No spoiler alert. No major plot points will be revealed so you are safe to read this, just a few details are mentioned.
Pardon me while I gush. Captain America stood his ground this weekend at the box office and in the hearts of my family.
All of us were blown away by the movie, Captain America: Winter Soldier.
"I liked the funny parts," my nine-year-old said.
"I loved the the surprises," my fifteen-year-old told me.
If a great action movie is composed of great moments, than then Winter Soldier fits the bill. The movie makers dig deep into the Marvel Comics heritage to bring us into the personal struggles of Captain Rogers (played by Chris Evans) and hint at the conflicted background of Black Widow. The writers use simple visual devices to get us current on the plot points while taking us on a history lesson of Captain America's time on earth. That's been a long time, since he spent approximately seven decades in a deep freeze.
The beauty of this film is that nothing else is simple, except Captain America's integrity. That's at the core of every conversation, every action he takes. There is a powerful message here for kids and adults alike. This super hero shields himself with a special metal disc and the truth.
Marvel once again succeeds in not losing its sense of humor in the direst of circumstances. Scarlett Johansson's character, Black Widow, brilliantly deadpans her way through the film, Captain America and his new sidekick create a buddy section of the film filled with good natured jabs and truly funny sarcasm.
The point is, when many of today's super hero films go dark, the film addresses some important issues, while keeping it light and delivering crazy cool action scenes and snappy dialogue. There's also a very current theme about balancing security with freedom. Yes, there was violence, but the action scenes are amazing, especially one early in the film.
All of the actors have chops. Samuel Jackson gives a great edgy performance as Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. There is also a hilarious reference to another famous movie line and role of his.
Also, there was Robert Redford. Not much more to say there. Remember when he starred with Scarlett Johansson in the "The Horse Whisperer"? Well, it was wonderful to see them together again back on the big screen, with much time and many experiences having passed.
The bottom line is that the sequel delivers and expands upon all the sweetness of the first film. There are intertwined storylines of integrity, humor, competence and overwhelming technology. There's also an overriding theme that some old fashioned ideas and even people, do stand the test of time. If you can get to the theatre to see it, it's worth your time and money, because every single moment delivers.