Okay full transparency: I'm a total Marvel movie fanatic. I'm a little embarrassed to admit I know just about every line in every one of them. That said, I still know a great movie when I see one, and can admit there have been some misses in the franchise. Captain Marvel was a dud, The Dark World and Iron Man 3 were kinda blah. Captain America: The Winter Soldier remains one of my favorites, and this movie definitely measures up to it.
The love and pain, guilt and redemption each of the characters feel is so authentic I found myself moved at times... more so when you consider the main character's eventual demise. It made her sacrifice so much more impactful, especially since we now know she'd found finally found happiness in rejoining her family The action pieces both - contained and epic - are sharp, visceral, and exciting...maybe the best since CA:TWS. It's the perfect send-off for a somewhat overshadowed character. It really was worth the wait.