Courage, Loyalty, Honor, Kablooey Courage, Loyalty, Honor
Transcription
Courage, Loyalty, Honor, Kablooey Courage, Loyalty, Honor
Welcoming a conductor. BY CORINNA DA FONSECA-WOLLHEIM N HOLDEN Scarlett Johansson knocks ’em dead. BY STEPHEN HOLDEN ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES CORINNA DA FONSECA-WOLLHEIM Captain America: The Winter Soldier , opening FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 4, 2014 FRIDAY, APRIL 2014 C1 C1 Friday, stars Chris Evans as the title superhero. ormances Movies Performances ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES I I NN Courage, Loyalty, Courage, Loyalty, Courage, Loyalty, Honor, Kablooey CMYK Nxxx,2014-04-04,C,00 Honor, Kablooey Honor, Kablooey I Captain America: The Winter Soldier , opening ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES Friday, starsThe Chris Evans the title superhero. Captain America: Winter Soldieras , opening Friday, stars Chris Evans as the title superhero. t’s a bird, it’s a plane — oh, wait, it’s Caption their— British counterparts with It’s aenjoyed bird, it’sby a plane oh, wait, it’s Captain America. tain America. Harry Potter.) TheAs costume looks different, of course, as does the It’s a bird, it’s costume a plane — oh,looks wait, it’s Captain AmerThe different, of course, with every new chapter in such series, 4 THEATER ica. looker (Chris Evans) squeezed into the form-fitting asThe does thelooks looker (Chris Evans) squeezed into introductions must be made in “The Winter It’s a bird, it’s adifferent, plane — oh, wait, it’s Captain Amer“The Most Happy Fella” costume of course, as does the corporate brand. But, gee, it can be hard keeping C M Y K Nxxx,2014-04-04,C,001,Bs-4C,E ica. looker (Chris Evans) squeezed into the form-fitting the form-fitting corporate brand. But, gee, it can Soldier” so thatofnonenthusiasts the in track all the men flyingcan andmeet fighting brings spring. BY BEN BRANTLEY corporate brand. But, gee, itdifferent, can be hardof keeping The costume looks course, as does the be hard keeping track of all the men team members and grasp their place in this costhe superhero cinematic universe. Next track of all the men flying and fighting in MANOHLA looker (Chris Evans) squeezed into the form-fitting the superhero cinematic universe. Next 11 FILM flying and fighting in the superhero mos. Here, Barnes (a good upthese is yetinclude another Bucky Spider-Man movie, and MANOHLA corporateupbrand. But, gee, it can be hard is yet another Spider-Man movie, andkeeping DARGIS 4 THEATER then come the X-Men, and then the cinematic universe. Next up is yet Sebastian Stan), Natasha Romanoff a.k.a. Black Scarlett Johansson knocks DARGIS thentrack come of theall X-Men, and then the and fighting in the men flying Guardians of the Galaxy, then (again) “The Most Happy Fella” Widow (Scarlett Guardians of the Galaxy, and then (again) another Spider-Man movie, and then Johansson) andand Nick Fury the superhero cinematic universe. Next Captain America: The Winter Soldier , opening ’em dead. BY STEPHEN HOLDEN FILM FILM MANOHLA the Avengers, whose numbers include the Avengers, whose numbers include Friday, stars Chris Evans as the title superhero. REVIEW REVIEW L. Jackson), who run S.H.I.E.L.D., the brings spring. BEN BRANTLEY come theanother X-Men, and then the BY Guard(Samuel up isAmerica. yet Captain So, he’llSpider-Man be back. Mean-movie, and Captain America. So, he’ll be back. MeanDARGIS then come the X-Men, and then the while, he has another movie to call his own, “Captain ians of the Galaxy,11and then (again) spy agency that here gives thehis movie topical FILM while, he has another movie to call own,its “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,”ofone that, like many othGuardians the Galaxy, and then (again) gloss. Kevin Feige, who runs Marvel Studios, the Avengers, whose numbers include Captain Johansson knocksAmerica: The Winter Soldier,” one that, like many othFILM ers of its type, gets off to a kinetic start Scarlett only to lose inter Soldier , opening thehe’ll Avengers, whose numbers include ans as the title superhero. REVIEW America. be back. he has steam before So, blowing everything up. Meanwhile, has thatgets theoff Russos werestart hired as to directors ers of said its type, to a kinetic only lose ’em dead. STEPHEN HOLDEN America. So, he’ll beBY back. MeanMovies Performances It’s fun until itCaptain goes kablooey, when the directors, steam before blowing everything up. another movie to call his own, “Captain Ameri“because they loved our explanation that we It’sthe a bird, it’s ahe plane — oh, another wait, it’s Captain Amerbrothers Anthony and Joe Russo,to arecall firsthis warmwhile, has movie own, “Captain ica. It’s fun until it goes kablooey, when the directors, ca: Winter Soldier,” oneone that, liketo many othing upThe this scratching next The costume lookssequel different, course, as does the their initials America: Theofand Winter Soldier,” that, like many oth- really want to make a ’70s political thriller masthe brothers Anthony Joe Russo, are first warmlooker (Chris Evans) squeezed into the form-fitting the Marvel logo. The ticklish, loose opener findsstart Steve only to ers of its type, off to a kinetic querading as a big and superhero movie.” That’s ers of its type, off to a kinetic start only to lose corporate brand. But, gee, it can gets begets hard keeping Rogers (Mr. Evans), Captain America’s Everyman aling up this sequel and scratching their initials next to track of all the men flying and fighting in steam before blowing everything up. lose before blowing everything up. theMarvel idea anyway, explains why Robert thesteam superhero cinematic universe. Next MANOHLA Continued on Page 12 Movies Performances the logo. Thewhich ticklish, loose opener finds Steve up is yet another Spider-Man movie, and It’s fun until it goes kablooey, when the directors, DARGIS then comefun the X-Men, and then the It’s until it goes kablooey, Redford, the star of ’70 paranoid classics like alRogers (Mr. Evans), Captain America’s Everyman — oh, wait, it’s Captain Amer-of the Galaxy, and then (again) Guardians FILM the brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, are first warmthe Avengers, whose numbers include when the directors, the brothers “Three Days of the Condor,” plays Alexander REVIEW Captain America. So, he’ll be back. Meanferent, of course, as does the Continued on Page 12 ing up this sequel and scratching their initials next to he has another movie to call his own, “Captain ueezed intowhile, the form-fitting Anthony and Joe Russo, are first Pierce, a S.H.I.E.L.D. official. America: The Winter Soldier,” one that, like many oththe Marvel logo. The ticklish, loose opener finds Steve ee, it can beers hard keeping of its type, gets off to a kinetic start only to lose warming upEvans), this sequel and scratch-Everyman alThe Russos have directed a few other movhe men flying and fighting in steam before blowing everything up. Rogers (Mr. Captain America’s It’s fun untilNext it goes kablooey, when the directors, ro cinematic universe. ing their initials next to the Marvel ies, including “Welcome to Collinwood” (2002), the brothers Anthony Joe Russo, are first warmother Spider-Man movie, and and ing up this the sequel and scratching their initials next to Continued on Page 12 he X-Men, and then the Marvel logo.The The ticklish, loose opener loose finds Steve opener logo. ticklish, a redo of the 1958 Italian satire “Big Deal on f the Galaxy, and thenEvans), (again) Rogers (Mr. Captain America’s Everyman alrs, whose numbers include finds Steve (Mr. EvMadonna Street” that was produced by Continued onRogers Page 12 erica. So, he’ll be back. Meanovie to call his own, “Captain ans), Captain America’s Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney. oldier,” one that, like many otho a kinetic startEveryman only to lose alter ego, runThat movie didn’t go anywhere, but, verything up. ablooey, when the directors, ning laps around the Linhaving been put on the industry map nd Joe Russo, are first warmMemorial Reflecting with that kind of patronage, it’s no cratching their coln initials next to klish, loose opener finds Steve He’s surprise that the brothers went ptain America’sPool. Everyman al- making such ued on Page 12 a good cartoonish time on to have a busy decade in — he’s super in and out television, working as of costume — that he directors and sometimes keeps lapping another executive producers for runner while yelling, “On the smart sitcom likes of your left!” The laggard is “Arrested Development” Sam Wilson (the unfailand “Community.” In beThomas Middleditch, left, and Josh Brener in Thomas Middleditch, left, and Josh Brener in ingly charming Anthony tween, they also directed “Silicon new HBO comedy. “Silicon Valley,” aValley,” new HBO a comedy. Mackie), who becomes a another movie, “You, Something is up when an ad for Planters Peanuts Something is up when an ad for Planters Peanuts archly features its mascot, Mr. Peanut, delivering a down-to-earth friend and Me and Dupree.” It was TEDarchly Talk-flavored motivational speech, complete features its mascot, Mr. Peanut, delivering a with high-flying flashy graphics and spurious data(It’s points. nice night, come and look at that rug, and then The spark of rebellion, the kind that makes a ally. a dud, but itin,didn’t matA Raisin in the Sun Denzel Washington stars in TED Talk-flavored motivational speech, complete There is a relatively new social order look at me, the red showing in his eyes, the man stand up and fight, has almost been extina Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s disrupting the peace,and a Palospurious Alto ner- data points. with flashy graphics veins moving in his head. I seen grow thin ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES guished in Walter Lee Younger. ALESSANDRA The spark of rebellion, the kind that makes a to seedocracy talented the magical world drama, at the Ethel Barrymore Theater.ter. Inand A Raisin the him Sun Denzel Washi ruled by boy American billionaires and old before he was 40,inworking and working As portrayed by Denzel WashThere isValley,” a relatively new social order man stand up and fight, has almost been extinSTANLEY Internet upstarts. “Silicon a like somebody’s horse.” ington in Kenny Leon’s disarmBEN Captain America: The Winter Soldier , opening a Broadway revival of Lorraine H actors get some of the of big-screen entertainnew and very funny HBO series that Captain America: The Winter Soldier , opening quarter of a century older than the character disrupting the peace, a Palo Alto ner-ingly relaxed revival of Lorraine In this engrossingly acted version of Hansguished in Walter Lee Younger. ALESSANDRA THE TV BRANTLEY begins Sunday, taps into the foibles Friday, stars Chris Evans theSun” title superhero. drama, at the Ethel Barrymore T berry’s epochal 1959TRUEBLOOD/HBO portrait of an AfricanHansberry’s “A Raisinas in the he is playing, at least as written. (This producJAIMIE WATCH docracy ruled by boy billionaires and As portrayed by Denzel WashFriday, stars Chris Evans as the title superhero. rewarding franchise acment, somefamily, guys and pretensions of that world. American Walter get is all tooall clearly his — which opened on Thursday tion bumps Walter’s age up to 40 from 35.) But THEATER a night at the Ethel Barrymore WhenSTANLEY Richard (Thomas Middleditch), a shy, pain- “Silicon Valley,” Internet upstarts. father’s son. Lena may tell him, shaking her it’s also because,in asKenny this production of “Raisin” ington Leon’s disarmREVIEW BEN Thomas Middleditch, left, and Josh Brener in fully introverted programmer, is asked which Steve head, that he is “something new, boy.” But you Theater — Walter appears worn makes clearer than any I’ve seen before, Walnew and very funny HBO series that quarter a century older than t ingly relaxed revival of Lorraine he identifies with, know that her great fearof is that he is not. Small down, worn out and about ready to crawl into ter inhabits a world that ages men like him THE TVJobs or Wozniak, he is almost in“Silicon Valley,” a new HBO comedy. sulted by the question. “Jobs was a poseur,” Richard BRANTLEY begins Sunday, taps into the foibles wonder shehe shows such smothering protec-as written. bed for good. Frankly, he looks a whole lot oldHansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” is playing, at least fast. WATCH left, and Josh Brener in ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES Courage, Loyalty, Honor, Kablooey L STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES e, Loyalty, Kablooey Start-Ups And Upstarts Start-Ups And Upstarts Start-Ups And Upstarts rt-Ups Upstarts Start-Ups And Upstarts JAIMIE TRUEBLOOD/HBO JAIMIE TRUEBLOOD/HBO No Rest forNo the Weary Rest for th SARA KRULWICH/THE NEW YORK TIMES ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES JAIMIE TRUEBLOOD/HBO replies. “He didn’t even write code.” Courage, Loyalty, er than you probably remember him. and pretensions of that world. Listen to how his mama, Lena (LaTanya SARA KRULWICH/THE NEW YORK TIMES tiveness to Walter’s 11-year-old son, Travis THE NEW YORK TIMES, FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 Courage, Loyalty, Honor, Kablo Courage, Loyalty, Honor, Kablooey Courage, Loyalty, Honor, Kablooey Courage, Loyalty, Honor, Kablooey Courage, Loyalty, Honor, Kablooey PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MARVEL STUDIOS AND W PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MARVEL STUDIOS WALT DISNEY PICTURES PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MARVEL STUDIOS ANDAND WALT DISNEY PICTURES Top, Chris Evans as Captain America; above, Anthony Mackie asFalcon, the his high-flying ally. as the Falcon, his hig Top, Chris Evans asMackie Captain above, Anthony Mackie PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALTFalcon, DISNEY PICTURES Top, Chris Evans as Captain America; above, Anthony asAmerica; the his high-flying ally. p, Chris Evans as Captain America; above, Anthony Mackie as the Falcon, his high-flying ally. panding multimedia enterprise. PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES panding multimed panding multimedia enterprise. From Weekend Page 1 TheFalcon, directors their presTop, Chris Evans Anthony as the hismake high-flying ally. Fromabove, Weekend Page Mackie 1 From Weekend Page 1 as Captain America; The directors mak The directors makeintheir presence felt largely the first half panding multimedia enterprise. ter ego, running laps around the the breaks and also the keys to the studio gate, and shot action sequences, including choreoFrom Weekend Page 1 ence felt largely in ence felt largely in the first half when they’re emphasizing around the make their presThe directors Lincoln Reflecting ter ego, running laps ter ego, running laps Memorial around the Steve’s humanity, whether he’s in when when they’re emphasizing meaning a franchise like this. graphed fights in which the entire bodies of they’re emp Pool. He’s making such a good panding multimedia enterprise. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting ence felt largely in the first half Lincoln Memorial ego, running laps around the Reflecting costume or not. That’s partly the Fromtime Weekend Page 1 in Steve’s cartoonish — he’s super Steve’s humanity, whether he’s in The directors make their presPool. He’s making such a good when they’re emphasizing Pool. He’s making such a good Given how little creative wiggle room there the performers visiblerace in the frame and humanity, coln Memorial Reflecting pointremain of his introductory and out of costume — that he ence felt largely in the first half costume or not. Th costume or not. That’s partly the ter— ego, running laps around the cartoonish time — he’s super indissected Steve’s humanity, whether he’s in cartoonish he’s super inWinter around thethe reflecting pool:and He editing. l. He’s making a time good is insuch properties “The aren’t by camera keepslike lapping another runnerSoldier,” it’s when they’re emphasizing point of his introdu point of his introductory race Lincoln Memorial Reflecting and out of costume — that heor not. That’s costume partly and costume — that“On he your left!” The runs like the the wind,whether but he also toonish time —out he’sofsuper in He’s while yelling, Steve’s humanity, he’s inprogresPool. making such a goodkeeps a minor triumph that the Russos imprint any “The Winter becomes around the reflecti around theSoldier” reflecting pool: He lapping another runner point of his introductory race makes you laugh. This emphasis keeps lapping another runner laggard is Sam unout of costume — that he costume or not. That’s partly the cartoonish timeWilson — he’s (the super in runs like the wind, runs like the wind, but he also on the human also spills over into while yelling, “On your left!” The personality on the movie, which is less a standsively less enjoyable once the plot thickens around the reflecting pool: He while yelling, “On your left!” The failingly charming Anthony point of his introductory race ps lapping another runner and out of costume — that he makes you laugh. T some exciting, smartly staged makes you laugh. This emphasis Mackie), who aever-expanding downlaggard is Sam Wilson (the runs likeunwind,around but hethe also reflecting pool: He laggard isleft!” Samkeeps Wilson (thebecomes unle yelling, “On your Thelapping another alone work than afriend part of high-flying anrunner and athe menace looms, assequences, Fury moves chess and shot action in-into one on the human also on the human also spills over to-earth and runs like the wind, but he also failingly charming Anthony makes you laugh. This emphasis failingly while Anthony yelling, “On your left!” The gard is Sammultimedia Wilson charming (the uncluding choreographed fights in enterprise. The directors make piece, while Pierce moves another. Captain ally. (It’s nice to see talented some exciting, sma makes you laugh. Thisstaged emphasis some exciting, smartly Mackie), who becomes a downon the human also spills over into laggard is Sam Wilson (the unMackie), who becomes a downngly charming Anthony American actors get some of the which the entire bodies of theinto on the human also spills over and shot and shot action sequences, inpresence largelyAnthony in the first half when failingly charming America move much, beyond cars and action seq to-earth friend and high-flying some exciting,doesn’t smartly staged to-earth friend andfelt high-flying performers remain visible in the ckie), who their becomes a downrewarding franchise action ensome exciting, smartly staged cluding choreogra Mackie), who becomes a downcluding choreographed fights in ally. (It’swhether nice to seeand talented shot action sequences, inally. nice to seebytalented frame and aren’t dissected by the emphasizing humanity, debris. However appealing, Mr.inEvans remains arth friendthey’re and(It’s high-flying joyed theirSteve’s British counterand shot action sequences, to-earth friend and high-flying which the entire bo which the entire bodies of the camera and editing. American actors get some of the cluding choreographed fights in American actors get some of the parts(It’s with Harry Potter.) cluding choreographed fights in . (It’s nice he’s to seein talented ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS costume ornice not. partly the point a recessive screen presence, and while it performers may ally. to That’s see talented remain performers remain visible in the “Theof Winter Soldier” becomes AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES rewarding franchise action enwhich the entire bodies the rewarding franchise action enAs with every new chapter in which the entire bodies of the erican actors get some ofAmerican the actors get some ofthe the reflecting progressively less enjoyable once frame and aren’t d of his introductory race around be a relief that Captain America isn’t angst-ridframe and aren’t dissected by the such series, introductions their aBritish counterperformers remainperformers visible inremain the visible in the joyed by theirenBritish counterBattling menace: Sebastian rewarding franchise actionmust en-joyed by warding franchise action the plot thickens and a menace camera and editing camera and editing. be made in “The Winter Soldier” frame and aren’t dissected by the parts with Harry Potter.) frame and aren’t dissected by the He runs like theBritish wind,counterbut he also makes parts with Harry Potter.) den, he’s blandly well adjusted forSTUDIOS a guy who, Stan as the Winter Soldier. joyed by their ed by theirpool: British counterZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS looms, as Fury moves one chess so that nonenthusiasts meetAs with “The Winter Sol camera and editing. “The Winter Soldier” AND WALTbecomes DISNEY PICTURES AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES parts with Harry Potter.) every new chapter in camera and editing. As with every new chapter inoncan ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS ts with Harry Potter.) piece, while Pierce moves anyou laugh. This emphasis the human also in his last movie, emerged from a decades-long theAsteam members and ZADEgrasp ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES “The Winter Soldier” becomes progressively less progressively less enjoyable once with every new chapter in such series, introductions “Themust Winter Soldier” becomes such series, introductions must Battling a menace: Sebastian AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES other. Captain America doesn’t astaged menace: Sebastian s with every new chapter in series, their place inintroductions this cosmos.Battling Here, progressively less enjoyable once good Sebastian Stan), Natasha spills over into some exciting, smartly deep freeze. Comic-book movie directors have such must the plot thickens a the plot thickens and a menace Battling a menace: Sebastian made in “The Winter progressively enjoyable be made in “The Winter Soldier” move much, beyond and deh series, introductions must these include Bucky Barnes (abe as Stan as theonce Winter Soldier. the plot thickens andcars a menace Romanoff a.k.a. BlackSoldier” Widow less Stan the Winter Soldier. a menace: Sebastian be made inBattling “The Winter Soldier” looms, as Fury mo looms, as Fury moves one chess Stan as the Winter Soldier. bris. However appealing, Mr. Evso that nonenthusiasts can meet the plot thickens and a menace so that nonenthusiasts can meet looms, as Fury moves one chess (Scarlett Johansson) and Nick made in “The Winter Soldier” so that nonenthusiasts meet Soldier. Stan as thecan Winter piece, while Pierce while Pierce moves anans remains a recessive screen members and grasp looms, as Fury moves one chess the team can members and grasp and grasp the team piece, while Pierce moves anFury (Samuel L. Jackson), who piece, hat nonenthusiasts meet the team members presence, while it doesn’t may be a other. Captain Ame other. Captainand America to sell the prepackaged goods while trying to buster sins, including an excess of plot. But it, PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MARVEL STUDIOS AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES capture — and maybe redefine, as Christopher too, doesn’t make the case on screen for why Top, Chris Evans as Captain America; above, Anthony Mackie as the Falcon, his high-flying ally. Top, Chris Evans asas Captain America; above, Anthony Mackie asas the Falcon, his high-flying ally. Top, Chris Evans Captain America; above, Anthony Mackie the Falcon, his high-flying ally. Nolan did with Batman — a superhero’s esCaptain America should have been taken out sence. And they have to do so of mothballs. panding multimedia panding multimedia enterprise. panding multimedia enterprise. without boring everyone who Despite Mr. enterprise. Evans’s stated From Weekend Page 11 1 From Weekend Page From Weekend Page The directors make their presThe directors make their presThe directors make their prescould not care less why a crulack of passion for playing ence felt largely ininin the first half ence felt largely the first half ence felt largely the first half ego, running laps around the ter ego, running laps around the ter ego, running laps around the saderter went dark as night or that super-characters like when they’re emphasizing when they’re emphasizing when they’re emphasizingthis one Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Steve’s humanity, whether he’s ininin Steve’s humanity, whether he’s Steve’s humanity, whether he’s he died only tomaking be reborn. and despite the genre’s creeping Pool. He’s such aaBut good Pool. He’s making such Pool. He’s making such agood good costume or not. That’s partly the costume or not. That’s partly the costume or not. That’s partly the cartoonish time he’s super ininin cartoonish time —— he’s super cartoonish time he’s super what if he’s kind of — dull? exhaustion, Captain America point ofofof his introductory race point his introductory race point his introductory race and out of costume — that he and out of costume — that he and out of costume — that he Heresy! Yet one of the seems likely to keep running around the reflecting pool: He around the reflecting pool: He around the reflecting pool: He keeps lapping another runner keeps lapping another runner keeps lapping another runner problems with Captain Amerand jumping. Unlike the James runs like the wind, but he also runs like the wind, but he also runs like the wind, but he also while yelling, “On your left!” The while yelling, “On your left!” The while yelling, “On your left!” The makes you laugh. This emphasis makes you laugh. This emphasis makes you laugh. This emphasis laggard is Sam Wilson (the unica, who was is introduced laggard (the Bond movies, which have laggard isSam SamWilson Wilsonin (theununon the human also spills over into on the human also spills over into on the human also spills over into charming failingly charming Anthony failingly charming Anthony 1941, isfailingly that he didn’t Anthony cross dribbled outsmartly fairly slowly or a some exciting, staged some exciting, smartly staged some exciting, smartly staged Mackie), who becomes aadownMackie), who becomes Mackie), who becomes adowndownover into thefriend mainstream until series like Harry Potter, and shot action sequences, inand shot action sequences, inand shot action sequences, in-which to-earth and high-flying to-earth friend and high-flying to-earth friend and high-flying cluding choreographed fights ininin cluding choreographed fights cluding choreographed fights three ally. years ago with “Captain has a finite number of exploit(It’s nice to see talented ally. (It’s nice to see talented ally. (It’s nice to see talented which the entire bodies of the which the entire bodies of the which the entire bodies of the American actors get some of the American actors get some of the American actors get some of the America: The First Avenger.” able titles, there appears to be performers remain visible ininin the performers remain visible the performers remain visible the rewarding franchise action enrewarding franchise action enrewarding franchise action enDirected by Joe Johnston, who no end in sight when it comes frame and aren’t dissected by the frame and aren’t dissected by the frame and aren’t dissected by the to joyed by their British counterjoyed joyedby bytheir theirBritish Britishcountercountercamera and editing. wiselyparts kept the irony in check, camera superhero movies. cameraand andediting. editing. Warner Bros. with Harry Potter.) parts with Harry Potter.) parts with Harry Potter.) ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS ZADE ROSENTHAL/MARVEL STUDIOS “The Winter Soldier” becomes “The Winter Soldier” becomes “The Winter Soldier” becomes AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES AND WALT DISNEY PICTURES has As with every new chapter ininin As with every new chapter “The First Avenger” hit the introduced Batman twice in As with every new chapter progressively less enjoyable once progressively less enjoyable once progressively less enjoyable once such series, introductions must such series, introductions must such series, introductions must Battling a menace: Sebastian Battling a menace: Sebastian Battling a menace: Sebastian origin-story marks by tracseparate franchise cycles and the plot thickens and a menace the plot thickens and a menace the plot thickens and a menace be made in “The Winter Soldier” bebe made in “The Winter Soldier” made in “The Winter Soldier” Stan as the Winter Soldier. Stan asas the Winter Soldier. Stan the Winter Soldier. ing the metamorphosis of a Sony has done the same, at looms, as Fury moves one chess looms, as Fury moves one chess looms, as Fury moves one chess a so that nonenthusiasts can meet soso that nonenthusiasts can meet that nonenthusiasts can meet piece, while Pierce anpiece, while Pierce moves anpiece, while Pierce moves an90-pound weakling into agrasp World faster clip, withmoves Spider-Man. In the team members and the team members and grasp the team members and grasp other. Captain America doesn’t other. Captain America doesn’t other. Captain America doesn’t their place in this cosmos. Here, their place in this cosmos. Here, their place in showing this cosmos. Here, Sebastian Stan), Natasha good Sebastian Stan), Natasha good Sebastian Stan), Natasha War II hero while that Mr.good Evans other words, superhero stories have become, move much, beyond cars and demove much, beyond cars and demove much, beyond cars and deinclude Bucky (a these include Bucky Barnes (a(a these include Bucky Barnes Romanoff a.k.a. Black Widow Romanoff a.k.a. Black Widow Romanoff a.k.a. Black Widow could these wear the suit andBarnes throw a punch. It was or at least some would claim, the Hollywood bris. However appealing, Mr. Evbris. However appealing, Mr. Evbris. However appealing, Mr. Ev(Scarlett Johansson) and Nick (Scarlett Johansson) and Nick (Scarlett Johansson) and Nick ans remains aarecessive ans remains screen amusing, old-fashioned and ponderous, just equivalent Shakespeare: a screen well that ans remains arecessive recessive screen Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), who Fury (Samuel L.L. Jackson), who Fury (Samuel Jackson), whoof, say, presence, and while it may be a presence, and while it may be a arepresence, and while it may be run S.H.I.E.L.D., spy agency like its protagonist. The sequel, which was also the they return run S.H.I.E.L.D., the spy agency run S.H.I.E.L.D., the spy agencyto again and again to reboot, relief that Captain America isn’t relief that Captain America isn’t relief that Captain America isn’t that here gives the movie its topithat here gives the movie its topithat here gives the movie its topiwritten by Christopher Markus and Stephen make, redesign and resellhe’s until death (ours, the blandly well angst-ridden, he’s blandly well angst-ridden, he’s blandly well cal gloss. Kevin Feige, who runs cal gloss. Kevin Feige, who runs cal gloss. Kevin Feige, who runs angst-ridden, n McFeely, suffers from some routineMarvel blockart’s, the planet’s) do for us apart. who, ininin his last adjusted for aguy who, his last adjusted for aguy guy who, his last Studios, has said that the Marvel Studios, has said that the Marvel Studios, has said that the adjusted Russos were hired as directors Russos were hired asas directors Russos were hired directors “because they loved our explana“because they loved our explana“because they loved our explanation that we really want tototo make tion that we really want make tion that we really want make aa’70s political thriller masquerpolitical thriller masquera’70s ’70s political thriller masquerading as aabig superhero movie.” ading asas superhero movie.” ading abig big superhero movie.” That’s the idea anyway, which That’s the idea anyway, which That’s the idea anyway, which explains why Robert Redford, the explains why Robert Redford, the explains why Robert Redford, the star ofofof ’70 paranoid classics like star ’70 paranoid classics like star ’70 paranoid classics like “Three Days ofofof the Condor,” “Three Days the Condor,” “Three Days the Condor,” plays Alexander Pierce, aa a plays Alexander Pierce, plays Alexander Pierce, S.H.I.E.L.D. official. S.H.I.E.L.D. official. S.H.I.E.L.D. official. The Russos have directed aa a The Russos have directed The Russos have directed few other movies, including few other movies, including few other movies, including “Welcome tototo Collinwood” (2002), “Welcome Collinwood” (2002), “Welcome Collinwood” (2002), aaredo ofofof the 1958 Italian satire the 1958 Italian satire aredo redo the 1958 Italian satire “Big Deal on Madonna Street” “Big Deal on Madonna Street” “Big Deal on Madonna Street” that was produced by Steven that was produced by Steven that was produced by Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney. Soderbergh and George Clooney. Soderbergh and George Clooney. That movie didn’t go anywhere, That movie didn’t go anywhere, That movie didn’t go anywhere, but, having been put on the inbut, having been put on the inbut, having been put on the industry map with that kind ofofof padustry map with that kind padustry map with that kind patronage, it’s no surprise that the tronage, it’s no surprise that the tronage, it’s no surprise that the brothers went on tototo have aabusy brothers went on have brothers went on have abusy busy decade ininin television, working as decade television, working asas decade television, working directors and sometimes execudirectors and sometimes execudirectors and sometimes executive producers for the smart sittive producers for the smart sittive producers for the smart sitcom likes ofofof “Arrested Developcom likes “Arrested Developcom likes “Arrested Development” and “Community.” In bement” and “Community.” InIn bement” and “Community.” between, they also directed another tween, they also directed another tween, they also directed another movie, “You, Me and Dupree.” ItItIt movie, “You, Me and Dupree.” movie, “You, Me and Dupree.” was aadud, but ititdidn’t matter. In was but matter. InIn was adud, dud, but itdidn’t didn’t matter. the magical world ofofof big-screen the magical world big-screen the magical world big-screen entertainment, some guys get all entertainment, some guys get all entertainment, some guys get all movie, emerged from aadecadesmovie, emerged from movie, emerged from adecadesdecadeslong deep freeze. Comic-book long deep freeze. Comic-book long deep freeze. Comic-book movie directors have tototo sell the movie directors have sell the movie directors have sell the prepackaged goods while trying prepackaged goods while trying prepackaged goods while trying tototo capture — and maybe redecapture —— and maybe redecapture and maybe redefine, as Christopher Nolan did fine, asas Christopher Nolan did fine, Christopher Nolan did with Batman — aasuperhero’s eswith Batman —— eswith Batman asuperhero’s superhero’s essence. And they have tototo do so sence. And they have do soso sence. And they have do without boring everyone who without boring everyone who without boring everyone who could not care less why aacrucould not care less why could not care less why acrucrusader went dark as night or that sader went dark asas night oror that sader went dark night that he died only tototo be reborn. But he died only bebe reborn. But he died only reborn. But what ififhe’s kind ofofof dull? what kind dull? what ifhe’s he’s kind dull? Heresy! Yet one ofofof the probHeresy! Yet one the probHeresy! Yet one the problems with Captain America, who lems with Captain America, who lems with Captain America, who was introduced ininin 1941, isisis that he was introduced 1941, that he was introduced 1941, that he didn’t cross over into the maindidn’t cross over into the maindidn’t cross over into the mainstream until three years ago with stream until three years ago with stream until three years ago with “Captain America: The First “Captain America: The First “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Directed by Joe JohnsAvenger.” Directed by Joe JohnsAvenger.” Directed by Joe Johnston, who wisely kept the irony ininin ton, who wisely kept the irony ton, who wisely kept the irony check, “The First Avenger” hit check, “The First Avenger” hit check, “The First Avenger” hit the origin-story marks by tracing the origin-story marks by tracing the origin-story marks by tracing the metamorphosis ofofof aa90-pound the metamorphosis the metamorphosis a90-pound 90-pound weakling into aaWorld War IIIIII weakling into War weakling into aWorld World War hero while showing that Mr. Evhero while showing that Mr. Evhero while showing that Mr. Evans could wear the suit and throw ans could wear the suit and throw ans could wear the suit and throw aapunch. ItItIt was amusing, oldwas amusing, oldapunch. punch. was amusing, oldfashioned and ponderous, just fashioned and ponderous, just fashioned and ponderous, just like its protagonist. The sequel, like its protagonist. The sequel, like its protagonist. The sequel, which was also written by Chriswhich was also written by Chriswhich was also written by Christopher Markus and Stephen topher Markus and Stephen topher Markus and Stephen McFeely, suffers from some rouMcFeely, suffers from some rouMcFeely, suffers from some routine blockbuster sins, including tine blockbuster sins, including tine blockbuster sins, including