NOTE: Hubby and I saw it in Indianapolis in the special double feature showing. We got cool badges and a poster (which will be hung in my office). I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the first Captain America and then going into Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It was great to see

I have so much appreciation and respect for and so much to say about this movie that I don’t know if I will get it all in.

Here goes!

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OVERALL: Well done, Marvel, well done. 🙂

POINTS: Script. Editing. Music. Acting. Character Development. Marvel Cinematic Universe development. Freedom isn’t free. Yeah, this movie had it all. 🙂

PITFALLS: Why the heck does Black Widow have such long arms and a silly non-combat posture in the movie poster? (See below.)

FEMALE CHARACTER(S): Oh my. There were five named women characters and they all spoke!!!!! There’s Black Widow, Maria Hill, Kate (aka Agent 13), Peggy Carter(!), and Councilwoman Hawley!!! OMG!!!! They all contributed to the plot, the action, and the FUN!! And they all talked!! Plus there were other women in the background and I like to see that as well. Squee.

CULTURAL PITFALL(S): Well hmm…. A few more women and PoC in the background and quick supporting roles are always nice. HOWEVER! This movie did have quite a few women and PoC in the background and I did enjoy seeing them there. Marvel, feel free to add more. 🙂

HIGH POINT(S):

1.) Black Widow.Why? Because she rules.

2.) Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow. I’m really tired of people dissing Scarlett Johansson. Stop being blown away by her sheer gorgeousness and notice her amazing acting chops. The woman has acting chops. Just read her linked bio and the Golden Globe nominations and Tony Award. She also won a BAFTA, For a list of her nominations and awards click here. In short, if you don’t like her as Black Widow, well fine. But back off on the acting insults. I for one LOVE that she is Black Widow! She brings power and a presence to a role that could have been given to an actress with way less screen power. She has star power and that helps make Black Widow unbelievably awesome. As one young person said to “You know I was watching Black Widow and thinking that it was time for her backstory movie.” A wise and very true comment.

3.) Maria Hill played by Cobie Smulders. I love how you can believe she is Nick’s second in command. Love it.

4.) Chris Evans as Cap. You believe him. You believe his goodness and his strength. You believe he is kind and caring and will always do the right thing no matter what. In an interview, Mr. Evans says that this movie has a “grounded tone” and felt like a 70s thriller. I think that is in part what made this Marvel movie so great.

5.) * [SPOILER ALERT] * Cap’s “Liberty” speech to the Agents of SHIELD. I am an absolute patriot and listening to Cap talk about freedom and doing the right thing and NOT spying on everyone made my heart go pitter pat. PLUS! The old Ben Franklin statement “Those who would sacrifice liberty for a little safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety” got a huge standing ovation in this movie. At the end, the heroes chose liberty and that, even if complicated, makes my American heart sing with joy. *END * [SPOILER ALERT] *

6.) Robert Redford. It was good to see this living legend. I am also not surprised. My guess about his political leanings is that he was very in favor of the message of this movie. See 5.) above IF you have seen the movie. Thanks for being here, sir.

7.) Sam Wilson aka. The Falcon played by Anthony Mackie. He brought depth and joy to this movie and was a perfect buddy for Cap. I look forward to seeing more of him.

BECHDEL TEST (Website): 1 of 3. I would maybe rate it a 1.5 of 3. Why? Because Black Widow and Maria Hill spend a few moments talking to each other about ballistics. Though they do not make eye contact I thought it was so cool that two women were having this conversation. 🙂

RACIAL BECHDEL TEST (Website): 1 of 3. At the time of this review, there was nothing posted. I would give it a 1 of 3 because it had both Nick Fury and Stan Wilson played by African American men. SCHWEET!!!!!! I LOVE it when more than one PoC is in a movie and they even has scenes together. Squee!!

IMDB: Captain America: The Winter Soldier  (2014)

OFFICIAL MOVIE WEBSITE:  Captain America: The Winter Soldier

DVD/BLU-RAY WORTHY: YES!!! I want it now!! In fact, during the movie I thought to myself “I’m going to have to WAIT for the DVD. *sob*)

LION PAW PRINTS:  4.5 of 5. Oh Marvel, well done!!!

FUN VIDEO LINKS:

• Captain America, Guest: Chris Evans – Week of 3/31/14 |   (Why yes we ARE ready for a female action heroine lead movie!)
• Marvel Captain America Press Conference With Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson
• CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLIDER Interviews – Chris Evans, Samuel L Jackson, Anthony Mackie