The Marvel Cinematic universe prides itself on the fact that none of the movies in the cannon are 'bad' movies. I have liked quite a few, but the only ones I would put above OK are The Avengers, Iron Man 1, and Captain America 1. The Winter Solider is the first sequel in the cannon that does what a sequel should do: Do not make the same movie again, but up the stakes and the ante.

The movie uses its new characters and plot ideas in great different places. The Winter Solider is an amazing new addition to the series and he gets just as much screen time as he needs to not be overbearing. This is not to say that the old characters are not used to the fullest. Captain America is still amazingly acted by Chris Evans who just fits and Black Widow is still an awesome character. Sam Jackson is Sam Jackson you feel cool just watching him. Robert Redford is a new addition here and he just plays Robert Redford, which is not a bad thing. Still good.

That's pretty much all I can say without giving away any spoilers, so there you go. If you liked the other films in the cannon, you'll love this. One of the better ones in the cannon.