The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

If someone wanted to argue with me that this stopover of popular characters in a TV series is just filler, I wouldn't have much in the way of opposing arguments. "Just" that Sam's handling of his legacy and possible future and, on the other hand, Bucky's painful return to the gloomy past drive both heroes where they belong and gives them just the kind of work I would expect and wish for. This all happens in a cynically acting political world where there is no time for nostalgia and touching memories. The show and the shield must go on, no matter what. Moreover, the script is not afraid to touch on social issues that there is not enough time for in feature-length films and which still need to be addressed. Luckily, it presents them in an unrefined, but pleasantly conversational and thoughtful way, and that is what has the greatest merit for my extremely positive final impressions. This is much more of a personal, future-oriented step than just a sigh over a story of a beloved and absent person with stars and stripes on their chest that has already been closed. And as for Sebastian Stan being "played out" so perfectly that he has outgrown his role in a good sense, we can talk about that somewhere else. (02.10.2023)

Action isn’t everything. I’m willing to turn a blind eye to a very poor story rewritten from bioterrorist threat to non-Covid running around Prague, but not to the amateurish directing. I often didn’t understand how the scenes followed each other, who is where and why they do what they do. Mackie is transformed from the likeable Falcon into an unlikeable moralist and unfortunately the writers change him too quickly, sometime in the gap between the last two episodes. Much more interesting is the genesis of U.S. Agent. Bucky’s transformation into a good guy revolves around someone’s grandpa and a notebook with a list of crossed out names. And the formerly excellent Zemo becomes a comic book caricature again. Better screenwriters, better directors. They also need some help with the action scenes: the actors and special effects can’t do it alone. P.S.: GRC is a really dumb abbreviation. (23.04.2021)

Much weaker than WandaVision. It’s more traditional, without any standout ideas. The digital action is solid, and the actors come and go without leaving much of an impression. While WandaVision managed to turn a side character into a central figure, Falcon and Winter Soldier just sort of drifts along with the new Captain America, and I watched it all in silence, feeling nothing. It’s a superhero show that plays it safe — Daniel Brühl easily steals the spotlight, while the main characters don't bring anything new to the table. Hardcore fans might still find satisfaction in the numerous comic book nods. (22.08.2021)

As an expansion to the Marvel Universe, it’s fine. I would call it an add-on that doesn't offend, it presents some new features and gadgets, but I wouldn't call it very exciting or, God forbid, a full-fledged movie, although it has its bright moments. The action is OK for a series, the visual effects are passable (except for a few minor things) and it has the drive and dynamism we've come to expect from Marvel. There is not much to say about the story, it does have a main plot, but the large number of characters and their confrontations in various situations are far more interesting. I’d be fine with a sequel, but it’s not necessary. (02.05.2021)

I was skeptical about WandaVision because it literally made me suffer from boredom, but thankfully The Falcon and The Winter Soldier already resembles Marvel more and the creators finally realized that Marvel should be action-packed, which this series undoubtedly is. At times, I felt like I was watching a sequel to Captain America, which I consider the best Marvel movie after The Avengers because it stays grounded. So, instead of magic and sci-fi worlds, my favorite martial art and fights on PG-13 get the spotlight, and they are surprisingly solid and sometimes unexpectedly gritty. The development of The Falcon (those who have seen it know) is satisfying, the new Captain America on the scene is cool, the Winter Soldier seemed a bit underutilized, I felt like he almost didn't use his arm at all and kicked more often, but whatever, and Baron Zemo and the visit from Wakanda definitely pleased me. Each episode is action-packed and there aren't so many conversational passages that would make me bored. It's entertaining and nicely shot. Although the villains are weak again (the biggest weakness of Marvel is confirmed here as well), it didn't bother me that much. It's definitely a step forward from Wanda and I hope Loki will blow everyone away! 7/10. (27.04.2021)