It's a great action movie but it could have been more psychological and more profound.
I like the fact that the movie begins with the 'end' (when they discover CA in the ice)
The storyline is mediocre and doesn't always make sense imo. Smidth who blows up his whole factory just because Captain America was able to free some soldiers? Hydra's weapons are claimed to be overpowered, however it seems like Captain America and his team can almost effortlessly conquer hydra's factories and beat the so ldiers present (who are using these overpowered weapons)?
Furthermore I feel like sometimes they preferred just displaying action sequences rather than focussing on a story. Smith's death was also super lame and over the top, he just disappeared because he touched the stone mid fight. The last scene, him in NY 70y later was unnecessary, however a typical marvel teaser. Steve's reaction on him having bee, 70y asleep is very lame, shouldn't he have been extremely shocked?
Also the lovestory is very mediocre. Private Lorraine who suddenly makes out with CA, and very cliché that Peggy walks in that exact moment. There's no way they can kiss while (way to long) chasing a plane with a roofless car at 350 km/h considering the wind. I did like the emotional last talk between Peggy and Steve (CA) when the plane is about to crash.
I liked Tommy Lee Jones as Chester Phillips: 'If you have something to say, now is the perfect time to keep it to yourself' and for me Hugo Weaves greatly displays how I think a nazi acts and expresses him/herself. I also think Toby Jones played a great social akward but very smart ‘professor’ (Toby Jones)
Great story, about gladiators and ancient Rome, something I’m in general just interested in, with great action sequences, such as arena fights, betrayals and ruthless killing, but also a great portrayal of characters emotions (honour, loyalty, resilience, grief). Great performance by Joaquin Phoenix, who very well portrays this mental unstable, complex and repugnant character of Commodus whereas Russel Crows perfectly displays the charisma of a character that journeys from a general to a slave to a gladiator who defeats the emperor.
