Having spent 70 years in suspended animation, Captain America (Chris Evans) is still coming to terms with just how significantly times have changed. While the internet is helpful with pop culture catch-up, he’s left to his own devices when distinguishing where the greater good ends and outright evil begins. And when faced with moral grey areas such as pre-emptive surveillance, who wouldn’t be nostalgic for simpler times when you just had to punch out anyone sporting a swastika?
At first glance, directors Anthony and Joe Russo would also seem to be out of their element, with their previous credits largely consisting of small-screen comedies such as Community. However, they acquit themselves exceptionally well in an opening sequence that finds our super solider and trusted lieutenant Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) laying waste to a crew of pirates on a hijacked military vessel. Skilfully choreographed, it instills a thrilling pace that rarely lets up.
This is particularly commendable as the film is as reliant on a twisting plot as it is on grand set pieces. Thankfully, Captain America’s old-fashioned values extend to ensuring that ticket-buyers get their money’s worth.
