Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Directed by Anthony Russo & Joe Russo

Continuing the tale of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), recovering from his adventures in 2012’s The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier has some heavyweight acting talent onboard.

Since 2008, The Marvel Cinematic Universe film series has produced nine films, collectively grossing over $5.5 billion at the global box office, making it the third highest-grossing film franchise, behind Harry Potter and James Bond.

The big battle for the box office over the next few weeks is between the latest from the Marvel Universe –  The original Avenger – Captain America, in his second feature film – The Winter Soldier. And The Lego Movie – which with over $400 million made since release, is this year’s highest grossing film so far.

Just as the first Captain America film set up the first Avengers film, This sequel sets up the Avengers sequel – The Age of Ultron.

It’s a super classy affair that packs a punch.

Brothers Joe and Anthony Russo who direct the film have called this an update of classic political thriller Three Days of the Condor.

So it’s no surprise that the star of that film Robert Redford pops up as an intelligence kingpin here.

The Winter Soldier is a very contemporary story covering such topics as civil liberties, drone strikes, the president’s kill list, preemptive technology and how the price we pay for freedom is to live in constant fear.

Punching and mixed martial arts are the Captain’s preferred method of combat and we never seem to see him kill anyone in the film.

That said it is ultra violent and probably more suitable for over 8s. The film is rated M so it’s recommended for over 15s, but I know it’s going to be a big school holidays blockbuster – let’s take a look.

A whipsmart script, canny direction, a reliance on live action stunts over CGI makes this a really enjoyable action film.

4 & ½ stars.

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