Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier

   “Before we get started. Does anyone want to get out?”

Captain America: The Winter Soldier. is a rarity among modern blockbusters. And earns it's place as one of the best comic book films to date!

Captain America: The Winter Solider. Takes place a couple years after the events that occurred in "The Avengers" Steve, is working for S.H.I.L.E.D now and goes on many missions along side fellow Avenger Natosha Romanof aka Black Widow. Cap is just starting to adjust to modern times. when things get a little jumbled. assassinations, evil within, a mysterious assassin, corruption. all that good stuff.

Just when I was begging to lose my faith in the Marvel Universe. Captain America shows up and saves the day! I think marvel has finally cracked the code for a perfectly balanced Superhero film,  “Iron Man 3” for example, through in a bit to many gags and laughs (although not all of them were actually funny) and although I really liked Man of Steel. it was just a bit to brooding, lacked that nice touch of humor that every-great superhero film should have. And felt a little unbalanced. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier. delivers above and beyond with on this aspect, somehow managing to keep the tone dark and thrilling, while throwing in just the right about of humor to keep it fun! It’s just such an incredible film overall, who would have thought the directors of “Arrested Development” of all people, would give us one of the greatest comic book films to date?
Every scene felt like it served a purpose and gave detail to just the smallest element in a scene. weather it be cap’s list of things to catch up on (Star Wars and rocky on there!) in the beginning. to the heart-wrenching final battle (Spoiler!) between Steve and the Winter Soldier aka Bucky Barnes. on the heliocarrier. And man is the movie in intense! And the action.. Oh the action! It’s incredible, one scene cap is in an elevator, and more SHIELD agents keep piling in he knows somethings' up. but he remains calm and collective. just before the brawl remarking “Before we get started does anyone want to get out?" A couple seconds then.. Boom! TASER sticks are drawn on him; men punching at him, magnetic hands cuff.. Longs story short he’s socks a dozen men’s breaks the elevator, jumps out the widow landing on his shield, while S.H.I.E.L.D Is in pursuit jumps on a motorcycled barely escaping the building before the doors close. is being targeting by a helicopter. Throws his shield in the helicopter. Jumps on the helicopter taking his shield out jumps off disabling it.. Enough said (end of Spoiler!)  and acting is great.
The chemistry  between every actor is incredible! especially between Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson! They are incredible together and all their whippy one liners they keep throwing at each other!

 Robert Redford could have just been in there to add a big name, but in my opinion totally delivers as a head of SHIELD. Sam Jackson well if you didn't like him before, you might just change your mind after this film. Sebastian Stan. also gives a great performance as the brainwashed assassin. "The Winter Soldier" truly incredible, he’s doesn't have to many speaking scenes, but manages to gives this look that’s just perfect and terrifying.

 I have said that so far the score of the marvel studios films have been lacking to some extent and while maybe Cap 2 hasn't reached the heights of the best, it’s a major step up of what we had before, with an intense dark and ominous score that really captivates the feel of the film. I’d also like to bring out how this movie felt like it was paying homage to a lot of movies and even video games of the past.  And there are certain set pieces that reminded me strangely enough of 1990s video games like “Street fighter II” where cap is facing off with a terrorist in hand to hand combat and its like it’s O.K. time! Some parts brought be back to Jedi outcast, mostly the SHIELD bases and the setup. I half excepted stromtroopers to come running through the halls! A bit of Sonic the hedgehog too! a strange as it sounds. Also speaking of Star Wars. there are some scenes that very much felt like something right out of “Empire” and “Return of the Jedi” you know a movie’s good when you get those kind vibes.. If your a big SW geek like me.. You’ll know them when you see them. I hope.. And this movie actually has heart to it. you truly care about these characters. And I believe I said in my review of Thor 2, how for sequels the hero has to be here in the beginning and he goes through a sequence of events that change him and allows him to grow.. For Steve Rogers this is maybe the best thing the film has done, perfectly giving his man out of time ordeal but he’s dealing with it. because he’s Captain America! but then this happens and that happens and suddenly a man who naturally wants to trust everyone.. Is told not to trust anyone, the one place he thought he could turn to shattered before his eyes… and just when you thought he couldn't handle anymore it’s gets worse, this is probably the most accurate and well flashed out portrayal of a superhero I have ever seen on film to date.. Lets put is this way; Iron Man 3 made me laugh.. This movie brought me to tears. It’s just that good. And it’s beautiful,  if you love superhero films or just good action thrillers or character films. you will not be disappointed. I know it’s new and I’ve only seen it twice so far.. But I believe this is now my favorite superhero film to date. and is up there with my elite all time favorite films! Do yourself a favor and go see Captain America: The Winter Soldier if you haven’t!

10/10

Movie Review "Divergent"

Divergent Review (2014)

in a distant future the aftermath of a great war. it was decided that the citizens of the world, be divided in the factions based on virtues, abnegation, dauntless, erudite, candor and amity. if you can't thrive in one of those you are left faction-less and must find for yourself on the streets. Beatrice (Tris) was raised in Abnegation, the selfless, the faction that runs the government, at age 16 all citizen must take a test that shows them what faction most suits them, Beatrice takes the test with multiple results and end up what is called "Divergent" which is something dangerous to the system. she is told not to tell anyone of her "divergence" and to hide in a faction. and hope not be discoved and possible killed if found out.  she chooses "Dauntless" the warrior faction. duty with keeping the peace. there she meets "Four" a mysterious. instructor with secrets of his own.
Rated PG-13 for intense violence and action, thematic elements and some sensuality

139 mins

So as you can see from the description, it is a somewhat complication story.
and if you haven't read the book could be a bit confusing, I have. so it wasn't and it does a pretty good job of explaining the factions in the beginning.
The film starts out a bit slow, but the pace picks up as it moves on, and is quite interesting and engrossing. I was pleasantly surprised my our lead heroine "Shailene Woodley" who gave a sublet but captivating performance as Tris.  as well as Theo James, the male lead and Tris love interest "Four".. it was nice to see a "Teen" film without a love triangle for once.. and the two had such great chemistry together you really didn't need one. and they were probably the highlight of the film.

I do have some reservations with this film though. there were a couple of keys scene from the book completely left out. a eye stabbing scene in the dark for example. which was on of my favorite parts of the book. is completely absent. a lot the grit from the book is toned down.. more then it needs to be to keep that "PG-13" rating. some the action could have been made with a bit more "vision". most of Tris friends are sidelined and became throwaway characters. a lots of scenes felt rushed and felt like "Lets just get as much from the book as we can" to it, but in the end it makes lose some "Meat". that pretty much sums up the bad for me.

at 2 hrs and 20 mins the film did not feel that long. which means they must be doing something right. Kate Winslet plays the main baddy "Jeanine" a Corrupt erudite leader and although given limited screen time, is great. as is Ashely Judd as tris' mother who is kind of a "kick-butt"
I loved the sip-lining scene. soo fun.. Ansel Egorlt deserves a shout out for playing tris brother. Caleb, who chooses "erudite" which thinks abnegation is governing unjustly and thinks they should role.  he didn't have big role but he made it count, for a young adult book adaption the acting over all was exceptional and probably only the "Hunger Games" films rival it. I really liked "Four" a much better male lead then most. I liked him better then "Peta" he was more of a man.

 while overall, I did have some issues with the film. it wasn't enough from keeking me from enjoying this new sci-fi blockbuster. and would recommend you check it out. really enjoyable film, with great acting. and I look forward to "Insurgent" next march!

7.5/10

Coming soon "Divergent" Review

Hey guys I just wanted to let you know I probably am going to see "Divergent" tonight and should have a review up within the next few days.

Also expect a review for "Noah" and "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" within the next couples weeks!

My most anticipated films of 2014 5-1

5.interstellar

Christopher Nolan's first film since "The Dark Knight" series came to a close, will deal with warm hole time travel and space.. at least I think that's what it's about.. the trailer doesn't show much.. of anything.. but Matthew McConaughy is red hot right now after winning his first Oscar. and I loved Inception.. I think it will be pretty awesome.

Releases 11.6

4. The Amazing Spider-Man 2

This movie has been all over the place as far as how much I'm looking forward to it.. but lets just say right now. it's a lot higher then where it started.. It could be truly amazing.. 

Releases 5.2

3. Guardians of the Galaxy

yup. this movie looks awesome.. Chris Pratt is awesome.. and my top three are pretty much my 3 Number 1s! so.. I just want to see this movie sooo bad.

Releases 8.1

2.Captain America: The Winter Soldier

even though I was really disappointed with Iron Man 3 and Thor 2.. and am trying to keep my anticipation in check. this movie just looks sooo. good and Like Marvel may have finally got it right! that and earl buzz. (which I should probably ignore) is that it is second only to avengers in quality some stating it's even better! I'll believe it when I see it.. but I really really want to see it.

1.The Hobbit: There and Back Again.

I partially put this at number 1 so it wouldn't be a superhero film. partially because I loved Desolation of Smaug! and really want to see what Peter Jackson can do with the battle of five armies.. even though there is technically only about a chapter or two left book wise to tell. don't know if it will be my favorite movie or not.. none of these could.. but I feel like this is the safest bet.

I couple movies i saw trailers for after I started working on this list I feel are worth a shout.

  Unbroken 

This is a based on a true story and well it looks very inspiring. like it could be really really good. 

Angelina Jolie isn't the most experienced director in the world. but she seems very passionate about this movie. 

Releases 12.25

Heaven is for real. also based on a true story about a child who died (almost died?) and was brought back and had in experience in heaven. looks pretty good.

releases 4.16

there it is!

my most anticipated films of 2014 9-6

9.Dumb and Dumber To

Remember the first Dumb and Dumber from the 90s with Jim Carry and Jeff Daniels? well after all these years they are finally doing a sequel! and I can't wait, here's hoping it doesn't suck.

Releases 11.14

8.How To Train Your Dragon 2

I loved the first "How to Train Your Dragon" in fact it's probably in my top 3 or 4 favorite animated films of all time!.. and really want to see this.. why so low though?  Well for one thing the gape between this and my number 1# is pretty small in fact at this point placement is almost useless. so to say I am really really looking forward to this movie is true.. but I wasn't blown away by the trailer. looks like too much action.. which is difficult to pull off in an animated film. and great animated Sequels are even rarer then regular movie sequels. but I still think it will be good.. how good I'll have to wait and see.

Releases 6.13

7.The Hunger Games: Mockinjay Part 1

Catching Fire was my favorite film of last year.. I LOVED it. it was incredible wonderfully paced well acted film. why so low? I did not care all that much for the final book for a few reasons. the first half was a little boring and the second half.. well I'm not going to talk about that. but none the less I still feel like if done right you could make a great movie the question isn't can it be as good as the book, but can it be better?

Releases 11.21

X-Men: Days of Future Past

6.

A couple of months ago, this would have been my number one!.. but only two months away and only a teaser..
Rouge getting cut and some awful magazine covers.. I guess you could say my anticipation has been dampened some. but I really liked the first trailer.. and it could end up being great.
please just let some other characters have the spot light besides Wolverine.

2014 Most Anticipated 12, 11, 10

12#

The Railway Man. Staring Collin Firth and Nicole Kidman. It's about a man who was a prisoner of war and forced by the Japanese to build a railroad. Decades later he seeks revenge when he finds the man responsible. 

This movie looks like really good, and I love me some war-period piece films.
The cast is stacked! Can't wait to see it.

Releases TBA 2014

11# 

I've heard some crazy things about this movie, but the trailers look pretty epic. And it's about Noah and the flood with real actors and a blockbuster budget! Count me In

Releases 3.28.14

10# Exodus The Story of Moses and the Israelites exodus from Bondage,  Staring Christian Bale as Moses!

Releases 12.11.14

My Most Anticipated Films of 2014 countdown 15-13

My Most Anticipated Films of 2014!

Well I know it's been a long time coming, and part of the reason I didn't make this list was because I was so disappointed with some films I was looking forward to last year I felt like putting them up would make them destined to fall short. But that's nonsense, of course not all of my anticipated films are going to live up to my expectations. So without further ado I will release my most anticipated films of 2014 (minus January, Lone Survivor was pretty much the only film I was looking forward to, saw it, it was really good.)

Before I do my top 15 list I'll do a couple honorable mentions:  

Child 44: Set in Stalin-era Soviet Union with Tom Hardy as the lead. This movies sounds really interesting to me and might have made my list but there's still no preview for it--or release date for that matter.

Big Hero 6 (Disney's First Marvel animated film).
Godzilla looks like it could be really awesome.
Jupiter Ascending looks intriguing.. 
Gone Girl sounds very interesting, don't know enough about it yet.
Chef Directed by Jon Favrea (Director of Iron Man), staring Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlet Johansson. Practically Marvel's Kitcken.. about a food truck. Very interested.

Maleficent .. I want it to be good.. but I still have the bad taste of "Snow white and the Huntsmen" in my mouth. Plus Oz was only so-so--even Alice was weak story-wise.. and the trailers don't look like there's much story so far..
Into the Woods and Need for Speed both could have potential to be good ..

Now for the real top 15 though:

15#

The Fault in our Stars. It looks really sad.. it also looks really good, for the most part anyway.. I haven't read the book, but this just looks like it has potential to be a very moving film.

Releases 6.6.14

14#

Divergent. I must confess, I have the book and still haven't finished it. Not that I think it's bad, it's good so far.. but it's no Hunger Games.. I think the movie looks good though not as good as Hunger Games.. but good.

Releases: 3.21.14

13#

The Lego Movie!! This looks so fun, funny and cool. I just want to play with the legos, they look so playable.. plus this "Man of Steel" parody trailer is Awesome!

Releases 2.7.14

Favorite Films of 2013 1# Catching Fire

Favorite films of 2013 1#: Catching Fire

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" 

I was just amazed by how good this movie was, I already wrote my in-depth review for it so there's not much else to say, but the pacing was great the action was great the drama, the whole assembled cast were outstanding in there roles, the area was just like I imagined it. I'm going to say that there wasn't a bad scene in this movie, in fact pretty much the only thing I can complain about was scenes that weren't there! one of my favorite book of all times becomes one of my all time favorite movies Spectacular! you need to see this movie!

9.8/10 

well there you have it my top 15 movies of 2013 boy was it a good year for Sci-Fi wasn't and surprisingly young adult sci-fi adaptions! with Warm Bodies, The Host, Ender's Game, Pacific Rim, Star Trek into Darkness and the Hunger Games Catching Fire all in my top 15! plus Gravity which isn't really sc-fi but it's in space so kind of. (it is also one of my favorite genres) 

Here's the rest of my top 15 in case you needed to know or maybe you just forgot: 

2# The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

3# Man of Steel

4# Star Trek Into Darkness

5# Frozen

6# Mud

7# Pacific Rim

8# Ender's Game

9# Gravity 

10# The Wolverine

11# The Host

12# Despicable Me 2 

13# Monsters University 

14# Warm Bodies

15# 42

Favorite Film of 2013 2# The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Favorite Film of 2013 2# The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" 

I really Liked the first Hobbit a lot, though not nearly as much as "Lord of the Rings" but The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest film trilogies ever made. and even I was a bit skeptical about splitting it into three movies,  this movie turned out to be a pleasant surprise, amazing film I loved it a tons! it's pace was a lot better then the first and that barrel action sequences was incredible, I loved Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel the elf and her incorporated story, but she had me at "Lost" Martin Freeman was once again outstanding as bible and Benedict Cumberbatch was stupendous as the voice Smuag  the Dragon and the most amazing Dragon ever seen on film! Ian McKellen was of course great as Gandalf, It was nice to see Orlando Bloom back a Legolas,  Adian Turner as Kill gets some nice attention and is awesome, and oh yes Luke Evans as Bard! fantastic the score was great, the visuals were great, very little bad to say about this, the begging was a little slow I guess, and The skin changer bear guy was a bit disappointing. oh and dwarfs may be though be they can't ride little iron carts on molten gold without getting really messed up. but those were pretty minor things I loved, I actually liked it almost as much as Lord of the Rings and can't wait for the final!

9.7/10

oh and this song is amazing

Favorite Film of 2013 3# Man of Steel.

3# Favorite film of 2013!

"Man of Steel"

This was like one of my most anticipated films of all time, so maybe it didn't quite reach the greatness I thought it would, but boy did it come close. I'm convinced that Henry Cavill is the perfect Superman, he just embodies the character completely and does excellent in it.  the nonlinear story telling was unique for a superhero film and I thought it was really cool, as the film progresses giving us flashes into his past as Kal-El, The Visual were awesome, the action was awesome, and the cinematography was breath-taking, loved the score, although I got to admit it didn't beat the original superman theme, there were a couple of problems I had with it,I had mixed feelings about the way (spoiler) Jonathan Kent died, wished it would have dug a little bit deeper into some characters, and Amy Adam's Lois Lane could have been just a little bit more spunky, and while the final action sequences were overall amazing, some went on just a little too long and felt a little repetitive after a while, but I acknowledge it's flaws and still love it, there is a lot to love about this movie, give it a chance if you haven't yet, Man of Steel sounds .. interesting it's probably either going to be fantastic or a train wreck.. lets hope for the ladder.

9.6/10