Hello, Lumination readers, Cory Woodroof here.
Over the summer, we here at Lumination want to keep you tuned in on everything that’s going on with campus, but also, we’ll throw some other information your way that may be beneficial to you as you enjoy a summer that may not be too close to campus. With the ‘Arts Update,’ we will periodically update you with different opinions that could be beneficial, no matter where you are, to your time off.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
Cap is back, and he’s better than ever. Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the latest Marvel Studios venture, is as successful of a follow-up to both the 2011 stand-alone film starring everyone’s favorite patriotic superhero and 2012’s monolith blockbuster hit The Avengers, which brought Cap along for the ride alongside other Avengers Initiative heroes.
With Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers (Cap’s other name) begins to investigate a mysterious plot unfolding within SHIELD, the top-secret government agency that serves as the Avengers’ parent company, so to speak. What unfolds after, best left unspoiled, brings back some of Rogers’ past into the spotlight.
The film works simply because it’s Marvel Studios at its most competent. Marvel has had their own minor bumps and bruises along the way of creating one of the most expansive film series to date, but with Winter Soldier, the studio has produced a surefire hit with depth, emotion, jaw-dropping action set pieces and a page-turning plotline.
Evans shines with his take on Rogers – the most underrated casting choice in the Marvel universe, and Scarlett Johansson is as good as ever as Natasha Romanoff. This is each’s third time out with the character, and both are excellent. Robert Redford also earns good notices as Alexander Pierce, a high-ranking SHIELD official, as do directors Anthony and Joe Russo, who navigate the waters of the genre well.
Overall, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is an excellent addition to the Marvel cannon and one that shouldn’t be missed.
The film is now playing in theaters.
Be on the lookout for reviews of Disney’s “Maleficent” and “War Horse” at TPAC over the next week.