The stakes are high and the entertainment value even higher in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the latest Marvel Studios release that has raised the bar in comic book movie filmmaking. It’s a relief. So far the “Phase Two” set of Marvel superhero movies (Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World) has failed to recapture the excitement and lively spirit that the “Phase One” films had in spades. How fitting then that the star spangled Avenger himself Captain America has come to save the day. Chris Evans returns as Steve Rogers aka Captain America, the WWII super soldier of strength, conviction and courage who is still struggling to catch up with the current world after 60 years in suspended animation. When global espionage agency S.H.I.E.L.D. is compromised, Rogers’s search for an unknown enemy leads him to the mysterious super assassin the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan). Every element in Captain America: The Winter Soldier from its strong characters, engrossing conspiracy storyline (courtesy of writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who adapted Ed Brubaker’s critically acclaimed comic book story run) and especially the taut action scenes are brilliantly done. Director’s Anthony and Joe Russo have raised the stakes here to make for thrilling as well as entertaining viewing. Where the first Captain America movie was a WWII action film lead by a superhero, this sequel is as much a conspiracy thriller as it is a comic book movie. “Fear vs freedom” is the central concept here, with the symbol of liberty himself Captain America struggling to get a handle of who is on the side of right or wrong in a morally mixed up world open to the infiltration of evil. The interesting addition of Robert Redford (he who starred in perhaps the greatest conspiracy thriller in All the Presidents Men) adds a gravitas to the proceedings. Evans owns the role of Captain America, delivering that ever important combination of clean cut heroic stoic and intimidating physicality. Recurring characters Black Widow and S.H.I.E.L.D. leader Nick Fury are also well played by Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson (respectively), and new addition Anthony Mackie delivers sharp quips and high flying action as winged hero Falcon. Sebastian Stan meanwhile plays an intimidating adversary as the Winter Soldier, who in strength and skill is equal to the good Captain. The slugfests between the two are brilliantly choreographed and executed, as are the rest of the tense, tight and terrific action sequences. Quite amazing is that what are possibly the most excellently executed action scenes in a comic book movie are directed by a duo with no experience in the genre. The Russo brothers have certainly made their mark in the world of television comedy (Arrested Development, Community), yet with Captain America: The Winter Soldier there is no doubt that the action genre is where the future lies for the pair, who have followed up Joe Johnston’s spirited WWII set action romp and made something grittier, more provocative and epic. If comparisons are to be made then it would have to be with Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, the holy grail of comic book adaptations that are rich in theme, visuals and character. Yet so good is Captain America: The Winter Soldier that it is a comparison made without hesitation. Hopefully the rest of the “Phase Two” Marvel superhero movies can continue the quality found here.