So I let my anticipation go away. I forgot about the reviews and critical acclaim and I just sat down and watched this film for what it is and not what others thought it was. And I have to say only one word. Wow. This is an outstandingly good movie. Everybody and their mother needs to go see this thing. It is one of the best films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far and I can without a doubt say that this is a great movie.

The performances are alone are a reason to go see this movie. Chris Evans has always been good as the character, but in this film you get a really good look into his life and you can tell that this is a Captain America movie that gives him the depth he deserves. Samuel L. Jackson is spot on as Nick Fury. He is perfect for the role right now and shows just how good of an actor he truly he is. Scarlett Johansson is not only just used as very beautiful prop. She shows how good of a performer she really is and shows us her range and her character gets so much to do. Robert Redford is a leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. and gets a really developed character. He is such a good actor and his talents are used very well and he fits in just like an other spy thriller he has done before. The Winter Soldier also gets some depth that you can really attach to. His connection and storyline with Captain America is a great one and really makes him another memorable villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Anthony Mackie also was a great character and not just some add on that I was put in there to bring in a new character to their universe.

The writing and directing is also outstanding. This shows that comedy isn't as easy to direct as most people say it is. Anthony and Joe Russo are guys behind comedy TV shows like Community. And they did a great job of really blending their comedy experience with some great drama and action. These guys deserve some credit of the success of this great movie. I can say that my only problem with Iron Man is that the last action scene, while really cool and awesome, isn't integrated into the story as well and seems a little campy. None of the action in this film is campy at all. No one is spouting ridiculous one liners and each one carries a lot of drama. Any action scene is also integrated very well into the story and each piece of action does carry a lot of drama and each punch has some kind of feeling in the to not only the characters, but the audience as well. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely did a great job writing this screenplay. This guys were a part of Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The First Avenger as well and their balance of comedy and drama blends perfectly well. Everybody gets their time to shine in this film and really gets some laughs out each other. This film is a surprisingly funny when it could easily be a dark movie with no comedy at all. It is like The Dark Knight in that respect.

This movies score is also beautifully subtle in a great respect. You can here it in the most important spots and you can see the how it adds something to the drama. The special effects while not some of the best I have ever seen, are still really good and really cool looking. Polished very well and no complaints needed. They aren't just tricks anymore. Cinematography is also good because you get these cool shots showing some of these great wide open areas and some great shots of the inside set pieces like S.H.I.E.L.D.. All the comic book beats work as well. You have the awesome Stan Lee cameo in there even though he had little to do with Captain America's creation and you have some great shots of Captain America in his old outfit and the American shield in his arm.

This movie makes me question the standards of our society as well. Who has control in the government? Who should we trust? Who shouldn't we trust? Who has the control and how did they get it? Do they deserve that control? Do we really feel safe? All of these are well crafted into this fantastic story that really out does the first film in every respect. This is one of the best films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It has great respect for not only its characters, but its world and crafts one that not only seems realistic, but stills fits into the universe they have created. It makes me laugh and makes me feel quite sad. This movie is a fun and exciting action film. It is an outstanding and well paced drama. It is a gripping spy thriller. But above all, It is an epic superhero film. I give Captain America 3.75 out 4 stars.