is good, and the cinematography is well-crafted. Overall, I think the film was judged a bit more harshly than it deserved.
