Now I See the Light: The Winter Soldier
I think I'm slightly late on the reaction bandwagon and wasn't planning on doing an actual post---
The thing is, a week later and this movie is still in my head and all I want to do is see it again---so here's me flailing---
Because can I just say damn--this movie was great on so many levels? It's not a perfect movie and while it lacks the grandeur of The Avengers--I enjoyed it more because of how grounded it felt for a superhero movie. I think I might even love it more too---it's a close call and this is coming from a comic fan who is more vested in The Avengers/expanded Marvel Verse than anything really to do with Captain America. And at the very least, this is the best sequel out of the whole franchise, IMHO.
I was a fan of Sebastian Stan before, but really he shines even with such little dialogue. I need to find a copy of Kings to watch ASAP. And funny thing, Chris Evans actually sold me on Captain America this time around---and I finally see Cap's appeal. And it seems like he felt more comfortable in his character? Anthony Mackie was wonderful and his scenes were among the best. And Scarlett Johansson was her amazing self as Black Widow---her characterization was great in The Avengers and this takes it a solid step further.
[Spoiler (click to open)]There is so much I want to flail and talk about: 1) Sebastian Stan as Bucky and his acting and just all the scenes especially the part where he goes "But I knew him" 2) Steve adjusting to the modern world with almost an easy stride (also I love, love sarcastic!Steve) 2) "To your left" and the fact that Sam was set up pretty much as the cute "interest" 3) the fact that Natasha was pretty much the second lead and in many ways a foil for Steve---and just all the little details you learn about her and the choices she makes 4)Maria Hill---thank you MCU for doing such an amazing job with her characterization and Colbie Smulders for the great portrayal (her depiction in the comics haven't always been so great) 5) All the nods to the comics and/or the larger MCU---because I'm a dork I like seeing all the easter eggs 5) Steve and Nat brOTP (like I could see and like the possible sexual tension but I like the brOTP better---kind of like Steve and Carol?)
There's a lot of great meta and reviews all over the place, and I haven't looked too deeply yet, but this post pretty much sums up a lot of my thoughts.
And EEEEE!!!!- Piotr and Wanda, so excited about this! (they really can't be called mutants? seriously?) But Carol, I want Carol to be introduced to MCU.
I never thought I would be interested in reading Steve/Bucky but you all were right. (EEEE! Does anybody read them? Or heck any of the pairings in the movie Steve/Nat, Steve/Sam, Steve/Nat/Bucky, OT4---rec me your favorites, point me in a direction to where I can start reading because it's a cliff and I'm scared to jump :P But seriously---)
General thoughts on MCU: I love the comics (and to be fair I'm super new to Marvel and my views are heavily skewed by the current roster of writers), but there are definitely warts and I love how MCU is conscious of that and is trying for a broader appeal. And I love that fandom for the most part has embraced that vibe. I also kind of love how the MCU, for the how much a superhero franchise can be, is mostly trying to be grounded in our reality and is sort of bringing an interesting perspective on our world view---again in a much limited and potentially problematic capacity---but still I appreciate it.
Also, I'm probably in the super minority here---but I'm super stoked for Guardians of the Galaxy. At first when I saw the trailer I wasn't sure, but now I think it could be brilliant if they handle it well. Though I don't expect it to be as solid as The Avengers or Captain America: The Winter Soldier has been (but that's mostly me trying not to get my hopes up).
I have words to write so I'll be in my corner thinking of Merlin (and trying not be distracted by all the Bucky feels)
The thing is, a week later and this movie is still in my head and all I want to do is see it again---so here's me flailing---
Because can I just say damn--this movie was great on so many levels? It's not a perfect movie and while it lacks the grandeur of The Avengers--I enjoyed it more because of how grounded it felt for a superhero movie. I think I might even love it more too---it's a close call and this is coming from a comic fan who is more vested in The Avengers/expanded Marvel Verse than anything really to do with Captain America. And at the very least, this is the best sequel out of the whole franchise, IMHO.
I was a fan of Sebastian Stan before, but really he shines even with such little dialogue. I need to find a copy of Kings to watch ASAP. And funny thing, Chris Evans actually sold me on Captain America this time around---and I finally see Cap's appeal. And it seems like he felt more comfortable in his character? Anthony Mackie was wonderful and his scenes were among the best. And Scarlett Johansson was her amazing self as Black Widow---her characterization was great in The Avengers and this takes it a solid step further.
[Spoiler (click to open)]There is so much I want to flail and talk about: 1) Sebastian Stan as Bucky and his acting and just all the scenes especially the part where he goes "But I knew him" 2) Steve adjusting to the modern world with almost an easy stride (also I love, love sarcastic!Steve) 2) "To your left" and the fact that Sam was set up pretty much as the cute "interest" 3) the fact that Natasha was pretty much the second lead and in many ways a foil for Steve---and just all the little details you learn about her and the choices she makes 4)Maria Hill---thank you MCU for doing such an amazing job with her characterization and Colbie Smulders for the great portrayal (her depiction in the comics haven't always been so great) 5) All the nods to the comics and/or the larger MCU---because I'm a dork I like seeing all the easter eggs 5) Steve and Nat brOTP (like I could see and like the possible sexual tension but I like the brOTP better---kind of like Steve and Carol?)
There's a lot of great meta and reviews all over the place, and I haven't looked too deeply yet, but this post pretty much sums up a lot of my thoughts.
And EEEEE!!!!- Piotr and Wanda, so excited about this! (they really can't be called mutants? seriously?) But Carol, I want Carol to be introduced to MCU.
I never thought I would be interested in reading Steve/Bucky but you all were right. (EEEE! Does anybody read them? Or heck any of the pairings in the movie Steve/Nat, Steve/Sam, Steve/Nat/Bucky, OT4---rec me your favorites, point me in a direction to where I can start reading because it's a cliff and I'm scared to jump :P But seriously---)
General thoughts on MCU: I love the comics (and to be fair I'm super new to Marvel and my views are heavily skewed by the current roster of writers), but there are definitely warts and I love how MCU is conscious of that and is trying for a broader appeal. And I love that fandom for the most part has embraced that vibe. I also kind of love how the MCU, for the how much a superhero franchise can be, is mostly trying to be grounded in our reality and is sort of bringing an interesting perspective on our world view---again in a much limited and potentially problematic capacity---but still I appreciate it.
Also, I'm probably in the super minority here---but I'm super stoked for Guardians of the Galaxy. At first when I saw the trailer I wasn't sure, but now I think it could be brilliant if they handle it well. Though I don't expect it to be as solid as The Avengers or Captain America: The Winter Soldier has been (but that's mostly me trying not to get my hopes up).
I have words to write so I'll be in my corner thinking of Merlin (and trying not be distracted by all the Bucky feels)