Falcon & The Winter Solder (2021) Review

Title: Falcon & The Winter Soldier
Year: 2021
Country: US
Language: English

The First Avenger, The Winter Soldier and Civil War were not only great Captain America ventures, they are my favorite films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far. I love that they are filled to the brim with spies, espionage and legitimately thrilling moments. I feel like Captain America has become a far more compelling character than any other Avenger. That saying his finale at Endgame was bittersweet; I wish we got more Captain America, but I am excited to see what Falcon will do with his shield. 

Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan)  team up in a global adventure that tests their abilities -- and their patience. 

Even if you're a Universe saving Avenger you'll still face discrimination if you're black. Sam Wilson gets stopped by police, denied a home loan, and passed up as the next Captain America for a blonde haired blue eyed white guy. Falcon & The Winter Soldier is very critical of the institutions in America that hold POC down & examines how deep rooted these problems are.

Although at the same time, the protagonists are also disenfranchised people who are misplaced because of a post-snap inept government. Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman) is a teenager who leads the rebellious "Flag Smashers" group. Her methods can be cruel, but the writers fail to make her an intriguing villain, or even somebody in a morally grey area. I find myself sympathizing with her and wondering what Sam Wilson's problem is. The show wants me to see Wilson as an appropriate replacement for Steve Rogers, but Rogers wasn't such a government stooge (see: Civil War) . 

Also, per my Loki complaint, every episode needs a big fight whether its warranted or not. Marvel seems to think its' audiences attention span is non existent. I would have liked this show to slow down a little. Overall the show is a decent watch, a little too on the nose with political commentary (His shield is stained!), but worth a viewing.